Chapter 1- Functions

CHAPTER 1- FUNCTIONS

1.1 RELATIONS
1.1.1 Representing Relations

1- By Arrow Diagram

One to one relation One to many relation

x x
x x+2
−2
1 3 4 2
2 4 9 3
3 5 −3

Many to one relation

Many to many relation
x x2

6 hours 360 min

2 3600 sec
1 min
−2 4 60 sec
2160 sec
3 9 0.25 day
1 hour
−3

2- By Ordered Pair

(1, 3), (2, 4), (3, 5)

(1, 4), ( − 2, 4), (3, 9), ( − 3, 9)

3. By Graph

y (Image)

4 X

3 X

0 1 2 x (object)

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Chapter 1- Functions

Set A is called domain of the relation and set B is the codomain.

Each of the elements in the domain (Set A) is an object. So 1, 2 and 3 are called object.
Each of the elements in the codomain (Set B) is an image. So 3, 4, 5 and 6 are called image.
The set that contains all the images that are matched is the range.

domain

A B

1 3
codomain
2 4
3 5
6

Domain={ 1,2,3 } codomain= {3,4,5,6}

Object = 1, 2, 3 image = 3, 4, 5, 6
Range= {3, 4, 5}

A B
Object image

1.2 FUNCTIONS

1. Function is a special relation where every object in a domain has only one image. A function is also
known as a mapping.

2. From the types of relation we have learned, only one to one relation and many to one relation are
function.

Function notation
Small letter: f, g, h or something else…
f : x → 2x
Read as function f map x onto 2x Look at the difference between
these two.
Example:
f:x 2x Concept:
f(x) = 2x f : x → 2x
x = 1, f (x) = 2x
f(1) = 2(1)
=2 image

object
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Chapter 1- Functions

Example 1:
If the given is object, so we are going to find
1. Given function f : x → 3x − 2 . Find the value of image. -1 is the object because
we have to find the value of its image.
(a) the image of –1

f(x)= 3x – 2
Remember the concept:
f(-1) = 3(– 1) – 2
f:x 3x – 2 then
=–3–2
f(x)= 3x – 2 and when x= –1,
= –5
f(-1) = 3(– 1) – 2
(b) object which has the image 4

f(x) = 3x – 2 1 If the given is image, so we are going to find the

Given that the image is 4, value of object. 4 is the image because we have
So f(x) = 4 2 to find the value of its object.

Compare 1 and 2 ,
Hence,
3x – 2 = 4
3x = 6
x=2

2. Given that f(x) = px + 3 and f(4)= 5. Find the value of p.

f(x) = px + 3
If x=4,
1
f(4)= 4p + 3
f(4)= 5 2 From the information given, we know that
4 is the object and 5 is the image. The both
Compare 1 and 2 , function is compared because they are
under the same function or in other way
Hence, there are having the same object which is
4p + 3 = 5 4. So the value of p can be calculated.
4p = 2
1
p=
2

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Chapter 1- Functions

Example 2:

2x
The function g is defined by g ( x ) = If g(5) = 3g(2), find the value of m. Hence, find:
x+m

(a) image of 4.
(b) the value of x such that the function g is undefined.

2(5) 2( 2)
Answer: g (5) = and g (2) = . Replace
5+m 5+m
g(5) = 3g(2) 2(5) 2( 2)
g(5) with and g(2) with .
5+ m 5+m
2( 5)
5+ m
= 3. 22+( 2m)
60 + 12m = 20 + 10m
2m = - 40 Any number that is divided by zero will result
m = -20 undefined or infinity. The value of denominator
2( 4) cannot equal to zero because it would cause the
(a) g (4) = solution becomes undefined or infinity. To find
4 − 20
1 the value of x to make the function undefined,
= − the denominator must be equal to zero.
2
(b) x − 20 = 0
x = 20

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Chapter 1- Functions

1.3 COMPOSITE FUNCTIONS

The figure shows Set A, B and C.
2
A f:x 3x B g:x x C The combined effect of two
functions can be represented by
the function gf(x) and not fg(x).
x 3x (3x)2
This is because the range of f has
1 3 9
become the domain of function g
2 6 36 or f(x) becomes the domain of
function g.

