Module 1
Module 1
INTRODUCTION TO FUNCTIONS
I. Objectives
At the end of this module, the students are expected to:
a. represents real-life situations using functions, including piecewise functions; b.
evaluates a function;
c. performs addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and composition of functions; and
d. solve problems involving functions.
For convenience, we will use the first letter of each word to simplify representations. Domain will
be denoted by D; Co-domain will be denoted by C and Range will be denoted by R. In the
illustration above, the domain, co-domain and range are as follows:
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General Mathematics
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x = {2, 4, 6, 8, 10}
f(x) = 2x + 1
The system shows that if the input is 2, the output will be 5 given that the function is f(x) = 2x + 1.
The same goes for other values of x which will produce a unique output. The input values represent
the domain while the output values represent the range of the function.
Take note that all functions are relations but not all relations are functions. To determine if a
relation is a function, the following methods may be employed:
Figure 1. The elements in the domain are D = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} while the elements in the range are
R = {d, e, f}. Notice that two distinct elements of the domain are paired to exactly one element in the
range, that is 1 and 2 are paired to d and 4 and 5 are paired to f. In this case, the relation is called
many-to-one. This type of relation satisfies the definition of a function.
Figure 2. The elements in the domain are A = {1, 2, 3} while the elements in the range are B = {5, 6, 7}.
Obviously, each element in set A is paired to exactly one element in set B. This type of relation is called
one-to-one. This relation is considered as a function.
Figure 3. The elements in the domain are A = {1, 3, 5} while the elements in the range are B = {2, 3, 4,
5, 6}. In contrast to figure 1, one element in the domain is paired to two elements in the range. Element
1 is paired to 2 and 3 while element 5 is paired to 5 and 6. This type of correspondence is called one-
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General Mathematics
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: Grade 11 ABM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph
to-many. This is a relation however this relation is NOT a function since an element in the domain is
already assigned to more than one element of the range.
1.2. Ordered Pair or Table of Values
A relation represented trough ordered pairs or table of values (𝑥, 𝑦) is recognized as a function if
the x values are not repeated.
SET A SET B
(4,12) (4, 12)
(5, 15) (4, 15)
(6, 18) (5, 18)
(7, 21) (5, 21)
(8, 24) (6, 24)
The domain of Set A is represented by the x values D = {4, 5, 6, 7, 8} while the range consists of R =
{12, 15, 18, 21, 24}. Notice that the elements in the domain are distinct, which means that set A is a
function.
In contrast to set B, there are x values that are repeated which include 4 and 5. The domain of
set B are D = {4, 5, 6} while the range includes R = {12, 15, 18, 21, 24}. In this case, set B is NOT a
function.
Set B is not a function but it is a relation which is one-to-many. We confirm this by applying the
mapping diagram.
ONE – TO – MANY RELATION
4 12
15
5 18
6 21
24
SET A SET B
In set A, you may have noticed 2 is
repeated in the y column. Be mindful
that the y values will not be our
concern, we always focus on the x
values. Since there are no repeated
values in x, we say that set A is a
function.
Page 3 of 11
General Mathematics
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: Grade 11 ABM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph
1.3 Graph
Since ordered pairs can be represented graphically, we identify if a graph is a function
through the vertical line test.
If any vertical line passes through a graph at exactly one point, then the graph
represents a function.
C. EVALUATING FUNCTIONS
The modeling of infectious disease is an important mathematical tool that has been used to
study the mechanisms by which diseases spread, to predict the future course of an outbreak.
Recently, a kind of virus infection spread all over the world including the Philippines. The virus is
popularly known as Coronavirus 2019 (COVID – 19) which originated from Wuhan, China. Since
December 31, 2019 and as of July 12, 2020, the Word Health Organization has recorded 12, 698, 995
cases of COVID – 19 from different affected countries.
Example 1. Suppose that the number of infected individuals in a certain town is modeled by the
function
𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑡2 + 15𝑡
where t represents the number of days, what is the number of infected individuals after 5 days?
Solution:
𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑡2 + 15𝑡
𝑓(5) = 52 + 15(5)
𝑓(5) = 25 + 75 = 100
In just five days, the number of infected individuals in the town is 100.
In the following examples, we shall apply basic principles of arithmetic and algebra to evaluate the
given functions.
2
Example 2. Given the function 𝑓 (𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 5, 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑓 (3).
