TOPIC: FUNCTIONS

What is a function?

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Graphical representation of a function

The following diagram shows the mapping between

the elements of two sets A and B.
B

The mapping between the element, x, in the domain of

a function f and its image, f (x ) , in the range can be
represented graphically by the graph of y f (x ) .
1
For example, the function f : x 1 x , x 1 can

be represented by the graph of y

y

B A

y 11 x

Definition of a function:
The mapping between the elements of set A and the
elements of set B is a function, if to every element of A
corresponds one and only one element of B.
Remark: Not all mappings are functions.
Determine if each of the following mappings is a function.

1
1 x

O 1

The function f : x x 3 2 x 2 1 can be represented by

the following graph.
y

y x 3 2x 2 1

-4

-2

-1

-2

-3

Domain, codomain and range of a function

Remark: A vertical line x = h intersects the graph of a

function at no more than one point.
y

Elements of set A are called arguments (or objects)

and set A is the domain of the function.
Set B is the codomain of the function.
If x A , then the element in B corresponding to x is
called the image of x and the set of all the images is the
range of the function.
If f is a function, we use the notation:
f : x f ( x ) , where x A, and f ( x ) B .
The domain of f is the set of values of x for which the
function is defined.
The range of f is the set of values that f (x ) can take
for all x in the domain.
Remark: f is used to name a function whereas f (x )
is the image of x under the mapping of f.
For example,

1
the domain of the function f : x 1 x is the set of

all real numbers, for which

1
1 x

is defined. That is,

x : x R, x 1 .The range of f is the set of all real

numbers not equal to 0. That is, y : y R, y 0 .

y2 = 4x
x

x=h
x=h
Represents a function

Not a function

One-to-one and onto functions

A function f is one-to-one if and only if for all x1 and

x2

in the domain of f,

x1 x 2

implies that

f ( x1 ) f ( x 2 ) .
Alternatively, a function f is one-to-one if and only if
for all x1 and x 2 in the domain of f, f ( x1 ) f ( x 2 )
implies that x1 x 2 .

Given a function f : R R such that f ( x) 2 x 5

.

x1 x 2 2 x1 2 x 2

the domain of the function f : x x 3 2 x 2 1 is

the set of all real numbers, and the range of f is also
the set of all real numbers.

2 x1 5 2 x 2 5

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y = x2

f ( x1 ) f ( x 2 )
Hence, f is a one-to-one function.
Given a function g : R R such that g ( x ) x 2 .

TOPIC: FUNCTIONS
g ( 2) g (2) 4 .
Note that 2 2 , but
Therefore, g is not a one-to-one function.
Remark: If a horizontal line y k intersects the
graph of a function at no more than one point, then the
function is one-to-one.
y

y = 2x 5
y=k

y=k

y = x2

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2. Determine if each of the following functions is a oneto-one function.
f : x x3
a.
1
b. f : x 2
x
f : x sin x
c.
2x 1
d. f : x
x 1
f : x 2x
e.
3.

Not one-to-one

One-to-one
Can you

restrict the domain of the function

g : x x 2 , x R to make it a one-to-one function?
Let A and B be the domain and the codomain of the
function f respectively. If the range of f is the same as the
codomain B, then f is known as an onto function from A to
B and we can write f ( A) B .
f : R R such
The
linear
function
that
f ( x ) ax b is an onto function.
g : R R such that
The quadratic function
2
g ( x) ax bx c is not an onto function.
Can you restrict the codomain of the function

g : R R such that g : x x 2 to make it an onto

function?
Discussion

4.

Find the range for each of the following functions.

f ( x) 2 x 3 for x 0
a.
b.

f ( x ) x 2 5 for x 0

c.

f ( x ) 1 x for x 1

d.

f ( x)

The functions f is defined by

x 2 , x 0
f ( x)
x, x 0
a.
b.
c.

5.

1
for x 2
x

Find f ( 4) and f (4) .

Sketch the graph of f.
State the range of f.

The function g is such that

x, for 0 x 5
g ( x)
5, for x 5
a.
b.
c.

