UNIT 7 FUNCTIONS

7.1.THE CONCEPT OF A FUNCTION

Definition 7.1.1
A function is a special mapping such that every element of set A (the domain) is
mapped to exactly one element of set B (the range). We can write functions in two
different ways: 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1 or 𝑓: 𝑥 ⟶ 2𝑥 + 1
Definition 7.1.2
A relation is defined as a set of ordered pairs, and a function is defined as a relation in
which no two ordered pairs have the same first element. For example, the equation
𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 3 indicates that to each value of 𝑥 in the domain 𝑓(𝑥), there is a new value
y in the range of 𝑓(𝑥).
when 𝑥 = 1 then 𝑓(1) = 2(1) + 3 = 5 gives the ordered pair (1,5)
when 𝑥 = 4 then 𝑓(4) = 2(4) + 3 = 11 gives the ordered pair (4,11)
Definition 7.1.3
Let 𝑓: 𝐴 → 𝐵 be a function from A to B.
(i) The function 𝑓 is said to be injective (or to be one to one) if whenever
𝑥1 ≠ 𝑥2 ,then 𝑓(𝑥1 ) ≠ 𝑓(𝑥2 ).If 𝑓 is an injection function, we also say that 𝑓 is
an injection.
(ii) The function 𝑓 is said to be surjective (or to map 𝐴 on to 𝐵) if 𝑓(𝐴) = 𝐵; that
is , if the rang 𝑅(𝑓) = 𝐵. If 𝑓 is a surjection function, we also say that 𝑓 is a
surjection.
(iii) If 𝑓 is both injective and surjective, then 𝑓 is said to be bijective. If 𝑓 is
bijective, we also say that 𝑓 is a bijection.
A good way to remember a function is illustrated in the figure below;
A B
►
► One to one function (injective function)
►

A B

Many to one function (onto or subjective)

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A B
►

Not a function (one to many relationship).

►

Properties
(i) Vertical line test for functions can be stated as follows.
If each vertical line intersects a graph in no more than one point, then the
graph represents a function.

(ii) In order to prove that a function 𝑓 is injective, we must establish that:

for all 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 in 𝐴, if 𝑓(𝑥1 ) = 𝑓(𝑥2 ), then 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 .
[In other words, the graph of 𝑓 satisfies the first Horizontal line test which
state that: A function 𝑓 is one to one if and only if the horizontal line
intersects the graph in at most one point.]
(iii) To prove that a function 𝑓 is surjective, we must show that for any 𝑏 ∈ 𝐵
there exists at least one 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 such that 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏.
[In other words, the graph of 𝑓 satisfies the second Horizontal line test
which state that: A function 𝑓 is on to , if every horizontal line 𝑦 = 𝑏
with 𝑏 ∈ 𝐵 intersects the graph 𝑓 in at least one point.]
Examples 7.1.1
Determine whether the following are functions or not
a) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 b) 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 c) the circle
Solution
𝑎) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 b)𝑦 = 𝑥 3 c)𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 1 the circle
𝑦 𝑦 𝑦

Type equation here.

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 a) it’s a function b) it’s a function c) not a function
by the vertical line test.
Examples 7.1.2
Determine whether the following are one to one or many to one.
a) 𝑦 = 𝑥2 b) 𝑦 = 𝑥3
Solution
a) 𝑦 = 𝑥2
y

1 −1
1 many to one (on to) by
property (iii)
-1 1 x 1

b) 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 y

1 x

1⟶1 one to one function( injective)

by property (ii)

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Examples 7.1.3
2𝑥
(a) Let 𝐴 = {𝑥 ∈ 𝑅: 𝑥 ≠ 1} and define 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1 for all 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴. Show by definition, that
the given function is bijective.

Solution
First, we show that 𝑓 is injective, we take 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 in 𝐴 and assume that 𝑓(𝑥1 ) = 𝑓(𝑥2 ).
Thus we have
2𝑥1 2𝑥2
=
𝑥1 − 1 𝑥2 − 1
Which implies that 𝑥1 (𝑥2 − 1) = 𝑥2 (𝑥1 − 1), and hence 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 . Therefore, 𝑓 is injective.
2𝑥
To determine the range of 𝑓(on to), we solve the equation 𝑦 = for 𝑥 in terms of 𝑦.
𝑥−1
𝑦
We obtain 𝑥 = 𝑦−2, which is meaningful for 𝑦 ≠ 2.Thus the range of 𝑓 is the set
𝐵 = {𝑦 ∈ 𝑅: 𝑦 ≠ 2}.Thus, 𝑓 is a bijective of 𝐴 on to 𝐵

