Applied Mathematics I

Lecture 2: Definition of the Function

© Fall 2024- Dr. Neama Madany

Building, office No. 022
 Lecture contents

● Notion of a function
● Introducing domain and range
● Monotonicity of Functions.
● Combination and Composition of Functions.
● Straight lines in the 𝑥𝑦−plane
● Modeling Process.
Notion of A Function
Function
● Functions arise whenever one quantity depends on another.
EX: The area (A) of a circle depends on the radius (r) of the circle. The rule that connects r
and A is given by the equation 𝑨 = 𝝅𝒓𝟐 . With each positive number r there is associated
one value of A, and we say that (A is a function of r)

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Function
Function Representation:
➢ Algebraically (by an explicit formula): like area of a circle.
𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2 .

➢ Numerically (by a table of values): like human population vs.

time.
𝑃(1950) ≈ 2,560,000,000.

➢ Verbally (through description in words):

• The cost 𝐶 of mailing an envelope depends on its weight 𝑤.
• Although there is no simple formula that connects 𝑤 and 𝐶,
the post office has a rule for determining 𝐶 when 𝑤 is
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Introducing Domain and Range
Function (Domain and Range)

● A rule that assigns to each element in a set A (the domain), one and only one
element in a set B (the range)

Independent variable (𝒙) Dependent variable (y)

Independent variable (𝒙) : A symbol that represents an arbitrary number in the domain of a function 𝑓.
Dependent variable (y) :A symbol that represents a number in the range of function 𝑓 .
Function (Domain and Range)
Domain: is the set of all possible input values (x-values)
Range: is the set of all possible output values (y-values)

● The domain of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is graphically

obtained by projecting the curve of 𝑓
onto the 𝑥 −axis.

● The range of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is graphically

obtained by projecting the curve of 𝑓
onto the 𝑦 −axis.

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Domain of some functions

Remember:
Polynomial functions ‫الدوال كثيرة الحدود‬
Domain: R
Rational Functions ‫الدوال الكسريه‬
Domain: R − {The result of setting the denominator equal to zero}
Square root function ‫دالة الجذر التربيعي‬
• The root in the numerator (𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡≥0)
• The root in the denominator (The expression under the square root > 0)
Cube root function ‫دالة الجذر التكعيبي‬
Domain: R

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Visualizing function (graphing)
● The most common method for visualizing a function is its graph. If 𝑓 is a function with
domain D, then its graph is the set of ordered pairs

● The graph of 𝑓 consists of all points (𝒙,y), in the coordinate plane such that y = 𝑓 𝑥
and 𝑥 is in the domain of 𝑓.

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Example 1: Evaluating Function
Example 2: Finding domain and range graphically
● The graph of a function f is shown in the figure
(a) Find the values of f(1) and f(6).
(b) What are the domain and range of f ?
Answer:
a- f(1) = 3
f(6) = -2
b- Domain (D): Values of 𝒙 ( )) D = [0,7] 3

Range of f = Values of 𝑦 ( ) R=[-2,4]

-2

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Example 3 : Evaluating and Graphing Function
A function f is defined by:

Evaluate𝑓 −2 , 𝑓(−1) and 𝑓(0) and sketch the graph.

Answer
• To get 𝑓 −2 substitute in 𝑓 𝑥 = 1 − 𝑥 , because -2≤ −𝟏
𝑓 −2 = 𝟏 − −𝟐 = 𝟑

• To get 𝑓 −1 substitute in 𝑓 𝑥 = 1 − 𝑥 , because -1≤ −𝟏

𝑓 −1 = 𝟏 − −𝟏 = 𝟐

• To get 𝑓 0 substitute in 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 , because 0≻ 𝟏