Find the value of g ( 2), g (5), g (7) .

Sketch the graph of the function.
State the range of the function.

1. Determine the greatest possible domain for the

function f and its range.
f ( x) 2 x 1
a.
b.

f ( x) x 2 3

c.

f ( x) 3 2 x x 2

d.

f ( x)

x2

e.

f ( x)

4 x2

f.

f ( x)

x2 9

g.

f ( x)

2x 2 3

h.
i.
j.
k.
l.

1
x
2x 1
f ( x)
x 1
5
f ( x) 2
x 1
x
f ( x)
4 x2
f ( x)

f ( x)

5 x2
1 x 2

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TOPIC: FUNCTIONS
Algebraic operations on functions

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We can apply arithmetic operations on two functions

f (x ) and g (x ) to form new functions.

( f g )( x ) f ( x) g ( x )

( f g )( x) f ( x) g ( x)

( f g )( x) f ( x ) g ( x )
f

f ( x)
( x )
, g ( x) 0
g ( x)

A function f ( x) ax 2 bx c , where a, b, c are

any real numbers and a 0 , is a quadratic function.
By completing the square, a quadratic function can be

Let D f = Domain of f; D g = Domain of g.

D f g D f Dg

D f g D f Dg

D f g D f Dg

b
4ac b 2

written as f ( x) a x
.

2a
4a

The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola.

D f D f D g \ x : g ( x) 0

g ( x ) ln x , x 0 .

has

maximum

point

The graph is symmetrical about the line x

b
2a

which passes through the minimum/maximum point.

y

y
y = x +2x

y = x2 1

( f g )( x ) x ln x ; D f g x R : x 0

if a > 0.
It

b 4 ac b 2
,
2a
4a

b , 4 ac b if a < 0.

2a
4a

D f g x R : x 0

( x )

( f g )( x ) x ln x ;

It has a minimum point

For example:
f ( x) x ,
x R and
Let
Therefore,
( f g )( x ) x ln x ;

D f g x R : x 0

Quadratic function (a polynomial function of degree

2)

x
;
ln x

x=1

D f x R : x 0 and x 1
g

Graph of a polynomial function

A polynomial function of degree n is a function which
can be expressed in the form

f ( x) a n x n a n 1 x n 1 a1 x a 0
for some real numbers a 0 , a1 , a 2 , , a n 1 , a n and

an 0 .

Cubic function (a polynomial function of degree 3)

A function f ( x) ax 3 bx 2 cx d , where a, b, c,
d are any real numbers and a 0 , is a cubic function.
The graph of a cubic function has at most two turning
points.
y
y
y = x(x2 1)

The domain of any polynomial function is the set of

all real numbers.

y = x3 + 1

Linear function (a polynomial function of degree 1)

A linear function can be expressed as f ( x ) ax b
, where a and b are any real numbers.
The graph of a linear function is a straight line.
A linear function does not have a minimum value or a
maximum value.
y

y = 2x 5

y = x+ 2
O

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Quartic function (a polynomial function of degree 4)

A function f ( x) ax 4 bx 3 cx 2 dx e , where
a, b, c, d, e are any real numbers and a 0 , is a quartic
function. y
The graph of a quartic function has at most three
turning points.
y = x4
O

TOPIC: FUNCTIONS

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y

y = x43x2+x

Graph of the function y x n , n N

If n

2 4 8
, , ,
3 3 3

If n is even (i.e. n = 2, 4, 6, )
8

8
3
4
n
3

6
6

n=8
4

n=4

n=2
-5
-5

2
3

10

-2
-2

Relationship between the graph of y f (x ) and its

1
reciprocal, y
f ( x)

If n is odd (i.e. n = 1, 3, 5, )
6

n=5
n=3

1
Sketch the graphs of y x and y on the same
x
diagram.
1
Notice that for the graph of y ,
x
x

,
y

0
when
when y , x 0
Hence, the lines y 0 and x 0 are the
1
asymptotes for the graph of y .
x
Remark: Asymptotes are the lines which the graph
approaches when x or when y .