(b) Suppose we have 𝑓: 𝐴 → 𝐵, where 𝐴 = {−1,0,1} 𝐵 = {4, −4}, and

𝑓 = {(−1,4), (0,4), (1,4)} The mapping 𝑓 is not on to, since there is no 𝑎 ∈ 𝐴 such
that 𝑓(𝑎) = −4 ∈ 𝐵

Example 7.1.4
Given that the function 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 3, find
a) The value of 𝑔(2)
b) The value of 𝑎 such that 𝑔(𝑎) = 35
c) The range of the function

Solutions
𝑎) 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 3
𝑔(2) = 2(2)2 + 3 = 11

b) 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 3
𝑔(𝑎) = 2(𝑎)2 + 3 = 35
2𝑎2 + 3 = 35
2𝑎2 = 32
𝑎2 = 16
𝑎 = ±4

c) 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 3

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𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 3

3 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2

(0,0)

The range of 𝑔(𝑥) is 𝑔(𝑥) ≥ 3 where 𝑔(𝑥) ∈ 𝑅

Note that it is not one to one function, therefore we cannot make 𝑥 the subject of the
formula.( It has got no inverse).To find the range, we just have to sketch.

Example 7.1.5
Find the range of the following functions
1
a) ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 given that the domain {𝑥 ∈ 𝑅: 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 3}

5 − 2𝑥, 𝑥 < 1
b) 𝑓(𝑥) = {
𝑥 2 + 3, 𝑥 ≥ 1
Solution
ℎ(𝑥)

1
3

3 x

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 1
Range of ℎ(𝑥) is ℎ(𝑥) ≥ 3 where ℎ(𝑥) ∈ 𝑅

5 − 2𝑥, 𝑥 < 1
b) 𝑓(𝑥) = {
𝑥 2 + 3, 𝑥 ≥ 1

5 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3
4 𝑓(𝑥) = 5 − 2𝑥
3
1 The range is 𝑓(𝑥) > 3 where 𝑓(𝑥) ∈ 𝑅

Examples 7.1.6
Determine the domain for each of the following functions
3
a) 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 1 b) 𝑓(𝑥) = c) 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 12
2𝑥−5

3 𝑥+1
d) 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 1 e) 𝑓(𝑥) = √
𝑥−1

Solution
2
𝑎) 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 1 ⟹ √𝑥 − 1 ≥ 0 ⟹ (√𝑥 − 1) ≥ 0 ⟹ (𝑥 − 1) ≥ 0 ⟹ 𝑥 ≥ 1 ⟹
𝐷 = {𝑥 ∈ 𝑅|𝑥 ≥ 1}

3 5 5
b) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥−5 ⟹ 2𝑥 − 5 ≠ 0 ⟹ 𝑥 ≠ 2 ⟹ 𝐷: {𝑥 ∈ 𝑅 ⋮ 𝑥 ≠ 2}

c) 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 12
2
(√𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 12) ≥ 0
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 12 ≥ 0
Finding critical points
𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 12 = 0
𝑥(𝑥 + 6) − 2(𝑥 + 6) = 0

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 (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 6) = 0
𝑥 + 6 = 0 ⟹ 𝑥 = −6
𝑥−2=0⟹𝑥 =2

(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 6) ≥ 0

+ −6 - 2 +
0 0 𝐷 = (−∞, −6] ∪ [2, ∞)

NOTE:
3
Find the domain of 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 2 − 4 and 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥 2 − 4

Since even roots are defined only for non-negative values, odd roots are defined for
both positive and negative values. Consequently, the domain of 𝑔(𝑥) is the entire real
line (−∞, ∞) .
7.2.EVEN AND ODD FUNCTIONS
Definition 7.2.1.
(i) A function 𝑓 having the property that 𝑓(−𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥)for every 𝑥 in its domain
is called an even function. The graph of an even function is symmetrical
about the y-axis.
(ii) A function 𝑓 having the property that 𝑓(−𝑥) = −𝑓(𝑥) for every 𝑥 in its domain is
called an odd function. The graph of an odd function is symmetrical about
the origin.
Examples 7.2.1
Determine if the given functions are even or odd nor neither.

a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 b) 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 c) 𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 1
Solutions
P
2
𝑎

−𝑎 𝑎 Q

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a).Is an even function b). is an odd function

