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