n=1

-5

-2

-4

Graph of the function y x n , n Q

If n

1 3 5
, , ,
2 2 2
8

5
2

3
2

Vertical asymptote

-5

5
4

1 5 7
, , ,
3 3 3
-2

If n

1
2

-5

-4

7
n
3
5
n
3

y=x

-2

y
2

1
x
4

10

-1

1
3

Horizontal asymptote

-2

10

-2

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-4

TOPIC: FUNCTIONS
Notice that the vertical asymptote intersects the line
y x at the point where the line y x cuts the x-axis.
Hence, for the graph of y

950/1, 954/1

1
,
f ( x)

the line x k is a vertical asymptote if f (k ) 0 ,

the horizontal asymptote is the line y 0 (or x-axis).
Discussion

b.

f ( x) 2 x 3

Determine the vertical asymptotes for the following

curves.
1
a. y
x 1
1
b. y
2x 3
1
c. y
x 1 x 3
d.

e.

1
2

x 2x 1
1
x 2 2x 2

Sketch the graphs of y x 2 1 and y

c.

f ( x ) x 1 x 3

x 2 1

on the same diagram.

y x 2 1

-4

-2

x 1
4

-1

x 1

-2

x 1

d.

f ( x) x 2 2 x 1

-3

Take note of the point on the graph of y

x 1
which corresponds to the minimum point on the graph of
y x 2 1 .
Discussion

1
on the
f ( x)
same diagram, showing clearly any horizontal or vertical
asymptotes and any minimum or maximum points.

Sketch the graphs of yy f (x ) and y

a.

f ( x) x 1

e.

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f ( x) x 2 2 x 2

TOPIC: FUNCTIONS

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Notice that the graph above does not have a vertical

asymptote. Why?
Graph of a rational function

f ( x)
,
g ( x)

A rational function is a function in the form

where f ( x ) and g ( x ) are polynomials and g ( x) 0

.
Examples of rational functions of x are

1
2

x 1

-6

1 3x 1
x
x 2 2x
.
,
, 2
,
x 2 x x 1
x 1

-4

-2

-1

Asymptotes

-2

k
, where k is
f (x )

Rational functions of the form y

-3

-4

a constant, k 0 and f ( x) 0 .
6

Notice that there are two vertical asymptotes. What are the
equations of the two vertical asymptotes?

1
x

Graphs of rational functions of the form

f (x ) and

where
-5

both
g ( x) 0 .

10

Asymptotes

-2

g ( x ) are

f ( x)
,
g ( x)

linear

and

10

2x 1
x 1

-4

2
10
-10

-5

10

15

8
-2
6
-4

Asymptotes

-6
2

-10

-5

10

15

10

-2

3
y
2 x

-4

-6

2 x
3 x

-8

Notice that the graphs do not cut the x-axis because

y 0 . Furthermore, as x , y 0 , so x-axis is
the horizontal asymptote.
k
The function y
is not defined when f ( x ) 0 .
f (x )
Thus, the vertical asymptotes are obtained at values of x
where f ( x ) 0 .

-10

-5

10

15

-2

-4

-6
6

-8

1.5

3x 1
2 x
2

x 2 1

y
-10

0.5

-5

10

15

-2

-2

-1

-0.5

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-1

Asymptote

-4

-6

-8

-10

TOPIC: FUNCTIONS

Describe
asymptotes.

950/1, 954/1

how you

can obtain the horizontal

Graphs of rational functions of the form

f (x ) is linear,
g ( x) 0 .

where

f ( x)
,
g ( x)

g ( x ) is quadratic and

Notice that x-axis is the horizontal asymptote for each

graph.
f ( x)
Graphs of rational functions of the form
,
g ( x)
where both f (x ) and g ( x ) are quadratic and
g ( x) 0 .
10

x
2

x 1

2x 2 1

x2 4

4
-5

10
2

-2

Asymptotes

-10

-5

10

15

-2
-4
-4

-6

3
8

3x 1
( x 1)

x 2 1

2x 1
1

-4

-2

-1

-5

10

-2
-2

-3

Can you generalize the method to find the horizontal

asymptote?

