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CSEC Functions Notes Explanations

The document provides an overview of relations, functions, and their representations, including ordered pairs, graphs, and algebraic expressions. It covers function notation, operations, linear functions, equations of straight lines, and quadratic functions, along with methods for evaluating and interpreting these functions. Additionally, it discusses graphical solutions to equations, inequalities, and non-linear graphs.

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7 views4 pages

CSEC Functions Notes Explanations

The document provides an overview of relations, functions, and their representations, including ordered pairs, graphs, and algebraic expressions. It covers function notation, operations, linear functions, equations of straight lines, and quadratic functions, along with methods for evaluating and interpreting these functions. Additionally, it discusses graphical solutions to equations, inequalities, and non-linear graphs.

Uploaded by

kaikaiharris2008
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CSEC Functions, Graphs, and Algebra

Notes with Explanations


1. Relations and Functions

A relation is any set of ordered pairs (x, y), where each x is matched to a y. For example, (1,
3), (2, 5), (3, 7) form a relation.

A function is a type of relation where every x-value (input) is matched with exactly one y-
value (output). This means no x-value is repeated.

Domain: The set of all possible x-values (inputs).

Range: The set of all resulting y-values (outputs).

Co-domain: The possible set where the outputs can belong.

Ways to Represent Functions:

- Ordered pairs: {(1,2), (2,4), (3,6)}

- Arrow diagrams: Shows mapping from x-values to y-values.

- Graphs: A line or curve drawn on a Cartesian plane.

- Algebraic expression: f(x) = x + 2

Use the vertical line test to determine if a graph is a function: if a vertical line touches the
graph more than once at any point, it’s NOT a function.

2. Function Notation and Operations

Function notation is a short way to express operations using symbols.

- Example: f(x) = x² + 1 means "the function f takes an input x, squares it, and adds 1".

Evaluating functions:

- f(2) = 2² + 1 = 4 + 1 = 5

Inverse function f⁻¹(x): reverses the effect of a function.

- If f(x) = 2x + 3, then f⁻¹(x) = (x - 3)/2

Composite function f(g(x)): apply g first, then apply f.

- If f(x) = 2x and g(x) = x + 1 → f(g(3)) = f(4) = 8


3. Linear Functions and Graphing

A linear function is a straight line graph and follows the equation:

- y = mx + c where m = gradient and c = y-intercept

Graph Types:

- Horizontal: y = c

- Vertical: x = k (not a function)


Example: y = 2x + 1

- Gradient is 2, so for every 1 unit across (x), the line rises 2 units up (y)
- Y-intercept is 1

4. Equation of a Straight Line

To find the equation of a line:

1. y - y₁ = m(x - x₁) using gradient and one point (x₁, y₁)


2. m = (y₂ - y₁)/(x₂ - x₁) from two points

Parallel lines have equal gradients.

Perpendicular lines have gradients that multiply to –1.

5. Length and Midpoint of a Line Segment

Length between two points A(x₁, y₁) and B(x₂, y₂):

Distance = √[(x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)²]

Midpoint = ((x₁ + x₂)/2, (y₁ + y₂)/2)

Example: A(1, 2), B(5, 6)


- Length = √[(4)² + (4)²] = √32

- Midpoint = (3, 4)
6. Graphical Solutions to Equations

Simultaneous equations: draw both graphs and find the point of intersection (x, y).
Inequalities:

- Solid line: ≤ or ≥

- Dashed line: < or >

- Test a point (like (0,0)) to decide where to shade

7. Quadratic Functions and Graphs

Standard form: y = ax² + bx + c → U-shaped curve called a parabola

- a > 0 opens upward; a < 0 opens downward

Vertex (turning point): x = -b/2a

Axis of symmetry: x = -b/2a

Roots: Solve y = 0

Example: y = x² - 4x + 3 → vertex = (2, –1), roots: x = 1 and x = 3

8. Interpreting Quadratic Graphs

- Above x-axis → y > 0

- Below x-axis → y < 0

- Intercepts: x- and y-values where graph crosses axes

- Estimate gradient from steepness

9. Inequalities and Graphs

One variable: x > 2 → use open circle and arrow on number line

Two variables: y < 2x + 1 → dashed line, shade below

10. Composition and Inverse of Functions

Composite: f(g(x)) → apply g then f

Example: f(x) = 2x, g(x) = x + 3 → f(g(x)) = 2x + 6

Inverse: f⁻¹(x) reverses f(x)


Example: f(x) = 2x + 1 → inverse: y = (x - 1)/2

Graphs of f and f⁻¹ mirror across y = x

11. Evaluating and Interpreting Functions


Evaluate by plugging in x:

f(x) = x² + 3x, f(2) = 10

Use graphs to understand rate of change, intercepts, and context (e.g.


distance-time)
12. Non-Linear Graphs

Examples: y = x², y = 1/x, y = √x

Plot using table of values and sketch curves

Used in motion, growth, and real-world contexts

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