Functions and

Functions and Graphs

Graphs Cheat
Cheat Sheet
Sheet Pure Year 2
What really is a function? Combining Transformations
Before we can properly define a function, we must first understand mappings. You may also be asked to sketch transformations of modulus functions. You can apply the graph transformation techniques you learnt in
The modulus operator Chapter 4, Pure Year 1 to these problems. Recall that:
A mapping takes a set of numbers and transforms them into another set of numbers. Mappings are often represented by algebraic The modulus of any number k, denoted as |k|, is simply its non-negative value. For example, |−3| = 3 and also |3| = 3. The modulus is
equations. For example, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 is a mapping that takes every real number and maps them to their respective squares. sometimes called the absolute value. ▪ The transformation 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑎 is a translation of 𝑓(𝑥) by ‘a’ units in the positive y-direction.
▪ The transformation 𝑓(𝑥 + 𝑎) is a translation of 𝑓(𝑥) by ‘a’ units in the negative x-direction.
There are three different types of mappings you need to be well-acquainted with: ▪ The transformation 𝑎𝑓(𝑥) is a stretch of 𝑓(𝑥) by scale factor a in the y-direction.
Modulus functions ▪
1
The transformation 𝑓(𝑎𝑥) is a stretch of 𝑓(𝑥) by scale factor 𝑎 in the x-direction.
There are two types of modulus functions you will encounter. The first is functions of the form 𝑦 = |𝑓(𝑥)|, and the second is functions of
▪ The transformation −𝑓(𝑥) is a reflection of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) In the x-axis.
Mapping type One-to-one Many-to-one One-to-many the form 𝑦 = 𝑓(|𝑥|). Let’s discuss each of these, starting with the former.
▪ The transformation 𝑓(−𝑥) is a reflection of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) in the y-axis.
Description Each input has a unique Each input has just one There exist inputs that are 𝑦 = |𝑓(𝑥)| e.g 𝑦 = |5𝑥 − 4|
Let’s look at how we can apply the above rules to a question involving a modulus function.
output. associated output, but there are mapped to more than one With functions of this form, we can see that the modulus is placed around the entire function. This means that the function will never
some inputs that are mapped to output. output a negative number. Graphically, this means that the function will always be above (or on) the x-axis.
the same output. Example 4: Given that 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥, −180° ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 180°,
𝑦 = 𝑓(|𝑥|) e.g 𝑦 = sin |𝑥| sketch the graphs of:
1
(i) |𝑓(−𝑥)|, (ii) 2𝑓(|𝑥|) + 4
Example 2
Here, the modulus is applied to the inputs of the function, rather than the outputs. This means that for any number a, we have that 𝑓(𝑎) =
𝑓(−𝑎). Graphically, this means that the function is symmetric about the y-axis.
(𝑖) ½|𝑓(−𝑥)| (𝑖𝑖) 2𝑓(|𝑥|) + 4
The above interpretations lead us onto the following algorithms for sketching modulus functions of each form:
Step Corresponding graph Step Corresponding graph
𝑦=𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑥2 − 4 𝑦 = 𝑥2 − 4 𝑦2 = 𝑥 2 We start by sketching We start by sketching
𝑦=𝑥 𝑦2 = 𝑥2 [A] 𝑦 = |𝑓(𝑥)|
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑥)
1) Start by sketching the graph 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).
2) Take the section of the graph below the x-axis and reflect it in the x-axis.

• Functions are mappings that are one-to-one or many-to-one. One-to-many mappings are not functions!
[B] 𝑦 = 𝑓(|𝑥|) Now sketching 𝑓(−𝑥) Now we sketch 𝑓(|𝑥|) by
(reflect the graph in the reflecting the graph of
Function notation 1) Start by sketching the function for 𝑥 ≥ 0. y-axis). 𝑓(𝑥) for 𝑥 ≥ 0 in the
You need to understand what is meant by the domain and range of a function: 2) Reflect this in the y-axis. y-axis.

▪ The domain of a function is the set of all possible inputs (i.e. the set of x-values the function takes)
▪ The range of a function is the set of all possible outputs (i.e. the set of y-values the function takes) Example 2: Given that 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 8, sketch: (𝑖) |𝑓(𝑥)|, (𝑖𝑖) 𝑓(|𝑥|) Applying the modulus Stretching the graph by a
function now to sketch scale factor of 2 in the
There are two main types of notation you will see for denoting functions: | 𝑓(𝑥)|. The portion of y-direction to achieve
(𝑖) |𝑓(𝑥)| (𝑖𝑖) 𝑓(|𝑥|)
the graph below the x- 2 𝑓(|𝑥|).
▪ 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥, {𝒙 ∈ ℝ, 𝒙 ≥ 𝟎} axis is reflected in the x-
Step Corresponding graph Step Corresponding graph
▪ 𝑓: 𝑥 ⟼ √𝑥, {𝒙 ∈ ℝ, 𝒙 ≥ 𝟎} axis.
We start by sketching Start by sketching Stretching our graph by a Finally, we translate our
These notations are equivalent for one-to-one or many-to-one functions. The “ ⟼ " symbol means that each element in the 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 8. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 8 for 𝑥 ≥ 0. scale factor of ½ to attain graph up by 4 units giving
domain is mapped to just one element in the range. The bold text represents the domain of the function. the graph of ½|𝑓(−𝑥)| us the graph of
2𝑓(|𝑥|) + 4.

Composition of functions
We can combine two or more functions to make a new function. This new function is called a composite function.