-5

1 2x
y
x( x 3)

Graphs of rational functions of the form

f ( x)
,
g ( x)

where the degree of f (x ) is greater than the degree

of g ( x ) and g ( x) 0 .
12

10
-2
8

x 2x
y
.. range of the function.ction.
Asymptotes
x 1
2x 1
llowing functions.
y 2
ion FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
6

-4

x x 1

-10

-5

10

15

-2

-4

-6

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TOPIC: FUNCTIONS
Notice that the graph has an oblique asymptote.

Discussion

Even functions

Sketch the graphs of the following functions, showing

clearly any turning points and any asymptotes parallel to
the coordinate axes.
1.

2
x 1

2.

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1 x
x 1

A function f ( x ) is said to be even if f ( x ) f ( x )

for all values of x. The graphs of even functions are
symmetrical about the y-axis. Examples of even functions:
f ( x ) cos x

2.5

1.5

3.

2x 5
y
5 2x

4.

0.5

x 1

-6

-4

-2

-0.5

5.

7.

5
2

2x 2x 1
2x 1
x x 3

6.

8.

-1

x x 2

x
1 x 2 x

-1.5

f ( x)

x2
2.5

9.

1 5x

x 1 2

10. y

1 x

x 2 1

1.5

0.5

11. y

1 x x 2

12. y

-6

-4

-2

x 1

-0.5

-1

13. y

15. y

17. y

19. y

x 1

14. y

x 3
x

2 x 2 x

2 x 2
x 2 1
3x 2 1
x 2 2x 4

16. y

18. y

20. y

2x 2 x 3
x 1 x 3
2

3x 1
2x 2 1
x2 9
x 2 2x 1

-1.5

Odd function
A function f ( x ) is said to be odd if f ( x ) f ( x )
for all values of x. The graphs of odd functions are
symmetrical about the origin, O, i.e., they remain
unchanged when rotated about O through an angle .
Examples of odd functions:
f ( x ) sin x

x 2 x 1

x 1

1.5

21. y 2

23. y

1
x

2x 2 2
x 2 2x 3

22. y

24. y

x2
x 2 1

0.5

-4

-2

-0.5

-1

x2

-1.5

1 x 2

1.5

25. y

x 1 2 x
2

x 3x 4

26. y

1 x 2
x x 4

0.5

-4

-2

-0.5

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-1

-1.5

TOPIC: FUNCTIONS
1
f ( x)

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Discussion

Periodic functions

Determine which of the following functions are even and

which are odd. Sketch the graph of each function to verify
your answer.

f ( x ) f ( x a ) f ( x 2a )

1.

f ( x) 2 x

2.

f ( x) 1 x 4

3.

f ( x ) tan x

4.

f ( x) x 3 x

5.

f ( x)

6.

f ( x)

7.

f ( x) x

8.

f ( x) x 2 x 2 1

2
2

x 1

The graph of a periodic function consists of a basic pattern

which repeats at regular intervals. The width of the
interval is the period of the function.

x
1 x 2

A function f is said to be periodic if f ( x ka) f ( x)

for all values of x in its domain, where a is the period of
the function and k is an integer. That is,

f ( x) 2 x 1
0 x 1
for
and
f ( x 1) f ( x ) for all values of x, then the
function is periodic with a period of 1.

If

Increasing and decreasing functions

If x1 and x 2 are two values of x on the interval [a, b],

then
f is an increasing function on the interval, if the
inequality x1 x 2 implies f ( x1 ) f ( x 2 ) ;
y

1
1

-6

-4

3 2 1 0

-2

4
4

-1

f ( x2 )

-2

-3

f ( x1 )

-4

x1

x2

f is a decreasing function on the interval, if the

inequality x1 x 2 implies f ( x1 ) f ( x 2 ) .
y

If f ( x ) x 2 for 0 x 1 and f ( x 2) f ( x)
for all values of x, then the function is periodic with a
period of 2.

