FUNCTIONS AND THEIR GRAPHS

1. FUNCTIONS

1.1 Functions as Mathematical Models

In practical applications, the value of a quantity depends on the value of another.

Particularly, a student’s allowances depends on the number of school days, the jeepney fare
depends ‘on the distance traveled by the jeepney and so forth. The relationship between these
mathematically quantities are often described by a function.

Definition: Function, Domain, Range

A function is a relation from a set 𝑋 to a set 𝑌, where the number 𝑦 from set 𝑌 is unique for a
specific value of 𝑥 in set 𝑋. We call 𝑋 the domain of the function and 𝑌. Usually, the domain and
range of a function is the set of real numbers.

Functions are used to represent real life situations. The function is a mathematical model
that represents the situation.

Examples:

1. A student receives Php 200 allowance for each school day. It is estimated that if there are
𝑥 number of school days in a month, the amount of expenses of the student is 300 +
160𝑥. Express the savings of the student as a function of 𝑥 in a month.

Solution:
The savings of the student is obtained by subtracting the expenses from the allowance.
Since 𝑥 represents the number of school days, the allowance can be represented as
𝐴(𝑥) = 200𝑥 pesos and the expenses as 𝐸(𝑥) = 300 + 160𝑥 pesos. If 𝑆(𝑥) is the
function for savings, then
𝑆(𝑥) = 𝐴(𝑥) − 𝐸(𝑥)
𝑆(𝑥) = 200𝑥 − (300 + 160𝑥)
𝑆(𝑥) = 40𝑥 − 300

2. The rule of rounding off numbers can also be described using a function. Zero or one may
be added to the number on the place value which is being rounded off. Zero is added
when the value on the right of the number being rounded off is 0 to 4 and one when the
 value on the right is 5 to 9. This function is called a step function or a piece-wise function
and can be written as
0 𝑖𝑓 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 4
𝑦(𝑥) = {
1 𝑖𝑓 5 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 9

Activity

1. A carpenter can construct tables at a cost of Php 500 each. If the carpenter sells that table
for 𝑥 pesos each, it is estimated that he can sell 3000 − 2𝑥 units in a year.
a. Express the carpenter’s yearly profit as a function of 𝑥.
b. How much will his yearly profit be if he will sell each table for Php 1000?
2. A cookie can be produced at a cost of 5 pesos each. If you can sell each at 𝑥 pesos, then
the number of cookies you can sell is 45 − 𝑥 cookies in a day.
a. Express your daily profit as a function of 𝑥.
b. How much will your daily profit be if you sell the cookies at 8 pesos each?
3. You would want to make an open box out of an 8 inches by 13 inches cardboard by cutting
equal squares from the corner and turning up the sides. Let 𝑥 inches be the length of the
square which will be cut out. Express the volume of the open box as a function of 𝑥.
4. A rectangular piece of land is to be enclosed with a 520 meter fence. If the length of the
land is 𝑥 meters, express the area of the land as a function of 𝑥.
5. A rectangular garden beside a river has been fenced off with a 300 meters of fencing
material. The river serves as a natural boundary and the fencing material was used for the
three sides. If 𝑥 meters be the length of the garden parallel to the river, express the area
of the garden as a function of 𝑥.

1.2 Function Evaluation

If 𝑓 is a function where 𝑥 comes from the domain and 𝑦 from the range, then 𝑓(𝑥) (read
as “𝑓 of 𝑥”) is the value of 𝑦 which corresponds to 𝑥.