Solution:
𝑓 (𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 5
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General Mathematics
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: Grade 11 ABM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph
2 2 2
𝑓( ) = 3( ) − 5 𝑓 ( ) = 2 − 5 = −3
3 3 3
𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥2 − 2𝑥 + 1
𝑓(3𝑚) = 9𝑚2 − 6𝑚 + 1
Mathematical modeling can also be applied in real – life situations using Piece-wise Functions.
Definition
A piecewise-defined function also called a piecewise function or a hybrid function is
described by multiple sub-functions where each sub-function is defined to a certain
interval of the main function's domain.
Example 1. In a certain country, income tax is assessed by using the function below where f(x) is the
percentage of the income that must be paid as a tax, and x is the amount of income.
0, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 15,000
𝑓(𝑥) = {12%𝑥, 𝑖𝑓 15,000 < 𝑥 ≤ 30,000
18%𝑥, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 30,000
a. If your income is 28, 000, what amount of tax will you pay?
Solution: Since 28, 000 is defined under the second piece of the function, then you will
pay 12% of your income as your tax.
𝑓(𝑥) = 12%𝑥
𝑓 (28, 000) = 0.12(28,000) = 3, 360
b. If your income is 14, 500, what amount of tax will you pay?
Solution: We will use the first piece which is a constant function,
𝑓 (14, 500) = 0
This is also true for all values less than or equal to 15, 000.
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General Mathematics
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: Grade 11 ABM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph
c. Your income last year was 25, 000 and your friend’s income was 32, 000. How much more
did your friend pay in taxes than you?
Solution:
𝑓(𝑥) = 0.12𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) = 0.18𝑥
𝑓 (25, 000) = 0.12(25,000) = 𝟑𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝑓 (32, 000) = 0.18(32,000) = 𝟓, 𝟕𝟔𝟎
Computing the difference,
5, 760 – 3000 = 2,760
Example 2. The function below represents the shipping charges that apply to orders from a popular
courier in the Philippines, where f(x) represents the shipping charges and x represents the total cost of
the order.
In this case, all we have to do is to simply identify the total cost of your order from the pieces of the
function which will correspond to the amount of shipping fee that will be charged.
a. If the total cost of your order is 7, 000 then you will be charged of 497.50 so you will pay a total
amount 7, 497.50.
b. If the total cost of your order is 5000 then the shipping fee is 397.50 since 5000 is in the interval
of 3, 750 < 𝑥 ≤ 6, 250.
c. If the total cost of your order is 3, 750, the shipping fee will be 297.50.
d. If the total cost of your order is 500, how much is the amount of shipping fee?
e. If you are charged an amount of 497.50, what is the possible amount of your order?
Example 3. Given
−𝒙 − 𝟒, 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 < 𝟑
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟕, 𝒊𝒇 𝟑 ≤ 𝒙 ≤ 𝟏𝟎
𝒇(𝒙) =
𝟏𝟐𝟎
{ 𝒙 + 𝟓, 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 > 𝟏𝟎
evaluate the functions if a) 𝑥 = −2 b) 𝑥 = 10 c) 𝑥 = 15.
Solution.
a) For 𝑥 = −2, we will use the 1st piece of the function since -2 is less than 3. Substituting -2 as
the value of x, we get:
𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 − 4
𝑓 (−2) = −(−2) − 4
𝑓 (−2) = 2 − 4 = −2
b) Since 𝑥 = 10 lies in the interval 3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10, we will use the 2nd piece of the function.
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 7
𝑓(10) = (10)2 − 7
𝑓(10) = 100 − 7 = 93
c) Since 𝑥 = 15 is greater than 10, we will use the 3rd piece of the function.
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General Mathematics
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: Grade 11 ABM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph
120
𝑓(𝑥) = +5
𝑥
120
𝑓(𝑥) = +5
15
𝑓(𝑥) = 8 + 5 = 13
Example Given
𝑥 2 − 3, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < −2
𝑓(𝑥) = { 5, 𝑖𝑓 − 2 ≤ 𝑥 < 5
−2𝑥, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 5
Solution.
a) For x = 3, we will use the 2nd piece of the function. Notice the function does not contain any
variable. This means that we are dealing with a constant function, so whatever values
satisfying −2 ≤ 𝑥 < 5 that will be used to replace the variable x, we will obtain 𝑓(𝑥) = 5.
𝑓(5) = 25 − 2(5)
𝑓(5) = 25 − 10
𝑓(5) = 15
c) For x = -3, we will use the 1st piece of the function since -3 is less than -2.