2.5

f ( x1 )

1.5

f ( x2 )

x1

x2

0.5

2
-2

1
-1

x
3

-0.5

Discussion
1. Determine which of the following functions are
increasing and which are decreasing.
f ( x) e x
a.
b.

f ( x) e x

c.

f ( x)

x 3

1
x
2. Determine the interval on which the function f is
increasing and the interval on which it is decreasing.
f ( x) x
a.
d.

f ( x)

b.

f ( x)

-1

-1.5

Discussion
1. Determine the period, and sketch the graph of the
periodic function f ( x ) x for 1 x 1 and
f ( x 2) f ( x ) for all values of x.

x 2 1

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TOPIC: FUNCTIONS

950/1, 954/1
where n is an integer. Therefore, the tangent function is
periodic with a period of radian.
Since tan( x) tan x , therefore, y tan x is
an odd function and the curve has rotational symmetry
about the origin.

Trigonometric functions

The function is not defined at x 12 , 32 , .

The Sine Function

The range of the function is unlimited.

Note that

sin x sin( 2 x ) sin( 4 x ) sin( 2n x )

,
where n is an integer. Therefore, the sine function is
periodic with a period of 2 radian.
Since sin( x ) sin x , therefore, y sin x is
an odd function and the curve has rotational symmetry
about the origin.
The range of the function is 1 sin x 1 .

1.5

y tan x

0.5

2
-6

-4

-2

0
-0.5

2
6

-1

1.5

-1.5

y sin x

Other properties of the sine, cosine and tangent functions

are as follows.

0.5

2
-6

-4

-2

-0.5

sin( x ) sin x
cos( x ) cos x

-1

-1.5

tan( x ) tan x

The Cosine Function

Note that
cos x cos(2 x) cos(4 x) cos(2n x )
,
where n is an integer. Therefore, the cosine function is
periodic with a period of 2 radian.
Since cos( x) cos x , therefore, y cos x is
an even function and the curve is symmetric about the yaxis.
The curve is the same shape as the sine wave but is
1
2

translated a distance

cos x sin x 12

sin( x ) sin x
cos( x) cos x

tan( x ) tan x

to the left, therefore,

The range of the function is 1 cos x 1 .

sin( 2 x ) sin x

1.5

cos( 2 x ) cos x

y cos x

2
-6

-4

-2

0
-0.5

tan( 2 x ) tan x

2 x

0.5

2
6

-1

-1.5

The Tangent Function

Summary:
sine +ve

All +ve

Note that

tan x tan( x) tan( 2 x ) tan(n x)

,
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tan +ve

cos +ve

10

TOPIC: FUNCTIONS

950/1, 954/1
Discussion
Sketch the graphs of y f (x ) and y f ( x) for
each of the following functions.
1 2x
f ( x)
1.
1 x
f ( x) x x 2
2.

Trigonometric ratios of some special angles:

30
2

sin x

4.

f ( x)

5.

f ( x)

1 2x
x2

2x
2

x 2x 3

45o
Angle in
degree
Angle in
radian

f ( x) x 3 1

45o

3.

60o

60o

1
0o

30o

45o

1
2

1
2

3
2

1
2

cos x

3
2

1
2

tan x

1
3

1
90o

60o
3

Variations of the function y f (x) and its graph

Translating the graph of y f (x )

not
defined

Replacing y by y k in the equation y f (x) , i.e.,

y k f (x) or y f ( x) k , produces a
translation of k units in the y-direction.
Replacing x by x k in the equation y f (x) , i.e.,
y f ( x k ) , produces a translation of k units in
the x-direction.
5

y x2

y x 3 2

The reciprocal trigonometric functions are:

1
cos ecx ;
sin x

1
sec x ;
cos x

-8

y a cos b x c d

-4

-2

-1

-2

-3

The general sine and cosine functions are:

y a sin b x c d ; and
where

-6

y x 3 2 2

Can you sketch the graphs of y cos ecx , y sec x

y cot x

1
cot x
tan x

and

a is the amplitude (the height of each peak above

the baseline);
d is the vertical offset (the height of the baseline);
c is the phase shift (the horizontal offset of the
base-point);
2
the period, p
.
b

Stretching the graph of y f (x)

y
in the equation y f (x ) , i.e.,
c

Replacing y by

y
f (x ) or y cf (x) , produces a stretch of
c
factor c in the y-direction.
x
Replacing x by
in the equation y f (x ) , i.e.,
c
x
y f , produces a stretch of factor c in the x c
direction.