Examples:

1. In example 1 of Section 1.1, 𝑆(𝑥) = 40𝑥 − 300 is a function of savings depending on the
number of school days 𝑥. If there are 23 school days in a month, then 𝑆(23) = 40(23) −
300 = 620. Thus, Php 620 is the amount saved by the student if there are 23 school days
in a month.
 2. Given a function ℎ defined by ℎ(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 4. Find the following
a. ℎ(0)
b. ℎ(2)
c. ℎ(2𝑥)
d. ℎ(𝑎 + 𝑏)

Solutions:
a. ℎ(0) = 3 ∙ 02 − 2 ∙ 0 + 4 = 4
b. ℎ(2) = 3 ∙ 22 − 2 ∙ 2 + 4 = 12
c. ℎ(2𝑥) = 3 ∙ (2𝑥)2 − 2 ∙ 2𝑥 + 4 = 12𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4
d. ℎ(𝑎 + 𝑏) = 3 ∙ (𝑎 + 𝑏)2 − 2(𝑎 + 𝑏) + 4 = 3𝑎2 + 6𝑎𝑏 + 3𝑏 2 − 2𝑎 − 2𝑏 + 4

Activity

1. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3. Evaluate the following:

a. 𝑓(0)
b. 𝑓(−2)
c. 𝑓(5𝑥)
d. 𝑓(𝑎 + 𝑏)
1
e. 𝑓(𝑎) + 𝑓 (2)
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
f. ,ℎ ≠ 0
ℎ
2. Given 𝑔(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 5. Evaluate
a. 𝑔(4)
b. 𝑔(𝑥 3 )
c. 𝑔(3𝑥 2 + 5)
d. 𝑔(𝑥) + 𝑔(ℎ)
e. 𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑔(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑔(𝑥)
f. ,ℎ ≠ 0
ℎ

Enrichment
For some online activities, refer to the following websites.
1. A game which be played by a student or a pair of students in evaluating a function.
www.quia.com/cb/62632.html
2. A board game which can be played by students. The instructions are found on the
following website. Download the content and print.
jonoaks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Function-Game.pdf
1.3 Operations on Functions

Definition: Sum, Difference, Product, Quotient and Composition of Functions

Consider two functions 𝑓 and 𝑔.
a. The sum, denoted by 𝑓 + 𝑔, is a function defined by (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥).
b. The difference, denoted by 𝑓 − 𝑔, is a function defined by (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥).
c. The product, denoted by 𝑓𝑔, is a function defined by (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥).
𝑓 𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
d. The quotient, denoted by 𝑔, is a function defined by (𝑔) (𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥), where 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0 for
all values of 𝑥.
e. The composition, denoted by 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔, is a function defined by (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)).

Examples:

Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 and

𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6 and
ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2
Find:
1. (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥)
2. (𝑔 − ℎ)(𝑥)
3. (ℎ. 𝑔)(𝑥)
𝑔
4. ( ⁄ℎ)(𝑥)
5. (𝑓 ∘ ℎ)(𝑥)
6. (ℎ ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)

Solution:
1. (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)
= (3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1) + (𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6)
= 4𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 7
2. (𝑔 − ℎ)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) − ℎ(𝑥)
= (𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6) − (𝑥 + 2)
= 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4
3. (ℎ. 𝑔)(𝑥) = ℎ(𝑥). 𝑔(𝑥)
= (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6)
= 𝑥 3 + 7𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 + 12
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥)
4. ( ⁄ℎ)(𝑥) = ⁄
ℎ(𝑥)
𝑥 2 +5𝑥+6
= 𝑥+2
=𝑥+3
 5. (𝑓 ∘ ℎ)(𝑥) = 𝑓(ℎ(𝑥))
= 𝑓(𝑥 + 2)
= 3(𝑥 + 2)2 − 2(𝑥 + 2) + 1
= 3(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4) − 2(𝑥 + 2) + 1
= 3𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 12 − 2𝑥 − 4 + 1
= 3𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 + 9
6. (ℎ ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = ℎ(𝑔(𝑥))
= ℎ(𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6)
= (𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 = 6) + 2
= 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 8

Activity

Given functions 𝑓 and 𝑔. Find the following

a. (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥)
b. (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥)
c. (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥)
d. (𝑓/𝑔)(𝑥)
e. (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)
f. (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥)
g. (𝑓 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥)
h. (𝑔 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 5 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 25