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 − 3
𝑓(−3) = (−3)2 − 3
𝑓(−3) = 9 − 3
𝑓(−3) = 6
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General Mathematics 1st Trimester, S.Y. 2022-2023
Given functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) that exist and defined under a domain, the following operations
may be performed.
𝑓(𝑥)
Perform: a. 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) b. 𝑓(𝑥) – ℎ(𝑥) c. 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥) d. 𝑔(𝑥)
Solution.
a) 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)
f(x) g(x)
2 2
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 2 + 𝑥 − 4
Group similar terms, Since we are dealing
(𝑓 + ℎ)(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2 − 4 with subtraction, the
(𝑓 + ℎ)(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 2 parenthesis is
necessary.
b) 𝑓(𝑥 ) − ℎ(𝑥)
(𝑓 − ℎ)(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2 – (3𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 7)
c) 𝑓(𝑥) • 𝑔(𝑥)
(𝑓 • 𝑔)(𝑥) = (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2) (𝑥 2 − 4)
(𝑓 • 𝑔)(𝑥) = (𝑥 2 ) (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2) − 4 (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2)
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General Mathematics 1st Trimester, S.Y. 2022-2023
𝑓(𝑥)
d) 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
=
𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥2 − 4
Factor, then divide common factors
𝑓(𝑥) (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 1)
=
𝑔(𝑥) (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2)
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 + 1
=
𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥 − 2
Example 2. Given: 𝑓 (𝑥) = 5𝑥2 + 20𝑥 – 60 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 6
𝑓(𝑥)
a) Find
𝑔(𝑥)
Solution
𝑓
( ) (𝑥) =
5𝑥 2 + 20𝑥 – 60 Rewrite
𝑔 𝑥+6
2
𝑓 5(𝑥 + 4𝑥 − 12)
( ) (𝑥) =
𝑔 𝑥+6
Factor the numerator and denominator
𝑓 5(𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 2)
( ) (𝑥) =
𝑔 𝑥+6
𝑓 5(𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 2) Divide common factors
( ) (𝑥) =
𝑔 𝑥+6
𝑓 Final Answer
( ) (𝑥) = 5(𝑥 − 2)
𝑔
𝑔(𝑥)
b) Find
𝑓(𝑥)
𝑔 𝑥+6 Rewrite
( ) (𝑥) = 2
𝑓 5𝑥 + 20𝑥 − 60
𝑔 𝑥+6
( ) (𝑥) = 2
𝑓 5(𝑥 + 4𝑥 − 12)
Factor the numerator and denominator
𝑔 𝑥+6
( ) (𝑥) =
𝑓 5(𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 2)
𝑔 𝑥+6
( ) (𝑥) = Divide common factors
𝑓 5(𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 2)
𝑔 1
( ) (𝑥) = ;𝑥 ≠ 2 Final answer
𝑓 5(𝑥 − 2)
Composition of Functions
Definition
The term "composition of function" or "composite function" refers to the combining together of two
or more functions in a manner where the output from one function becomes the input of the other
function.
The notation used for composition is:
Thus, (𝑓 ◦ 𝑔)(𝑥) = – 8𝑥 + 37
Notice that in Examples 1 and 2 the functions 𝑓(𝑥) = – 4𝑥 + 9 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 – 7 were the same, but
(𝑓 𝑜 𝑔)(𝑥) and (𝑔 𝑜 𝑓)(𝑥) produced different answers. These two examples should help us understand
why we need to be very specific when we are asked to find either (𝑓 𝑜 𝑔)(𝑥) or (𝑔 𝑜 𝑓)(𝑥). The way we
write down the problem can make a big difference in our answer.
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General Mathematics 1st Trimester, S.Y. 2022-2023
IV. References
Evaluating Functions
Function Notation and How to Evaluate a Function (2020). Retrieved from
https://www.chilimath.com/lessons/advanced-algebra/composition-of-function
Composition of Functions
Composition of Functions (2020). Retrieved from
https://www.chilimath.com/lessons/introductory-algebra/evaluating-a-function
Albay, E.M.(2016). General mathematics. Makati City, Philippines: DIWA Learning System, Inc.
Dimasuay, L.A.,Alcala, J., Palacio, J.,(2016). General Mathematics for Senior High School.
Quezon City, Philippines:C&E Publishing, Inc.
Melosantos, L.A., et. al.(2016). Math Connection in the Digital Age, Quezon City, Philippines:
Sibs Publishing House, Inc.,
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