Graph of a modulus function

The modulus of x, denoted by x , is defined by
x, x 0
x
x, x 0
The modulus function is given by y f ( x) where
y 0 . So the graph of y f ( x) is always above the
x-axis.
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y 3 f ( x)

y f (x)

1.5

0.5

-2

-1

-0.5

-1

-1.5

y f ( 2x )
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TOPIC: FUNCTIONS

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Composite functions
The composition of functions f and g, written as

f g x f g x

is defined for all x in the domain of g such that g ( x ) is

in the domain of f. f g means first g, then f. In this
case, the image g ( x ) becomes the object for f.
The composition of functions f and g, written as

g f x g f x

Reflecting the graph of y f (x )

Replacing y by y in the equation y f (x ) , i.e.,

y f ( x ) or y f (x) , produces a reflection
in the x-axis.
Replacing x by x in the equation y f (x ) , i.e.,
y f ( x ) , produces a reflection in the y-axis.
2

1.5

y ex

y ex

0.5

is defined for all x in the domain of f such that f ( x ) is in

the domain of g. g f means first f, then g. In this case,
the image f ( x ) becomes the object for g.
Discussion
If f : x 2 x 1 and g : x 3 x 1 ,
composite functions g f and f g .
Hence, show that g f f g .

find

the

The domain and the range of a composite function

For the function g f to be defined on x, f must be

-2

-1

y e

defined on x (i.e.,

-0.5

x Domain of f) and g must be

defined on f (x ) (i.e.,

-1

f (x) Domain of g).

-1.5

Discussion
1.

The diagram shows the graph of y f (x) .

4

(1, 2)
2

Therefore, the range of f g is y : y 0 .

Check: f g x x 2

-4

3-2

2
3

Let f ( x ) x , g ( x) x 2 and h f g .
What is the domain of h?
First of all, the domain of g is the set of real numbers,
and the range of g is also the set of real numbers. But
f is defined only for the set of non-negative real
numbers.
Therefore, f is defined only for g ( x ) 0 or x 2 ,
i.e., domain of h is x : x 2 .
f g ( x) 0 .
For x 2 , g ( x) 0 and

-1
6

-2

(1, 2)

-3
2

Sketch the graphs of

a. y f (x)

b.

y f ( x)

-4

-2

-1

10

12

-2

c.
e.
2.

y f ( x)

y f (x) 2

d.
f.

y 2 f ( x)

Sketch the following curves.

1
a. y 1
x 1
b. y x 2 3
c. y 1 sin x
d. y 1 x 1
e. y tan( x )
f.

y x 1 2 4

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1
f ( x)

-3

-4

-5

If f ( x ) x , g ( x) x 2 and h g f ,
what is the domain of h?
Now, the domain of f is the set of non-negative real
numbers and the range of f is also the set of nonnegative real numbers. Since the domain of g is the
set of real numbers, so

f (x) D , and therefore,

domain of h is x : x 0 .
For x 0 , f ( x ) 0

and

g f ( x ) 2 .

Therefore, the range of g f is y : y 2 .

Check: g f x x 2

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TOPIC: FUNCTIONS
6

-4

-2

0
2

-1

4
4

10

12

-2

-3

-4

Discussion

-5

f : x 2x 5 ,
g : x x 2 and
Given
that
1
5
h : x , where x R and x 0 or , find the
x
2
following composite functions: fg, fh, fhg, ff, h2.

1.