𝑓 0 = 𝟎𝟐 = 𝟎
To sketch the curve:
𝑥2
1−𝑥
𝑥 y
𝑥 y
-1 1
-1 2
0 0
-2 3
1 1
-3 4
2 4
Example 4: Finding Domain analytically
Find the domain for each of the following functions:
Answer
We need to determine the domain by ensuring the denominator is not zero.
1-The term 𝑒 2𝑥 is always positive, so it does not impose any restrictions.
𝟐
2- The only restriction is denominator (1-𝒆𝟏−𝒙 ) ≠ 𝟎
2
(1-𝑒 1−𝑥 ) = 0
2
𝑒1−𝑥 =1 Taking the natural logarithm of both sides( Remember that ln 1 = 0)
2
ln [𝑒 1−𝑥 ]= ln (1)
1 − 𝑥 2 =0 factoring
(1 − 𝑥)(1 + 𝑥) = 0
(1 − 𝑥) = 0 𝑥=1
(1 + 𝑥) = 0 𝑥 = −1
Df = R∼{1,−1}

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Example 5: Finding Domain analytically

Find the domain of each function:

Answer:

Because the square root of a negative number is not defined so:

(𝑥 +2)≥ 0 (𝑥 )≥ -2
𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 = 𝐷 = (𝑥 ≥-2) 𝐷 = [-2,∞)

1
division by 0 is not allowed g(x) = 𝑥(𝑥−1)

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Domain = = can be written IR- {0,1}
 Example 6: Finding the domain analytically
Find the domain of:
1- 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 8 Find the domain of:
It is polynomial function so , 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 → 𝑅 4- 𝑦 =
𝑥+2
𝑥 2 −1
2- 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3 Factoring denominator
𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 → 𝑅 𝑥+2
𝑦=
(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)
1
3- 𝑦 =
𝑥 2 −4
Factoring denominator 𝑥 − 1 = 0 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 + 1 = 0
1 𝑥 = 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = −1
𝑦=
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2) ∴ 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 → 𝑅 − {1, −1}
𝑥 − 2 = 0 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 + 2 = 0
𝑥 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = −2
∴ 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 → 𝑅 − {2, −2}

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Example 7: Finding the domain analytically
Find the domain of: Find the domain of:
● 𝑦= 𝑥+4 ● 𝑦 = 4 − 𝑥2
-4 4 − 𝑥2 ≥ 0
𝑥+4≥0
4 ≥ 𝑥2
𝑥 ≥ −4 -2 2
𝑥2 ≤ 4
𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 → [−4, ∞) 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 → [−2, 2ሿ

1
● 𝑦 = 𝑥2 − 1 ● 𝑦= 𝑥−4
𝑥2 − 1 ≥ 0 -1 1 𝑥−4>0
2
𝑥 ≥1 𝑥>4
𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 → (−∞, −1ሿ ∪ [1, ∞) 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 → (4, ∞)
● 𝑦= 3 𝑥−4
𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 → 𝑅

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Vertical Line Test
The Vertical Line :
• We can use the vertical line test (VLT) to determine if the graph of a relation is a
function.
• A graph represents a function when no vertical line passes through more than one
point on the graph
Example 8 : Vertical line test
Determine whether the graph of the relation is a function

Relation; you can Function; no vertical Relation; you can draw Function; no
draw a vertical line lines can be drawn vertical lines through vertical lines can be
through (2,2) and through more than one two points in several drawn through more
(2,5) point on the graph. places. than one point on the
And (5,1) and (5,5) graph.
Symmetry
Even function:
● 𝑓 −𝑥 = 𝑓(𝑥) for every 𝑥 in its domain,
● The graph of an even function is symmetric a𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐲 −axis.
● If we know the portion of the graph of 𝑓 for 𝑥 ≥ 0, we can obtain the entire graph by
reflecting this portion about the 𝑦 −axis.
Odd function
● 𝑓 −𝑥 = −𝑓(𝑥) for every 𝑥 in its domain
● The graph of an odd function is symmetric about the origin.
● If we know the portion of the graph of 𝑓 for 𝑥 ≥ 0, we can obtain the entire graph by
rotating through 180° about the origin.