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 7 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 2
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 18 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 25
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 5 − 2𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 6 − 𝑥
3𝑥+5
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 5 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2

Enrichment
For some online activities, refer to the following websites
1. Interactive practice activity on operations on functions.
www.ck12.org/algebra/Operations-on-Functions/
3. INVERSE FUNCTIONS

3.1 Inverse of a Function

We are already familiar with inverse equations. Addition and subtraction are inverse
operations. The other operation “undoes” the other. For example, when 5 is added to 9, the sum
is 14, then if 5 is subtracted from 14, the difference goes back to 9. We may also see this in
functions.

Examples:

Consider the composition of each pair of function.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 5 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 5
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥⁄3
3
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥

Solution:
1. (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))
= 𝑓(𝑥 − 5) = (𝑥 − 5) + 5 = 𝑥
(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥))
= 𝑔(𝑥 + 5) = (𝑥 + 5) − 5 = 𝑥
2. (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))
= 𝑓(𝑥⁄3) = 3(𝑥⁄3) = 𝑥
(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥))
= 𝑔(3𝑥) = 3𝑥⁄3 = 𝑥
3. (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))
3 3 3
= 𝑓( √𝑥) = ( √𝑥) = 𝑥
(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥))
3
= 𝑔(𝑥 3 ) = √𝑥 3 = 𝑥

For each pair of functions we can see that (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑥 for all values of 𝑥.
These pairs of functions are called inverse functions. Moreover, the other function is called the
inverse of the other.

To deeply understand how inverse function works, take 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥⁄2 for
example. Take 𝑥 = 3, apply 𝑓(𝑥) for 𝑥 = 3, we have 𝑓(3) = 2(3) = 6. Applying 𝑔(𝑥) to the
obtained values, we have 𝑔(6) = 6⁄2 = 3, the value goes back to the original value of 𝑥. Actually
for any 𝑥, there will be a distinct value of 𝑓(𝑥), similarly for each 𝑓(𝑥), there will be a distinct
value for 𝑥.
However, not all functions have an inverse. Take for example, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 , if we consider
𝑥 = 2 , 𝑓(2) = (2)2 = 4. But, at the same time, if 𝑥 = −2, 𝑓(−2) = (−2)2 = 4. Thus, if 𝑓(𝑥) =
4 and an inverse of this function exists, then the function will not be able to identify to which
value it must return to, whether it will be 2 or −2.
So when does a function have an inverse? A function has an inverse if and only if it is one
to one.

Definition: One-to-one Function

A function is said to be one-to-one if for any 2 distinct values, say 𝑥 & 𝑦 in the domain of the
function, 𝑓(𝑥) & 𝑓(𝑦) are also distinct, that is, 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ 𝑓(𝑦).

Examples:

Determine if the function are one-to-one.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 5
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2

Solution:
By the definition of one-to-one functions, if 𝑥 ≠ 𝑦, then 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ 𝑓(𝑦) or getting it’s
contrapositive, if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑦), then 𝑥 = 𝑦. Thus, if we assume that 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑦), then we
must show that 𝑥 = 𝑦 for us to conclude that the function is one-to-one.
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 5
Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑦)
2𝑥 − 5 = 2𝑦 − 5
2𝑥 − 2𝑦
𝑥=𝑦
Therefore, the function is one-to-one.

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2
Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑦)
𝑥2 = 𝑦2
𝑥2 − 𝑦2 = 0
(𝑥 − 𝑦)(𝑥 + 𝑦) = 0
(𝑥 − 𝑦) = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 0
𝑥 = 𝑦 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −𝑦
 Thus, there will be an instance that 𝑥 ≠ 𝑦 and that is, 𝑥 = −𝑦. Therefore, the function
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 is not one-to-one.