950/1, 954/1
1
That is, f 1 y 2 y 5 .
2
Thus, the inverse function of f is
1
f 1 : x x 5
2
Consider the function f : x x 2 , x R .
Let y f (x) , i.e., y x 2 .
So, we have x y or f 1 y y .
Note that the inverse is not a function. (Why?)
The inverse function of f does not exist because f is not
one-to-one. However, the inverse function of f exists if we
restrict the domain of f to x : x R, x 0 .
6

Given that f : x x 2 and g : x 3 x 2 , where

x R , find a, b and c such that
fg a 100
a.
b. gg b 55
fg c gf c
c.

for

2.

-5

1
x
4. Let
and g ( x)
. Find the
x2
x3
composite function fg x and determine its domain and
range.
Sketch the graph of y fg x .
Inverse functions
The inverse of a function f is denoted by the symbol f 1 .
If f : x y , then f 1 : y x . That is, if f x y ,
then x f

f is not one-to-one

for

The inverse function exists

Relationship between the graphs of

y f

y f (x) and

( x)

Consider the functions f ( x) x 2 , x R, x 0 and its

inverse f 1 ( x) x . Sketching the graphs of the two
functions on the same diagram shows that the graphs of
y f (x) and y f 1 ( x) are the reflections of each
other about the line y x .
2.5

yx

y f (x)

y f 1 ( x )

1.5

0.5

-1

Domain of f 1

*Notice that f 1 f x x and ff 1 x x .

Thus, if gf x fg x x , then g is the inverse
function of f and vice versa.
To find the inverse of f : x 2 x 5 , x R , we let
y f (x) and find x f 1 y .
Now, y f (x) implies that y 2 x 5 .

http://stpmmaths.webs.com

-1

1
y 5 .
2

-1

f 1

So, we have x

-2

f is one-to-one

Range of f 1

The inverse is not a function

-2

Range of f

10

-4

y .

Domain of f

-2

3. Given the function f : x 2 x 1 , find the function

g if
a. the composite function is fg : x 6 x 11 ;
1
, x 1
b the composite function is gf : x
x 1
.

f ( x)

y x

-0.5

Discussion
1.

Find the inverse function of f : x

x R and x 2 .

x2
, where
x2

State the domain and range of the inverse function.

2. Restrict the domain of the function f : x x 2 2 x
so that an inverse function exists and find an expression
for f 1 x .

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TOPIC: FUNCTIONS
State the domain and range of the inverse function.
Sketch the graphs of the function f and its inverse on
the same diagram showing clearly the relationship
between the two graphs.
3. Functions f and g are defined by f : x 4 x 5 ,
x R and g : x 3 2 x , x R . Find
f 1
a.
b. g 1
c.

gf

Remark: gf

d.
f

g 1 and

fg 1

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*Compare this graph with the graph of f : x a x where
0 a 1.
Notice that an exponential function is one-to-one. So the
inverse function exists.
Let y a x , so x log a y .
That

g 1 f

is,

the

inverse

function

f : x ax

of

is

: x log a x .

The function g : x log a x is known as a logarithmic

function, where x 0, and a 0 .

Exponential and logarithmic functions

An exponential function is given by
f : x ax

where x R, and a 0 .
Properties of an exponential function:
f ( x) 0 for all x R ( y 0 is an

asymptote).
When x 0 , f ( x) 1 .
For a 1 , as x , f (x) and as
x , f ( x) 0 .

Properties of a logarithmic function:

When x 1 , g ( x) 0 .
When x 0 , g is not defined ( x 0 is an
asymptote).
For x 1, g ( x) 0 . As x , g ( x ) .
For 0 x 1, g ( x) 0 . As x 0, g ( x) .
The graph of y log a x where a 1 is as follow.
2

The graph of y a x where a 1 is as follow.

1.5

3.5
0.5
3
-2

-1

2.5
-0.5
2
-1
1.5
-1.5
1
-2

0.5

-3

-2

-1

-0.5

exponential function f : x a x , where

x R, and a 0 ,
f ( x) 0 for all x R ( y 0 is an

asymptote).

When x 0 , f ( x) 1 .

For a 1 , as x , f ( x ) 0 and as
x , f (x) .

For

the

What is the inverse function of g : x log a x ?

Sketch the graphs of y e x and y ln x on the same
diagram, showing clearly the relationship between them.

