Functions

A Relation
is a set of ordered pairs (x,y) and is
usually defined by a rule

y=2x {(1,2), (7,14), (12,24)….}

x2+y2=1 {(1,0), (0,1), (-1,0)….}

x=7 {(7,-3), (7,2), (7,12)….}

 A Function is a special case of a
relation.
It is defined so that no two pairs have
the same x value
These set of points represent a function since no two points have same x value
These set of points do NOT represent a function since no two points have same x value
These set of points do NOT represent a function since there are points having same x value
y=2x

(2,4)

(-3,-6)
y=2x is a function
(2,4)

(-3,-6)
y=x2

(-2,4) (2,4)

(-1,1) (1,1)
y=x2

(-2,4) (2,4)

(-1,1) (1,1)

y=x2 is a function
x=y2

(25,5)

(4,2)

(4,-2)

(25,-5)
x=y2
Two x values same

(25,5)

(4,2)

(4,-2)

x=y2 is NOT a function

(25,-5)
Which of the following set of points represent
functions?
1. {(2, 5), (-2, 7), (3, 9), (5,7 ), (1, 1)}

2. {(5, 7), (-3, 9), (0,0 ), (5, 9), (1, 7), (0,1)}

3. {(-1,5), (1,9), (-2, -2), (3,3), (0,-1)}

4. {(5,9), (0,0), (1,1), (7,9), (-7,9)}

5. {(-4,6), (6,-4), (-4,1)}

The vertical line test.

If a vertical line cuts a graph only

once along the graph, the graph is a
function.
 y=2x

FUNCTION vertical line never cuts through more than one point
FUNCTION vertical line never cuts through more than one point
NOT A FUNCTION
vertical line cuts through more than one point
FUNCTION ?
y

x
FUNCTION ? YES
y

x
FUNCTION ?
y

x
FUNCTION ? NO
y

x
FUNCTION ?
y

x
FUNCTION ? YES
y

x
FUNCTION ?
y

x
FUNCTION ? NO
y

x
FUNCTION ?
y

x
FUNCTION ? YES
y

x
 y
y
2

x
x -2 2

FUNCTION?
y
y

x
x
y y

x x

FUNCTION?
y
y

x
x
Function Notation
 Example
y  3x  1
Can be written as
f ( x)  3x  1
We say “f of x=“

The right hand side is a function of x

Using the function notation:

Example
1. f ( x)  3x  1 find f (2)

f (2)  3(2)  1
 6 1
7
(substitution)
Example
2. f ( x)  4 x 3  x 2 find f (1)

f (1)  4(1) 3  (1) 2

 4  1  1
 4  1
 5

(substitution)
Example
3. f ( x)  x 2  3 find f (1)  f (0)

f (1)  (1) 2  3
4
f (0)  (0)  3
2

3
f (1)  f (0)  4  3
7
Example
4. Find the values of x for which f ( x)  0
given that f ( x)  x 2  7 x  30

f ( x)  x  7 x  30
2

f ( x)  0
x  7 x  30  0
2

( x  10)( x  3)  0
x  10,3
Piecemeal
Functions
Piecemeal Functions are pieces of
different functions joined/pieced
together
y

x
Piecemeal Functions are pieces of
different functions joined/pieced
together
y

x
1. x for x 1
 2
f ( x)   x for 1  x  3
5 for x3


(a) Find f (2)

Select the second function
f (2)  x 2
For any value between 2
and 3 inclusive
 (2) 2

4
1. x for x 1
 2
f ( x)   x for 1  x  3
5 for x3


(b) Find f (15)

Select the first function
f (15)  x For any value less than 1

  15
 15
1. x for x 1
 2
f ( x)   x for 1  x  3
5 for x3


(b) Find f (9)

Select the third function
f (9)  5 For any value greater than 3

NOTE: the third function will always give an answer of 5

for any x value greater than 3
2.  x2 for x  2

f ( x)   4  x 2
for  2  x  2
 x2 x2
 for

(a) Find f (10)

Select function first
f (10)   x  2
 (10)  2
8
2.  x2 for x  2

f ( x)   4  x 2
for  2  x  2
 x2 x2
 for

(b) Find f (7)

Select function first
f (7)  x  2
 72
5
2.  x2 for x  2

f ( x)   4  x 2
for  2  x  2
 x2 x2
 for

(c) Find f (0)

f (0)  4  x 2
Select function first

 40 2

 4
2