We can also see that a function is one-to-one by the horizontal line test. From the graph
of the function, if we draw any horizontal line then it intersects the graph of the function at most
one point.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 5

If a horizontal line is drawn anywhere on the Cartesian plane, then it will intersect the
graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 5 at exactly one point. Indeed by the horizontal line test, the
function is one-to-one.

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2

As seen in the figure above, there is a horizontal line, when drawn, will intersect the
graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 at exactly two points. Thus, using the horizontal line
test, the function is not one-to-one.
Now, if the function is one-to-one, then it must have an inverse.

Definition: Inverse of a Function

If 𝑓 is a one-to-one function then there is a function, 𝑓 −1 , called the inverse of function 𝑓 defined
by 𝑥 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑦) if and only if 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), where 𝑥 is from the domain of 𝑓 and 𝑦 from the range of
𝑓. The domain of 𝑓 −1 is the range of 𝑓 and the range of 𝑓 −1 is the domain of 𝑓.
It can be seen that 𝑓(𝑓 −1 (𝑥)) = 𝑥 and 𝑓 −1 (𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑥. Thus, 𝑓 −1 is the inverse of 𝑓 and 𝑓 is
the inverse of 𝑓 −1 .

Activity

In the following exercises,

a. Draw a sketch of the graph of 𝑓 and use the horizontal line test to prove that 𝑓 is one-to-
one.
b. Verify 𝑓(𝑓 −1 (𝑥)) = 𝑥 and 𝑓 −1 (𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑥

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 − 2𝑥
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 3
1
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 3)3
𝑥+2
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1

3.2 Finding the inverse of a function

A crucial part in the definition of an inverse of a function is that it has to be one-to-one.

This requirement is necessary so that for each 𝑦, 𝑓 −1 (𝑦) is unique. For each one-to-one function,
one must be able to get the inverse of the function. It is certain that the inverse function exists.
To compute for the inverse function of 𝑓(𝑥), replace 𝑓(𝑥) with 𝑦. Interchange the variables 𝑥
and 𝑦. Then, solve for 𝑦. Now, replace 𝑦 with 𝑓 −1 (𝑥).
Example:

Find the inverse of the following.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 5
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 4
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3
Solution:
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 5
𝑦 =𝑥+5
𝑥 =𝑦+5
𝑥−5=𝑦
𝑦 =𝑥−5
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 − 5

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 4
𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 4
𝑥 = 3𝑦 − 4
𝑥 + 4 = 3𝑦
𝑥+4
=𝑦
3
𝑥+4
𝑦= 3
𝑥+4
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 3

3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3
𝑦 = 𝑥3
𝑥 = 𝑦3
3 3
√𝑥 = √𝑦 3
3
√𝑥 = 𝑦
3
𝑦 = √𝑥
3
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = √𝑥
Activity

In the following functions,

a. Find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥)
b. Verify 𝑓(𝑓 −1 (𝑥)) = 𝑥 and 𝑓 −1 (𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑥

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 − 2𝑥
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 3
1
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 3)3
𝑥+2
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1

3.3 Graph of the Inverse Function

If the graph of the function and its inverse are drawn on a Cartesian plane, how are they
related?

Examples:

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 5 and 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 − 5

 𝑥+4
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 4 and 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 3

3
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 and 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = √𝑥

From the above examples, if the inverse of the function exists, then the graph of the inverse
function is a reflection of the graph of the function with respect to the line 𝑦 = 𝑥.
Activity

In the following functions,

a. Sketch the graph of 𝑓 and use the horizontal line test to prove that 𝑓 is one-to-one.
b. Find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥)
c. Verify 𝑓(𝑓 −1 (𝑥)) = 𝑥 and 𝑓 −1 (𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑥
d. Draw sketches of the graphs of 𝑓 and 𝑓 −1 on the same plane.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 7𝑥 − 5
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 + 1
2
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = − 𝑥+1
𝑥−3
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+2

Enrichment
For additional concepts on the inverse of functions, refer to the following websites,
1. www.onlinemathlearning.com/inverse-functions-algebra.html