Functions

A function is a rule that relates how one quantity

depends on other quantities.
In everyday life, many quantities depend on
one or more changing variables:
Can you think of any examples?
How functions look as
formulas,
V = IR where

V = voltage (V)
where
I = current (A)
s = speed (m / s)
R = resistance (Ω)
d = distance (m)
If I increases, so does the t = time taken (s)
voltage (assuming resistance
If d increases, the speed goes up (assuming
is constant).
time is constant).
If R increases, so does the If t increases, the speed goes down
voltage (assuming current is (assuming distance is constant).
constant).
More on function definitions...
Whenever a relationship exists between two variables (or
quantities) such that for every value of the first, there is
only one corresponding value of the second, then we say:
•
"The second variable is a function of the first variable."
•
The first variable is the independent variable (usually x),
and the second variable is the dependent variable (usually
y).
•
The independent variable and the dependent variable are
real numbers.
 Function Machine

Domain Range
---> <---

^ ^
I I
Independent Dependent
Function Notation
We normally write functions as: f(x) and read this as
"function f of x".
•
We can use other letters for functions. Common ones are
g(x) and h(x). But there are also ones like P(t) which could
indicate power at time t.
•
Example:
•
If h(x) = dx3 + 5x then value of h(x) for x = 10 is:
•
h(10) = d(10)3 + 5(10)
•
= 1000d + 50
Examples:
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problems tonight....

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Functions from Verbal Statements

Functions & Graphs
Graphs give us a visual picture of the function.
•
There are several different ways to graph a function, but the most common way is to use
the rectangular co-ordinate system. This consists of:
•
The x-axis; The y-axis;
•
The origin (0,0); and The four quadrants, normally labelled I, II, III, IV
•
Normally, the values of the independent variable (generally the x-values) are placed on
the horizontal axis, while the values of the dependent variable (generally the y-values) are
placed on the vertical axis.
•
The x-value, called the abscissa, is the perpendicular distance of P from the y-axis.
•
The y-value, called the ordinate, is the perpendicular distance of P from the x-axis.
•
The values of x and y together, written as (x, y) are called the co-ordinates of the point P.
Homework Example Problems
The Family of Functions...Graphs
Since there is no limit to the possible number of points for the graph of the function, we will follow this procedure at first: -
select a few values of x - obtain the corresponding values of the function - plot these points by joining them with a smooth curve

However, you are encouraged to learn the general shapes of certain common curves - it's much easier than plotting points and
more useful for later!

Allometric(rarely used)