The concept is:

f(x) = 3x
gf(x) = g[f(x)] gf
f(k) = 3(k)
= g(3x)
f(3) = 3(3)
= (3x)2
This is f(x) which has become the object of f [ g(x) ]= 3g(x)
function g

Example 1:
Given function f : x → x + 1 and g : x → 3x . Find the composite function gf.

f(x) = x + 1
g(x) = 3x
Replace f(x) with its image which is (x +1)
gf(x) = g[f(x)]
= g(x +1)
= 3(x +1) (x +1) has become the object of function g which is
replacing x. [g(x)=3x and g(x+1)=3(x+1)]. When x in
Hence, gf: x 3(x +1) the object is replaced by (x+1) so x in the image is also
replaced by (x+1) and become 3(x+1). We can also
expand the expression and becomes 3x + 3.

Example 2:
The following information refers to the functions f and g.

f : x → 2x − 3
4
g:x→ ,x ≠ k
x −1
Find
(a) the value of k,
(b) fg(x).

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Chapter 1- Functions

Solution:
In Form One we have learned that any number that divided by zero will result infinity or undefined.
For part (a), if there is given an expression which is a fraction there must be given an information that
h
the value of unknown in the denominator that it cannot be. For example, g : x → , x ≠ 2 . The
x−2
part of denominator is x − 2 . If x = 2 , the denominator would be 0 and the solution will be undefined
or infinity. So x cannot equal to 2. For the question above, we know that x cannot equal to 1 because if
x = 1 ,the denominator would be 0 and the solution will be undefined or infinity. It is given that x ≠ k .
We already know that x ≠ 1 . So compare these two equations and it would result k = 1 . So 1 is the
answer for part (a)

For part (b),

4
f(x)=2x – 3 and) g ( x) = ,x ≠1
x −1

fg(x) = f[g(x)] 4
Replace g(x) with
4 x − 1
= f( )
x −1
4
= 2( )- 3
x −1 f(x)=2x – 3 ,
8 4 4
= -3 f( )= 2( )- 3
x −1 x −1 x −1
8 3( x − 1)
= −
x −1 x −1
8 − 3( x − 1)
=
x −1
8 − 3x + 3
=
x −1
11 − 3x
= , x ≠1
x −1

Example 3:
The following information refers to the functions f and g.

f : x → 4 − 3x
3
g:x→ ,x ≠ 2
x−2

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Chapter 1- Functions

Find
(a) the value of gf(1)
(b) f2

Solution:
For part (a), at first we have to find gf(x).
3
Given f ( x) = 4 − 3x and g ( x ) = ,x ≠ 2
x−2

Replace f(x) with 4 − 3x

gf(x)= g[f(x)]
= g(4 – 3x)
3
=
( 4 − 3 x) − 2
3
3 g( x ) =
= x−2
2 − 3x
3
3 2 g(4 x − 3) =
gf(x)= ,x ≠ ( 4 − 3x ) − 2
2 − 3x 3
3
gf(1)=
2 − 3(1)
3
=
2−3
3
=
−1
= −3

For part (b), f2 means ff.

Replace f(x) with 4 − 3x
Given f ( x) = 4 − 3x

ff(x)= f[f(x)]
= f [ 4 − 3 x] f (x) = 4 − 3x ,
= 4 − 3(4 − 3x ) f [4 − 3x] = 4 − 3(4 − 3x)
= 4 − 12 + 9 x
= 9x − 8
f 2 ( x) = 9x − 8

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Chapter 1- Functions

1.3.1 Determining one of the function in a given composite function

(1)The following information refers to the functions f and fg.

