Unit 5: Functions
(For the purpose of this course, we use the term function in the mathematically loose sense.)
When we write f(x), we mean that f is a function of the variable x. In other words, f is a function
whose value depends on the value allocated to x.
Examples
1. For the function f ( x ) = 3 x + 7 , the value of f is 13 when x is allocated the value 2
. If we make the value of x to be 10, then the value of f will be 37.
2. For the function f ( x) = x − 2 x + 4 , the value of f is 4 when x is allocated the
2
value 0. If we make the value of x to be 5, then the value of f will be 19.
We can regard the function f ( x ) as an assignment between the values of x and those of f .
The domain of f is the set of all numbers that f can act on. The results of the actions are in the
codomain. Let it be noted that there can be some numbers in the codomain that are not as a
result of the action of f.
However, if every number in the codomain is as a result of the action of f, then the codomain
becomes known as the range of f.
• One-to-one and onto (horizontal line test)
A function is called one-to-one if it assigns only one number in the codomain to only one
number in the domain. One of the ways of testing whether a function is one-to-one is horizontal
line test.
f ( x) = x 2 + 3 s not one-to-one.
f ( x) = e x is one-to-one.
To mathematically test whether a function is one-to-one, set f ( a ) = f (b) . Then simplify to see
if a has to be equal to b .
Task
Which of the following functions are one-to-one?
1. f ( x) = 2 x − 6
2. f ( x) = x3 + 2 x − 1
3. f ( x) = x 2 − 3x − 6
4. f ( x) = e 2 x +3
f ( x) = e x
2
5.
A function is called onto if every number in the codomain has a pre-image in the domain. In this
case, the codomain is the same as the range of the function.
Task
Which of the following functions is onto?
1. f : R → R + such that f ( x) = 2 x − 6
2. f : R + → R + such that f ( x) = 2 x − 6
3. f : R + → R + such that f ( x) = 2 x + 6
4. f : R → R such that f ( x) = 2 x 2 − 6
5. f : R → R + such that f ( x) = 2 x 2 − 6
• Composition of functions
Imagine a situation where a system can optimally respond to drug g only if the system is in a
certain state; and to put the system in that state of readiness, drug f has to be administered.
The combined effect of the drugs can be discussed mathematically as composition of
functions.
If f : A → B and g : B → C , then the composition of f and g is the function gof that maps
A to C . The composition ( gof )( x ) is determined as g ( f ( x)) .
Task
1. Given that f ( x ) = 2 x + 3 and g ( x) = x − 5 , determine the compositions:
2
1.1 ( gof )( x )
1.2 ( fog )( x )
− x +3
2. Given that f ( x) = e and g ( x) = 2 ln x , determine the compositions:
2.1 ( gof )( x )
2.2 ( fog )( x )
• Inverse of functions
Consider a situation where a drug has to be administered to undo the effect of a previous drug.
This is common in treating patients who ingested poison.
If f : A → B , then the function that undoes what f did is referred to as the inverse of f . This
−1 −1
inverse is denoted as f . Thus f : B → A .
Task
1. Find the inverse of f ( x )
1.1 f ( x) = 5 x − 1
5x − 3
1.2 f ( x) =
2
x +5
1.3 f ( x) = e
3x + 5
2. If f ( x) = , calculate
2
2.1 f −1 (3)
−1
2.2 the value of x f ( x) = 8
• Piecewise defined functions
A function may be defined differently within a given domain.
In the figure above, f ( x ) is a straight line with a negative gradient between a and b; it is a
straight line with zero gradient between b and c; and it is a parabola between c and d. Thus, the
function is defined piecewise in the interval (a , d).
Task
x + 2 x, 0 x3
2
1. Let f ( x ) = {x +12 3 x6 . Determine
1.1 f (2)
1.2 f (3)
1.3 f (5)
2.
• Intro to logarithmic and exponential functions
• Limit of a function (definition, left and right limits, infinite and improper limits)