Or by definitions
Solution
a) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2
=≫ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2
≪= 𝑓(−𝑥) = (−𝑥)2 = 𝑥 2
Since 𝑓(−𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥). Therefore, it is an even function

b) 𝑦 = 𝑥 3
=≫ 𝑓(−𝑥) = (−𝑥)3 = −𝑥 3
≪= −𝑓(𝑥) = −1 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) = −1 ∙ 𝑥 3 = −𝑥 3
Since 𝑓(−𝑥) = −𝑓(𝑥). Therefore, it is an odd function

c) 𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 1
𝑓(−𝑥) = 3(−𝑥) + 1 = −3𝑥 + 1
since 𝑓(−𝑥) ≠ 𝑓(𝑥) Therefore, it is not an even function
To check if it is an odd function
=≫ 𝑓(−𝑥) = 3(−𝑥) + 1 = −3𝑥 + 1
≪= −𝑓(𝑥) = −(3𝑥 + 1) = −3𝑥 − 1 ,
since 𝑓(−𝑥) ≠ −𝑓(𝑥) therefore, its not an odd function
So 𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 1 is neither even nor odd.

7.3. COMBINING FUNCTIONS

It is common to encounter functions that are defined in terms of sums, differences,
products and quotients as simple functions. For example, if ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + √𝑥 − 1, then
we may consider the function ℎ(𝑥) as the sum of 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥), where 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 and
𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 1 .
In general, if 𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔 are functions and domain is the intersection of their domains,
then the following definitions can be made;

(i) Sum (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)

(ii) Difference (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)
(iii) Products (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
(iv) Quotient (𝑔) (𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥), 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0

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Examples 7.3.1
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 1 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2

Find the following and their domains

𝑓
a)(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) c) (𝑔) (𝑥)

Solutions
a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = (3𝑥 − 1) + (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2)
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3
Domain of 𝑓 is ℝ and domain of 𝑔 is ℝ therefore, intersection of 𝑓and 𝑔 is
ℝ.Hence, the domain is ℝ
b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = (3𝑥 − 1) − (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2)
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 1
Domain of 𝑓 is ℝ and domain of 𝑔 is ℝ therefore, intersection of 𝑓 and 𝑔 is
ℝ.Hence, the domain is ℝ
𝑓 𝑓(𝑥) 3𝑥−1 3𝑥−1
c) ( ) (𝑥) = = =
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥 2 −𝑥−2 (𝑥−2)(𝑥+1)

(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1) ≠ 0 , 𝑥 ≠ 2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≠ −1
Domain {𝐷|𝑥 ∈ 𝑅|𝑥 ≠ 2, 𝑥 ≠ −1}

Example7.3.2

a) Find the domain of the function ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + √𝑥 − 1

Solution

. ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + √𝑥 − 1

𝑔(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑥)
Therefore, 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 and its domain is {𝑥 ∈ 𝑅}
2
And 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 1 =≫ (√𝑥 − 1) ≥ 0 =≫ (𝑥 − 1) ≥ 0 =≫ 𝑥 ≥ 1

and the domain of 𝑓(𝑥) is{𝑥 ∈ 𝑅|𝑥 ≥ 1}

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Therefore, the intersection of their domain is 𝑥≥1

Hence, the domain for ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + √𝑥 − 1 is D= {𝑥 ≥ 1 ⋮ 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅}

𝑥+1
b) Find the domain of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + √𝑥−1

7.4. COMPOSITION OF FUNCTIONS

The composition of functions 𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔 is defined by
(𝑓𝑜𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))
for all 𝑥 in the domain of 𝑔 such that 𝑔(𝑥) is in the domain of 𝑓
The composition of functions is sometimes called the substitution of functions.
Examples7.4.1
a) If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 4 ,find (𝑔𝑜𝑓)(𝑥) and(𝑓𝑜𝑔)(𝑥)and determine its domain

b) If 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 1 ,find (𝑓𝑜𝑔)(𝑥) and determine its domain.

2 1
c) If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1 and (𝑥) = 𝑥 , find (𝑓𝑜𝑔)(𝑥) and determine its domain

d) If 𝑓(𝑥) = 1 − 𝑥 2 and 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥 , find (𝑔𝑜𝑓)(𝑥) and(𝑓𝑜𝑔)(𝑥) determine their

domains
Solution

a) (i) (𝑓𝑜𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑓(3𝑥 − 4) = (3𝑥 − 4)2 = 9𝑥 2 − 24𝑥 + 16

(ii) (𝑔𝑜𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑔(𝑥 2 ) = 3𝑥 2 − 4

