Topic 4: The Language of Relations and Functions

We are now ready to discuss the concepts of relations and functions.

On a digital clock, 10:12 and 12:10 represent different times. The order in which he numbers are
listed is important. This presentation deals with pair of elements from two groups or sets and
their relations between them. Practically in every day of our lives, we pair members from two
groups of objects or numbers.
For example, we say two people are related by blood if they share a common ancestor and that
they are related by marriage. We also speak of a relationship between student and teacher, and
between people who work for the same employer. Each hour of the day is pair with the local
temperature reading by TV station’s weatherman, and a teacher often pairs each set of score with
the number of students receiving that score to see more clearly how well the students understood
the lesson. Similarly, the objects of mathematics may be related in various ways. Finally we shall
learn about Cartesian products, relations and special relations called functions.

Learning Objectives

Upon the completion of this topic, you are expected to:

a. determine if a given relation/mapping is a function or relation;
b. determine the domain and range of a function defined; and
c. perform operations on functions.

Presentation of Content

Definition of Relation

A relation R from a non-empty set A to a non-empty set B is a subset of the Cartesian product set
𝑨 × 𝑩. The subset is derived by describing a relationship between the first element and the second
element of the ordered pairs in 𝑨 × 𝑩.

A relation is a set of ordered pairs such that the set of all first coordinates of the ordered pairs in
a Relation R is called the Domain of the relation R and the set of all the second coordinates of
the ordered pairs called images is called the Range of R.
A relation maybe expressed as a statement, arrow diagram, table, equation, set-builder notation
and graph.
Example: Relation
1
a. The set R= {(1, 2), (2, 4), (3, 6), (4, 8), (5, 10)} is a relation, expressed
in set-builder notation where the domain of
 1
R ={1, 2, 3, 4, 5} and the range of R={2, 4, 6, 8, 10}.

b. The set R is expressed using arrow diagram or mapping. This mapping

1
represents the relation R= {(1, 2), (2, 4), (3, 6), (4, 8), (5, 10)}.

R
1 2

1 4
2
6
3
8

1
c. Table form of the set R= {(1, 2), (2, 4), (3, 6), (4, 8), (5, 10)}.
A B
1 2
1 4
2
3 6
4 8
5 10

1
d. The set R= {(1, 2), (2, 4), (3, 6), (4, 8), (5, 10)} is expressed using
graph. The first number is called the x-coordinate or abscissa. The
second number is called the y-coordinate or coordinate. The graph
of an ordered pair (x,y) is a point on the coordinate plane. The numbers
in an ordered pair are called the coordinates of the point they locate.

Example: Graph (3,6) and (6,3).

 Since (3,6) means x=3 and y=6, locate by
going 3 units to the right, then 6 units up.
Since (6,3) means x-6 and y-3, locate by
going 6 units to the right, then 3 units up.

Example 23: Relation

Let A = {2, 4} and B = {2, 4, 6} and define a relation R for A to B as follows:
Given any (x, y) element𝐴 × 𝐵, (x, y) ∈R means that x + y is an integer.
a. State explicitly which ordered pairs are in 𝐴 × 𝐵 and which are in R.
b. Is (2,4) ∈ 𝑅?
c. Is (4,4) ∈ 𝑅?
d. Is (4,6) ∈ 𝑅?
e. What are the domain and co-domain of R?
Solution:
a. R={(2,2), (2,4), (2,6), (4,2), (4,4)(4,6)}
b. Yes
c. Yes
d. Yes
e. Domain of R ={2, 4} and co-domain or Range of R=(2, 4, 6) ∈ 𝑅

Types of Relations

A. One - to – One Relation

Let A={1, 2, 3} and B={2, 4, 6} defined relations S from A to B as follows. For all (x, y) ∈ 𝐴 × 𝐵.
(x, y)∈ 𝑆 mean that y = 2x is “twice” a relation. S={(1, 2), (2, 4), (2, 6)} or drawn using arrow
diagrams for S.
S
2
1
4
2
6
3

B. One – to – Many Relation

The first element of the relation is repeated. Simply the single element from the first set is mapped
to various elements of the second set.
Using an arrow diagram or set notation T= {(1, 2), (1, 4), (1, 6)}
T

1 2

8
C. Many – to – One Relation
It is a reverse of one to many relation where two or more elements from the first set are mapped
to a single element of the second set. Example is the relationship between students to a single
teacher 1. Expressed in a set-builder notation Q={(𝑆1, 𝑇1), (𝑆2, 𝑇1), (𝑆3, 𝑇1)}
Q

T1
S1

S2

S3

D. Many-to-Many Relation
It is a complicated mapping where two or more members from the first set are mapped to two or
more elements of the second set.
Example If A={2, 4, 7} and B={5, 6}, then
𝐴 × 𝐵 = {(2,5), (2,6), (4,5), (4,6), (7,5), (7,6)}
Using arrow diagram we can see multiple arrows.