The graph of y a x where a 1 is as follow.

4

3.5

2.5

1.5

0.5

-3

-2

-1

-0.5

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TOPIC: FUNCTIONS

950/1, 954/1
provided that f (x ) is arbitrarily close to L for all x
sufficiently close to, but not equal to, a.

Piecewise-defined function
A function which is defined differently on different
intervals in its domain is known as a piecewise-defined
function.

The function f is defined by

x 1, x 3
f x
x 5, x 3

f (fa(a
) )notL defined

lim f ( x) L
limx
f (ax) L

xa

yy

L
L2
L1

-5

f ( a ) L but

-2

x x

a a

10

f (a ) not defined

lim f ( x)

lim f ( x) does not exist

The function g is defined by

xa

x a

x 2, x 2

x2
g x 0,
x2 , x 2

One-sided limits:

lim f ( x) L1 means f (x) approaches L1 as

x a

x approaches a from the right;

10

as the right-hand limit.

lim f ( x) L2 means f (x) approaches L2 as

x a

x approaches a from the left;

4

as the left-hand limit.

lim f ( x) exists if
The limit x
a

-5

10

1.

xa

lim f ( x) and lim g ( x ) exist and c is a

If x
a
x a

x2

f x x 2

0,

f ( x) x x 3

constant, then:

The limit of f (x ) as x approaches a is the number L,

written as

lim c c

xa

lim f ( x) g ( x) lim f ( x) lim g ( x)

x a

xa

x a

lim

Limits of a function

lim f ( x) L

lim f ( x) lim f ( x) .

xa

f ( x) L .
If lim f ( x ) lim f ( x ) L , then xlim
a
xa
xa

Sketch the graphs of the following functions.

x

lim f ( x) is known

xa

Properties of limits:

Discussion

2.

lim f ( x) is known

xa

xa

xa

lim f ( x) g ( x) lim f ( x) lim g ( x)

xa

lim c f ( x) c lim f ( x)

xa

xa

x a

f ( x)
f ( x) xlim
g ( x) 0
a
if xlim
a
g ( x ) lim g ( x)
xa

xa

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15

TOPIC: FUNCTIONS

lim

xa

950/1, 954/1

f ( x) n lim f ( x )
xa

b.

f ( x) f ( a )
If f is a polynomial function, then xlim
a

x 2 1, x 1

f ( x)
0,
x 1
x 3, x 1

Discussion
1.

b.
c.
2.

4x 2 5

The function f is defined by

3 x. 0 x 3

x3
f ( x) x 3,
1,
otherwise

2x 2 1

a.

Find the limits of the following function.

x2
a. lim 2
x2 x 4

lim

lim x e

Find

lim f ( x ) and lim f ( x) , and hence

x 3

x 3

lim f ( x) if it exists.
x3

Sketch the graph of

x 1,
f ( x)
x 1,

b. Determine whether f is continuous at x = 3.

Justify your answer.
c. Sketch the graph of f.

x0
x0

5.

lim f ( x) if it exists.
and find x
0
3.

4.

Sketch the graph of

x 2 1,

f ( x)
0,
x 3,

x 1

The function f is defined by

x0
2 x 2 1,
f ( x)
.
x 3,
x0
a.

x 1

Find

lim f ( x) and lim f ( x) , and hence

x 0

x0

determine if f is continuous at x = 0.
b. Sketch the graph of the function f.

x 1

f ( x ) if it exists.
and find xlim
1
Continuous functions
A function f is continuous at a if and only if
1.
2.

f is defined at a; and

lim f ( x) f (a )

x a

Remarks:
A continuous function has no breaks in its
graph.
A rational function is discontinuous at points
where the denominator is 0.
A polynomial function is continuous at every
point.
Discussion
1.

Determine if f ( x ) x is continuous at x = 0 .

2.

Function f is defined by

sin x,
f ( x)
1,

0 x 12
x 12

Determine if f is continuous at

x 12

3. Find the points of discontinuity for the following

functions and give a reason for your answer.
a.

f ( x)

1
x

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TOPIC: FUNCTIONS

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