And their domains are the real numbers {𝐷|𝑥 ∈ 𝑅}

Example a) demonstrates an important idea, namely, that the composition
functions are not a commutative i.e 𝑓𝑜𝑔 ≠ 𝑔𝑜𝑓

b) (𝑓𝑜𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑓(2𝑥 − 1) = √2𝑥 − 1

The domain and range of 𝑔 is the set of ℝ but the domain of 𝑓 is all non-negative
values of ℝ.
∴ 𝑔(𝑥) which is 2𝑥 − 1 must be non-negative
1
2𝑥 − 1 ≥ 0 =≫ 𝑥 ≥
2

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 1
Thus, the domain of 𝑓𝑜𝑔 is D= {𝑥 ∈ 𝑅|𝑥 ≥ 2}

1 2 2 1−𝑥 2𝑥
c) (𝑓𝑜𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑓 (𝑥) = 1 1 = 1−𝑥 = 2 ÷ 𝑥 = 1−𝑥
−
𝑥 1 𝑥

The domain of 𝑔 is ℝ except zero, and the domain of 𝑓 is all ℝ except one.
1
Since 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 ,𝑥 ≠ 0

∴ the domain of (𝑓𝑜𝑔) is D= {𝑥|𝑥 ≠ 0 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ≠ 1}

d) In considering 𝑔𝑜𝑓, some care must be exercised to be sure that the range of 𝑓 is
contained in the domain of 𝑔. For example, if
𝑓(𝑥) = 1 − 𝑥 2 and 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥,
Then 𝐷(𝑔) = {𝑥: 𝑥 ≥ 0}, the composite function 𝑔𝑜𝑓 is given by the formula

(𝑔𝑜𝑓)(𝑥) = √1 − 𝑥 2
only for 𝑥 ∈ 𝐷(𝑓) that satisfy 𝑓(𝑥) ≥ 0; that ,is for 𝑥 satisfying −1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1.

We note that if we reverse the order, then the composition 𝑓𝑜𝑔 is given by the
formula
(𝑓𝑜𝑔)(𝑥) = 1 − 𝑥
But only for those 𝑥 in the domain 𝐷(𝑔) = {𝑥: 𝑥 ≥ 0}

7.5. INVERSE FUNCTIONS

Definition 7.5.1

Let 𝑓 be a one to one function with a domain X and range of Y. A function 𝑔 with a
domain of Y and a range of X is called the inverse of the function of 𝑓 if

(i) (𝑓𝑜𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑥 for every 𝑥 ∈ 𝑌 and

(ii) (𝑔𝑜𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑥 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑥 ∈ 𝑋

Example 7.5.1
𝑥+5
(a) Verify that 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 5 and 𝑔(𝑥) = are inverse functions
4

Solution
𝑥+5 𝑥+5
𝑓𝑜𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓 ( ) = 4( )−5= 𝑥
4 4

and

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 4𝑥 − 5 + 5
𝑔𝑜𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑔(4𝑥 − 5) = =𝑥
4
Hence shown.

(b) Verify that 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≥ 0 and 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 1 for 𝑥 ≥ 1 are inverse
functions.
Solution
2
(𝑓𝑜𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑓(√𝑥 − 1) = (√𝑥 − 1) + 1 = 𝑥 − 1 + 1 = 𝑥

(𝑓𝑜𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑔(𝑥 2 + 1) = √𝑥 2 + 1 − 1 = √𝑥 2 = 𝑥 since 𝑥 ≥ 1

Hence shown.

7.6. FINDING INVERSE FUNCTIONS

The inverse functions perform the opposite operations to the function. It takes elements
of the range and maps them back into the elements of the domain.
For this reason, inverse functions only exist for one to one function.
Example 7.6.1
If 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 4 {𝑥 ∈ 𝑅: 𝑥 ≥ 0}

a) Calculate 𝑔−1 (𝑥)

b) Sketch the graphs of both functions on the same set of axes

c) What is the relationship between the graphs?

Solution
a) 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 4 𝑥 ≥ 0
𝑔(𝑥) + 4 = 2𝑥
𝑔(𝑥) + 4
𝑥=
2
𝑥+4
∴ 𝑔−1 (𝑥) =
2

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES SMNS CBU 2023/2024

 b)
𝑔(𝑥)
𝑔−1 (𝑥)

-4 2

-4

c) The graph of 𝑔−1 (𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) are mirror images of each other on the
line 𝑦 = 𝑥

Example 7.6.2
Show that 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 has no inverse on the interval (−∞, ∞)
Solution

-4 4

By the theorem which states that a function f has an inverse if and only if it is one to
one, therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 has no inverse since it’s a many to one function by applying
the horizontal line test .

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES SMNS CBU 2023/2024

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES SMNS CBU 2023/2024