Let’s take two functions, 𝑔(𝑥) and 𝑓(𝑥). If we wish to combine them, there are two ways we can do this: Next, we reflect the Now reflect the graph in
portion of the graph below the y-axis.
▪ 𝑓𝑔(𝑥) we interpret this as applying 𝑔(𝑥) first, then 𝑓(𝑥). the x-axis in the x-axis.
Solving modulus equations
▪ 𝑔𝑓(𝑥) we interpret this as applying 𝑓(𝑥) first, then 𝑔(𝑥).
You can also be expected to be able to solve equations involving modulus and non-modulus functions. It is best to first sketch the functions
within your equation so that you can figure out graphically where the solutions are located, and then use your knowledge of modulus functions
It is important to realise that 𝑔𝑓(𝑥) ≠ 𝑓𝑔(𝑥) in general.
to completely solve the equation.
When composing functions, it is helpful to interpret 𝑓𝑔(𝑥) as 𝑓[𝑔(𝑥)]. This means that we must replace the inputs of 𝑓(𝑥) with
𝑔(𝑥), to get 𝑓𝑔(𝑥) . Example 5: Given that 𝑎 and 𝑏 are constants, and that 0 < 𝑎 < 𝑏,

Below is an example of how we do this in practice. 1

Inverse functions Solve, for 𝑥, the equation |2𝑥 + 𝑎| − 𝑏 = 𝑥
3
−1
The inverse of a function 𝑓(𝑥), denoted by 𝑓 (𝑥), is another function that “reverses” 𝑓(𝑥). It maps elements in the range of
1 𝑦 = |2𝑥 + 𝑎| − 𝑏
𝑓(𝑥) back into the domain of 𝑓(𝑥). This is why inverse functions are only defined for one-to-one functions. We start by sketching |2𝑥 + 𝑎| − 𝑏 and 𝑦 = 3 𝑥 on the same axes. Use your
Example 1: Given that 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 2 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 2, find an expression for:
(i) 𝑓𝑔(𝑥) knowledge of combinations of transformations and modulus functions to do
Here are four key points regarding inverse functions that follow from our above definition: this. 1
(ii) 𝑔𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦= 𝑥
3
▪ An inverse function is simply the original function reflected in the line 𝑦 = 𝑥. We look at our sketch and identify the points
1
− (𝑎 + 𝑏)
[1]
(i) 𝑓𝑔(𝑥) is found by replacing all the 𝑥 terms in 𝑓𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓[𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑓(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 2) 2
▪ For any function 𝑓(𝑥) and its inverse 𝑓 −1 (𝑥), we have that 𝑓𝑓 −1(𝑥) = 𝑓 −1𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥. of intersection (labelled [1] and [2]). These are the points 1
𝑓(𝑥) with 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 2 (𝑏 − 𝑎)
▪ The domain of 𝑓(𝑥) is the range of 𝑓 −1(𝑥). we want to find. 2
[1]
Doing so: 𝑓(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 2) = 3(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 2) − 2 [2]
▪ The domain of 𝑓 −1(𝑥) is the range of 𝑓(𝑥).
Simplifying gives: 𝑓(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 2) = 3𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 − 6 𝑎 −𝑏
The final answer is: so 𝑓𝑔(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 − 6 You need to know how to find the inverse of a given function, 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). The procedure can be summarised in 3 steps:
(ii) 𝑔𝑓(𝑥) is found by replacing all the 𝑥 terms in 𝑔𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔[𝑓(𝑥)] = 𝑔(3𝑥 − 2)
Point [1] is an intersection of the non-reflected portion 1
𝑔(𝑥) with 3𝑥 − 2 [1] Interchange the 𝑥 and 𝑦 variables in your function. 1 2𝑥 − 𝑥 = 𝑏 − 𝑎
of |2𝑥 + 𝑎| − 𝑏 with 𝑥. Therefore, if we wish to find this 3
Doing so: 𝑔(3𝑥 − 2) = (3𝑥 − 2)2 + 4(3𝑥 − 2) − 2 3 5
1
Simplifying gives: 𝑔(3𝑥 − 2) = 9𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 4 + 12𝑥 − 8 − 2 = 9𝑥 2 − 4 [2] Rearrange your equation to make 𝑦 the subject again. point, we need to solve 2𝑥 + 𝑎 − 𝑏 = 3 𝑥. ∴ 𝑥 =𝑏−𝑎
3
The final answer is: 𝑠𝑜 𝑔𝑓(𝑥) = 9𝑥 2 − 4 𝟑
so 𝒙 = 𝟓 (𝒃 − 𝒂) [1]
[3] This new function you have found is the inverse.
Point [2] is an intersection of the reflected portion of |2𝑥 + 𝑎| − 𝑏 1
1 −2𝑥 − 𝑎 − 𝑏 = 𝑥
with 3 𝑥. Therefore, to find [2], we must solve the equation −(2𝑥 + 𝑎) − 3
Example 3: Find the inverse of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 8 {𝑥 ∈ ℝ, 𝑥 ≥ 2}, stating its range. 7 𝟑
It is clear from this example that 𝑔𝑓(𝑥) ≠ 𝑓𝑔(𝑥). 𝑏 = 3𝑥
1 − 𝑥 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 ∴ 𝒙 = − (𝒂 + 𝒃) [2]
3 𝟕
[1] We have 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 8, so interchanging 𝑥 and 𝑦: 𝑥 = 𝑦3 − 8
[2] Rearranging to make y the subject 3
𝑦 = √𝑥 + 8
[3] This function is our inverse. 3
𝑓 −1(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 8
The range will be the same as the domain of the original function Range: 𝑦 ≥ 2 This process can be applied to any question where you need to solve an equation involving modulus functions. It is crucial you are able to sketch
the graphs correctly. If you have a graphical calculator then you should always use it to check that your sketch is correct.

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