f : x → 2x − 3
11 − 3 x
fg : x → ,x ≠1
x −1 Remember the concept…
f(x) = 2x – 3
Find function g. f(k) = 2k – 3
f(3) = 2(3) – 3
Solution: f[g(x)]= 2g(x) – 3
11 − 3 x
Given f ( x) = 2 x − 3 and fg ( x ) = ,x ≠1
x −1
If f ( x) = 2 x − 3 ,
If f ( y ) = 2 y − 3
So f [ g ( x )] = 2[ g ( x )] − 3
fg ( x ) = 2[g( x )] − 3
11 − 3 x
Given fg ( x ) = , x ≠ 1.
x −1
Compare the two equations.
Hence,
11 − 3 x
2[ g ( x)] − 3 =
x −1
11 − 3x
2[ g ( x)] = +3
x −1
11 − 3x 3( x − 1)
2[ g ( x)] = +
x −1 x −1

11 − 3x + 3( x − 1)
2[ g ( x)] =
x −1

11 − 3x + 3 x − 3
2[ g ( x)] =
x −1

8
2[ g ( x )] =
x −1
Simplify 8 and 2
8
[ g ( x )] =
2( x − 1)

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Chapter 1- Functions

4
g ( x) =
x −1

4
Hence g : x → ,x ≠1
x −1

(2) The following information refers to the functions f and fg.

4 4
g:x→ g:x→
x −1 x −1
11 − 3x 11 − 3x
fg : x → , x ≠ 1 fg : x → ,x ≠1
x −1 x −1

Find function f.

Solution:
11 − 3 x
f [ g ( x )] =
x −1
 4  11 − 3x
f = 1
 x −1 x −1
Let
4
=y 2
x −1
4 = xy − y
xy = 4 + y
4+ y
x= 3
y
Substitute 2 and 3 into 1 ,
4+ y
11 − 3( )
y
f ( y) =
4+ y
−1
y

12 + 3 y
11 − ( )
y
= Convert 1 to a fraction
4+ y y
−
y y

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Chapter 1- Functions

11 y 12 − 3 y
−
y y
=
4+ y− y
y

11 y − 12 − 3 y
y
=
4
y

8 y − 12 8 y − 12 4
It means divided by
y y y
=
4
y
Simplify
8y − 12 y
= ×
y 4

= 2y − 3
f ( y) = 2 y − 3
f ( x) = 2 x − 3

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Chapter 1- Functions

1.4 INVERSE FUNCTIONS

−1
If f ( x ) = y then f ( y) = x
Tips…
A B
f f −1 ≠ 1
f

X Y

−1
f

Inverse function

Example 1 x 3x + 1

Given f : x → 3x + 1 f
If x=1,
f (1) = 3(1) + 1
1 −1 4
= 3 +1 f
= 4
Hence,
f (1) = 4 x 3x +1
y −1
So, y
3
x −1
f-1(4) = 1 x
3

let
3x + 1 = y
3x = y − 1
y −1
x=
3
y −1
f-1(y) =
3
x −1
f-1(x) =
3
4 −1
f-1(4) =
3
= 1

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Chapter 1- Functions

1.4.1 Determining the inverse function

Example 1:

5
Given g : x → , x ≠ 2 . Determine the inverse function g −1 .
x−2
Solution:
let
5
=y
x−2
xy − 2 y = 5
xy = 5 + 2 y
5 + 2y
x=
y
5 + 2y
g −1 ( y ) =
y
5 + 2x
g −1 ( x ) = ,x ≠ 0
x

Example 2:

The function f is defined by f : x → 3 − 4 x . Find f-1(-5)

1 Method 1

Let
3 − 4x = y
4x = 3 − y
3− y
x=
4
3− y
f −1 ( y ) =
4
3− x
f −1 ( x ) =
4
3 − (−5)
f −1 (−5) =
4
8
=
4

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 Chapter 1- Functions

−1
f (−5) = 2 image

2 Method 2
y -5
We know that f ( x ) = 3 − 4 x
And f −1 ( −5) = y

x 3 - 4x
image

Hence,
3 − 4 x = −5
4x = 3 + 5
4x = 8
x=2
So,
−1
f (−5) = 2

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Chapter 1- Functions

1.5 ABSOLUTE FUNCTION

Absolute function means the value of image is always positive because of the modulus sign.