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Symmetry

An example of an even function. An example of an odd function.

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Example 9: (symmetry)
Determine whether each of the following functions is even, odd, or neither even nor odd

Answer
(a) (b) (c)

Therefore, 𝑓 is an even function

𝒇 is neither even nor odd

Therefore, 𝒇 is an odd function

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Example 10: (symmetry)

● Answer

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Monotonicity of Functions
Increasing and decreasing functions
● The shown graph
rises from 𝐴 to 𝐵, falls
from 𝐵 to 𝐶, and rises
again from 𝐶 to 𝐷.

● The function is said to

be increasing on 𝑎, 𝑏 ,
decreasing on 𝑏, 𝑐 ,
and increasing again
on 𝑐, 𝑑 .

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Example 11 :Monotonicity of Functions

● The function 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 decreases ● The function 𝑔(𝑥) = 1 − 𝑥 4 increases

on the interval (−∞, 0ሿ and on the interval (−∞, 0ሿ and
increases on the interval [0, ∞). decreases on the interval [0, ∞).

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Example 12: Monotonicity of Functions

● The function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 5 + 𝑥 ● The function ℎ(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 𝑥 2 increases on the

increases on its domain ℝ . interval (−∞, 1ሿ and decreases on the interval [1, ∞).

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Combination and Composition of
Functions
Combinations of functions
• Let 𝒇 and 𝒈 be any two functions. You can add, subtract, multiply or divide 𝒇(𝒙) and 𝒈(𝒙)
to form a new function.
• The new domain ​is the intersection of the two domains (D𝑓Ո D𝑔)

Operation Definition
𝒇 + 𝒈 𝒙 = 𝒇 𝒙 + 𝒈(𝒙)
Addition
𝒇 − 𝒈 𝒙 = 𝒇 𝒙 − 𝒈(𝒙)
Subtraction
𝒇 ∗ 𝒈 𝒙 = 𝒇 𝒙 ∗ 𝒈(𝒙)
Multiplication
𝒇 ÷ 𝒈 𝒙 = 𝒇 𝒙 ÷ 𝒈(𝒙)
Division 𝒇 𝒇 𝒙
Page - 30 𝒙 = 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒈(𝒙) ≠ 𝟎
𝒈 𝒈(𝒙)
Example 13: Combinations of functions
● If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2 − 𝑥 get the domain of (𝑓 + 𝑔) 𝑥

Answer:
The domain of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 is [0,∞)
The domain of 𝑔(𝑥) = 2 − 𝑥 is (- ∞,2]
(𝑓 + 𝑔) 𝑥 = 𝑥 + 2 − 𝑥
• Domain of (𝑓 + 𝑔) 𝑥 = (D𝑓Ո D𝑔) =[0,2]

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Example 14: Combinations of functions
𝑓
● If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 and 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 1 get the domain of (𝑓 + 𝑔) 𝑥 ( )(x)
𝑔

Answer:
The domain of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑅
The domain of 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑅
𝑓 𝑥2
( )(x) =
𝑔 𝑥−1
𝑓
Domain of( )(x) =(D𝑓Ո D𝑔) =
𝑔
= R- {1}

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Compositions of functions
• The composition of function 𝒇 with function 𝒈 is defined
by (𝒇∘𝒈)(𝒙)=𝒇(𝒈(𝒙))

• The domain of the composite function 𝒇∘𝒈 is the set of

all such that:
1. 𝒙 is in the domain of 𝒈 and
2. 𝒈(𝒙) is in the domain of 𝒇.

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Example 15: Compositions of functions

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Straight Lines in the 𝑥𝑦−Plane
Straight lines in the 𝑥𝑦 −plane

● If y is a linear function of x, we mean that the graph of the function is a line

● We can use the slope-intercept form of the equation of a line to write a
formula for the function as:
where;
m: is the slope of the line
b : is the y-intercept.