5
2

4
6
7

E. An Equivalence Relation is a relation with the following properties:

i. Reflexive Property: ∀𝑥 ∈ 𝑅, 𝑥~𝑥
Example 1=1, y=y

ii. Symmetric Property : ∀𝑥, 𝑦 ∈ 𝑅, If 𝑥~𝑦 , then y~𝑥.

For instance if y=7 then 7=y and if x=2 then 2=x.

iii. Transitive Property: ∀𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 ∈ 𝑅 If 𝑥~𝑦 and y~𝑧 , then 𝑥~𝑧.

 Example If x =5 and 5 =z, then x=z.
If y is divisible by z and z is divisible by w, then y is divisible by w.
Example 24: Equivalence Relation
Show that R = {(1,1), (1,3), (2,2), (3,1), (3,3)} is an equivalence relation from a
set A = {1, 2, 3}.
Solution:
We check the three properties of equivalence relation such as
i. Reflexive: 𝑥~𝑥 such that R = {(1,1), (2,2), (3,3)}
ii. Symmetric : If 𝑥~𝑦 , then y~𝑥.
Such that R = {(1,1), (1,3), (2,2), (3,1), (3,3)}
If (1,3) ∈ 𝑅 then (3,1) ∈ 𝑅; If (1,1) ∈ 𝑅 then (1,1)∈ 𝑅.
iii. Transitive : If 𝑥~𝑦 and y~𝑧 , then 𝑥~𝑧.
If (1,3) ∈ 𝑅 and (3,1) ∈ 𝑅 then (1,1) ∈ 𝑅.
Thus R is an equivalence relation because it satisfies all three conditions.∎

Some relations can also be represented by open sentence in two variables. An open sentence in
two variables has solutions that are ordered pairs. y=3x+1 represents a relation. If a replacementset
is not specified for x, it is assumed to be all real numbers.
Graph.

Functions
The concept of function provides the essential tool in applying mathematical formulations in
solving problems. For instance, the statement “the area of a circle depends on its radius” can be
denoted as A= f(r), where A represents the area and r, the radius. This is read as “Area is a
function of radius”.

Definition: A function is a relation f from a set A to a set B if every element of set A has one
and only one image in set B.
A function is a relation such that each element of the domain is paired with exactly one element
of the range. To denote this relationship, we use the functional notation:
y = f(x)
where f indicates that a function exists between variables x and y.
The notation f : 𝐀 → 𝐁 is used to denote a function which means that f is a function with domain
A and range B or co-domain; f(x) = y means that f transform x (which must be an element of A)
into y ( which must be an element of B).

Note: Given an element x∈X, there is a unique element y in Y that is related to x. The unique
element y to which f relates x is denoted by f(x). And is called f of x, of the value of f at x, or the
image of x under f.

The set of values of f(x) then altogether is called the range of f or image of X under f, symbolically
Range of f: {y∈Y |y=f(x), for some x in X}

A simple method called the vertical-line test can help you determine when a relation is a function.
If you draw a vertical line at any place on the graph and it crosses more than one point of the graph,
the relation is not a function. If a vertical line never crosses more than one point, the relation is a
function.
Example:

Vertical lines cross at only one A vertical line crosses the graph at
point. The graph does more than one point. The graph does
represent a function not represent a function.

Evaluating Functions
One of the most basic activities in mathematics is to take a mathematical object and transform into
another one.
The functional notation y = f(x) allows us to denote specific values of a function. To evaluate a
function is to substitute the specified values of the independent variable in the formula and
simplify.
 Example 25: Function
When f(x) = 2x – 3, (a) find f(2), (b) f(-1), (c) f(5)
Solution:
a). f(2) = 2(2) – 3 = 4 – 3 = 1 .
b). f(-1) = 2(-1) – 3 = -2 – 3 = -5

c). f(5) = 2(5) – 3 = 10 – 3 = 7.∎

Operations of Functions
Functions with overlapping domains can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided. If 𝑓(𝑥) and
𝑔(𝑥) are two functions, then for all 𝑥 in the domain of both functions the sum, difference, product
and quotient are defined as follows
a. Addition of two functions
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 𝑓 (𝑥 ) + 𝑔(𝑥 ), for all 𝑥 ∈ 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛.
b. Subtraction of two functions
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 𝑓 (𝑥 ) − 𝑔(𝑥 ), for all 𝑥 ∈ 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛.