Given g : x → 2 − x and y= g ( x) .Find the value of y if x = 3

y= g ( x)
= | g (3) | Replace g(x) with is 2 − x
= | 2−3|
= | −1 | This is called modulus. Any value in the
=1 modulus would be positive. If the number
is positive, it remains positive but it is
negative it would change to positive when
remove the modulus sign.

1.5.1 Graph of absolute function

Example:
Given f ( x ) = 2 − x and y =| f ( x) | . Sketch the graph of y =| f ( x) | for the domain 0≤ x ≤ 6. Hence
state the corresponding range of y.

y =| f ( x) | Replace f(x) with its image which is 2 − x

=| 2 − x |

Minimum value of y=0 Minimum value of y must be zero because

When 2-x = 0 (2, 0) of absolute value cannot be negative so
X=2 the minimum it could be is zero.
i) x = 0
y =| 2 − 0 |
=| 2 | (0, 2)
=2

ii) ) x = 6
y =| 2 − 6 |
=| −4 | (6 , 4)
=4

Then, sketch the graph using the points.

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Chapter 1- Functions

Range of y

5
4
3 y =| f ( x) | Range of x

2
1
0 x
1 2 3 4 5 6

Hence, the corresponding range of y is 0≤ y ≤ 4

:: Some important information to be understood ::

1. Concept Of Solving Quadratic Equation by factorization

To make a product equal to zero, one of
x 2 − 3x − 4 = 0 them or both must be equal to zero. We
( x + 1)( x − 4) = 0 do not know either x-1 is equal to zero or
x + 1 = 0 or x − 4 = 0 x-4 equal to zero so that is why we use
x = −1 or x = 4 the word ‘or’ not ‘and.’

Example:
Given f ( x ) = 2 x 2 − 5 x . Find the possible values of k such that f −1
(3) = k
x 2x2 – 5x
Solution:
−1
f (3) = k
object k 3
image

Hence,
2 x 2 − 5x = 3 The general form of quadratic equation is
2 x 2 − 5x − 3 = 0 ax 2 + bx + c = 0 . To factorize and use the
(2 x + 1)( x − 3) = 0 concept, the equation must be equal to zero.

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Chapter 1- Functions

2 x + 1 = 0 or x − 3 = 0
1
x=− or x = 3
2
1 To make a product equal to zero, one of
f −1 (3) = − or f −1 (3) = 3
2 them or both must be equal to zero. We
Given that f −1 (3) = k do not know either 2x+1 is equal to zero
1 or x-3 equal to zero so that is why we use
k=− or k = 3 the word ‘or’ not ‘and.’
2

2. Concept of Square root and any root which is multiple of 2

In lower secondary we have learned that if x2 = 4 then x = 2. Actually the right answer for it is not 2 but
± 2 ( ± 2 is +2 and -2). This is because if (2)2, the answer is 4 and if (-2)2, the answer is also 4. So the
square root of 4 is ± 2 . It is also the same for fourth root, sixth root and so on. But in certain situation,
the answer will be only one.

Example:
Solve the equation 4 x 2 = 64 .

Solution:
4 x 2 = 64
x 2 = 16
x = ±4

3. Comparison method

Example:

h 12 + kx
Given the functions g : x → , x ≠ 2 and g −1 : x → , x ≠ 0 where h and k are constants,
x−2 x
find the value of h and of k.

Solution:

From the information given, we know that the method that we have to use to solve the question is
comparison method.

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Chapter 1- Functions

First, we have to find the inverse function of g.

Let
h
=y
x−2
yx − 2 y = h
yx = h + 2 y

h + 2y
x=
y

h + 2y
g −1 : y →
y
h + 2x
g −1 : x → ,x ≠ 0 1
x
Given that
12 + kx
g −1 : x → ,x ≠ 0 2
x
Both of them are inverse function of g.

So compare 1 and 2 ,
(h) + (2) x
g −1 : x → ,x ≠ 0
( x)
(12) + (k ) x
g −1 : x → ,x ≠ 0
( x)
Hence ,
h = 12 and k = 2

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