Mathematics Study Material - Functions
1. Introduction to Functions
A function is a relation that uniquely associates elements of one set with elements of another set.
- Domain: Set of all possible inputs.
- Codomain: Set in which outputs lie.
- Range: Set of actual outputs.
If f: A B and for every a in A, there exists a unique b in B such that f(a) = b, then f is a function.
2. Types of Functions
- One-One (Injective): Different inputs give different outputs.
- Onto (Surjective): Every element in codomain has a pre-image.
- One-One Onto (Bijective): Both injective and surjective.
- Constant Function: f(x) = c for all x.
- Identity Function: f(x) = x.
- Polynomial, Rational, Exponential, Logarithmic, and Trigonometric functions.
3. Graphs and Transformations
- Shifting: f(x) f(x - a) shifts right; f(x) + b shifts up.
- Reflecting: f(-x) reflects over y-axis; -f(x) over x-axis.
- Scaling: a*f(x) stretches/compresses vertically; f(bx) horizontally.
4. Composition of Functions
If f: A B and g: B C, then composition gf is defined by (gf)(x) = g(f(x)).
Example: f(x) = x + 2, g(x) = x^2. Then (gf)(x) = (x + 2)^2.
Mathematics Study Material - Functions
5. Inverse of a Function
For a bijective function f, its inverse f satisfies:
f(f(x)) = x and f(f(x)) = x.
Example: f(x) = 2x + 3 f(x) = (x - 3)/2.
6. Solved Examples
1. Determine if f(x) = x^2 is one-one: No, since f(2) = f(-2).
2. Find domain of f(x) = (x - 1): x 1.
3. If f(x) = 2x, g(x) = x + 1, find (fg)(x): f(g(x)) = 2(x + 1) = 2x + 2.
7. Practice Questions
1. Determine the range of f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 3.
2. Is f(x) = 3x - 7 invertible? If so, find the inverse.
3. Graph f(x) = |x - 2| and describe the transformation.
4. Prove that f(x) = sin(x) is not one-one.
5. Let f(x) = 1/x, find the domain and range.