● If 𝑦 is a function of 𝑥, then the slope of the straight line 𝐚𝐱 + 𝐛𝐲 + 𝐜 = 𝟎

−𝒂
slope = 𝒎 = 𝒃
.

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Straight lines in the 𝑥𝑦 −plane
● If the line (𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐), is parallel to the
𝒙 −axis, then (slope) 𝒎 = zero.

● The line parallel to the 𝒚 −axis

has the equation 𝒙 = 𝒂.

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Straight lines in the 𝑥𝑦 −plane
● The product of the slopes of two perpendicular lines equals −𝟏.

● The slopes of two parallel lines are equal (m1=m2)

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Example 16 : Linear Function

● Find an equation for the line that passes through the point 2, −5 and
(a) has slope −3. (c) is parallel to the 𝑦 −axis.
(b) is parallel to the 𝑥 −axis. (d) is parallel to the line 2𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 3.
Solution:
(a) 𝑦 = −3𝑥 + 𝑐 (c) the equation of the line is 𝑥 = 𝑎.
Since the line passes through 2, −5 𝑎: is the 𝑥 −coordinate of any point on
⟹at 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = −5 the line. Since the line passes through
−5 = −3 2 + 𝑐 ⟹ 𝑐 = 1 ⟹ 𝑦 = −3𝑥 + 1 2, −5 ⟹ 𝑥 = 2

(b) The equation of the line is 𝑦 = 𝑐. (d) The slope of the line 2𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 3
𝑐: is the 𝑦 −coordinate of any point on equals
−2
= 0.5 (which is the slope of
−4
the line.
the required line since they are
Since the line passes through 2, −5
parallel)⟹ 𝑦 = 0.5𝑥 + 𝑐 . Since the line
⟹ 𝑦 = −5 passes through 2, −5 ⟹ −5 = 0.5 2 +
𝑐 ⟹ 𝑐 = −6 ⟹ 𝑦 = 0.5𝑥 − 6
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Modeling Process
The modeling process
● A mathematical model is a mathematical description (often by means of a
function or an equation) of a real-world phenomenon.
● Formulate a mathematical model: identify the independent and dependent
variables.

● Obtain equations relating the variables: via the physical situation and some
mathematics.

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Example 17 : Linear modeling process

(a) As dry air moves upward, it expands and cools. If the ground temperature is
20℃ and the temperature at a height of 1 km is 10℃, express the temperature
𝑇 (in ℃) as a function of the height ℎ (in kilometers), assuming that a linear
model is appropriate.

(b) Draw the graph of the function in part (a). What does the slope represent?

(c) What is the temperature at a height of 2.5 km?

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Example 17 cont’d: Linear modeling process
(a) Since 𝑇 is a linear function of ℎ ⟹ 𝑇 = 𝑚ℎ + 𝑐
We are given that 𝑇 = 20℃ when ℎ = 0 ⟹ 20 = 𝑚 0 + 𝑐
⟹ 𝑐 = 20℃ ⟹ 𝑇 = 𝑚ℎ + 20
We are also given that 𝑇 = 10℃ when ℎ = 1 km⟹ 10 = 𝑚 1 + 20
⟹ 𝑚 = −10℃/km ⟹ 𝑇 = −10ℎ + 20

(b) The slope is 𝑚 = −10℃/km.

This represents the rate of
change of the temperature with
respect to the height.

(c) 𝑇 2.5 = −10 2.5 + 20 = −5℃

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Test your self: Linear modeling process

● The area of a rectangle is 16 m2 . Express its perimeter as a function of the length

of one of its sides.
Answer:
● The area of a rectangle (A) is calculated by multiplying its length (L) and width (W):
A=LxW
16 = L X W
● We can solve for W in terms of L:
W = 16 / L
Perimeter (P)= 2(L+W)
16
P = 2(𝐿+ 𝐿 )

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