c. Multiplication by a Scalar
Then the product of 𝛼𝑓 = 𝛼𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝛼𝑓 (𝑥 ), for all 𝑥 ∈ 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛.

d. Multiplication of two functions

(𝑓𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑔(𝑥 ), ∀𝑥 ∈ 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛.

e. Quotient of two functions

𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
( ) (𝑥 ) = , provided 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0, ∀𝑥 ∈ 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛.
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥)

Note: Domain of sum function 𝑓 + 𝑔, difference function 𝑓 − 𝑔 and product function 𝑓𝑔.
= {𝑥: 𝑥 ∈ 𝐷𝑓 ∩ 𝐷𝑔 }
where 𝐷𝑓 = domain of function 𝑓
𝐷𝑔 = Domain of function 𝑔
𝑓
Domain of quotient funtion 𝑔 = {𝑥: 𝑥 ∈ 𝐷𝑓 ∩ 𝐷𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0}.
Example 1: Let 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 + 1 and 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 − 5
𝑓
Find (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥 ), (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥 ), (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔)(𝑥 ), and ( ) (𝑥 ).
𝑔

Solution: (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 𝑓(𝑥 ) + 𝑔(𝑥)

= (3𝑥 + 1) + (𝑥 2 − 5)
= 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 4.
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 𝑓 (𝑥 ) − 𝑔(𝑥)
= (3𝑥 + 1) − (𝑥 2 − 5)
= −𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 6.
 (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 𝑓 (𝑥 ) × 𝑔(𝑥)
= (3𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 2 − 5)
= 3𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 15𝑥 − 5.
𝑓 𝑓(𝑥) 3𝑥+1
and ( ) (𝑥) = = 𝑥 2 −5 , 𝑥 ≠ ±√5. ∎
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥)

Example 2: Let 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 + 1 and 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 − 5

𝑓
Find specific values for: (𝑓 + 𝑔)(1), (𝑓 − 𝑔)(0), (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔)(−1), and (𝑔) (2).

Solution:(𝑓 + 𝑔)(1) = 𝑓 (1) + 𝑔(1)

= (4) + (−4)
= (1)2 + 3(1) − 4
= 0.
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(0) = 𝑓 (0) − 𝑔(0)
= −(0)2 + 3(0) + 6
= 6.
(𝑓 ∙ 𝑔)(−1) = 𝑓 (−1) × 𝑔(−1)
= 3(−1)3 + (−1)2 − 15(−1) − 5
= −3 + 1 + 15 − 5
= 8.
𝑓 𝑓(2) 3(2)+1
and (𝑔) (2) = 𝑔(2) = (2)2 −5
7
= = −7. ∎
−1

Example 3: If 𝑓 and 𝑔 are real functions defined by 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 + 7 𝑎𝑛𝑑

𝑔(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 2 + 2, find each
a. 𝑓 (1) + 𝑔(3)
b. 2 ∙ 𝑓(1)
c. 𝑓 (2) + 𝑔(0)
d. 𝑓 (−1) − 𝑔(−2)
e. 𝑓 (3) ∙ 𝑔(5)
𝑓(−2)
f. 𝑔(−2)
𝑓(3)
g. 𝑓 (2) + 𝑔(1)

Solution:
a. 𝑓 (1) = 1 + 7 = 8 and 𝑔(3) = 3(3)2 + 2 = 3(9) + 2 = 29
Thus, 𝑓 (1) + 𝑔(3) = 8 + 29 = 37.

b. 2 ∙ 𝑓(1) = 2 ∙ (1 + 7)
= 2 ∙ (8)
= 16.
c. 𝑓 (2) = 2 + 7 = 9 and 𝑔(0) = 3(0)2 + 2 = 2
 Thus, 𝑓 (2) + 𝑔(0) = 9 + 2
= 11.
d. 𝑓 (−1) = −1 + 7 = 6 and 𝑔(−2) = 3(−2)2 + 2 = 3(4) + 2 = 14
Thus, 𝑓 (−1) − 𝑔(−2) = 6 + 14
= 20.

e. 𝑓 (3) ∙ 𝑔(5) = (3 + 7)[3(5)2 + 2]

= (10)[75 + 2]
= (10)(77)
= 770.
𝑓(−2) −2+7
f. ( ) = ( )2
𝑔 −2 3 −2 +2
5
= 3(4)+2
5
= 14.
𝑓 (3) 3+7
g. 𝑓(2) + 𝑔(1) = (2 + 7) + 3(1)2 +2
10
=9+ 5
=9+2
= 11