6/11/2023

Basic concept of Functions

S M Mahmudul Hasan
Assistant Professor
Department of Mathematical
and Physical Sciences
smmahmudul.hasan@ewubd.edu
+8801403041207

What you will learn!

• What is Relation?
• Some basic definitions – Independent
variable, Dependent variable, Domain,
Range.
Relations

• What is Function?
Functions
• Function Notation.
• Ways to Represent a Function.

1
 6/11/2023

Relation
 Let A and B be two non-empty sets. If each element of A is related
to one or more elements of B, then it is called a Relation.
Example: 𝑦 = 𝑥 i.e., 𝑦 = ± 𝑥 is a relation.
For 𝑥 = 1, 4, 9, … … … we get, 𝑦 = ±1, ±2, ±3, … … …
i.e., 𝑥, 𝑦 = 1, 1 , 1, −1 , 4, 2 , 4, −2 , 9, 3 , 9, −3 … … …
𝑥 𝑦

1
1 -1

2
4
-2

3
9
-3

Some Definitions-
 A relation between two variables x and y is a set of ordered pairs

 In general, any ordered pair in the coordinate plane can be written in the form (𝒙, 𝒚).

Independent variable
(𝒙, 𝒚)
Dependent variable

 The set of all x-values (inputs) is the domain.

 The set of all y-values (outputs) is the range.

2
 6/11/2023

Example
Is this a relation?

Input 3 –6 0 9 –1

Output –4 5

•What is the domain?

{3, -6, 0, 9, -1}
•What is the range?
{-4, 5}

Function
 Let A and B be two non-empty sets. If each element of A is related to unique
element of B, then it is called a function from the set A to B.

 If 𝑓 is a function from A to B, we write 𝑓: 𝐴 ⟶ 𝐵.

Note: Functions are sometimes also called mappings or transformations.

Example: 𝑦 = 𝑥 is a function 𝑥 𝑦
For 𝑥 = ±1, ±2, ±3, … … … we get, 𝑦 = 1, 4, 9, … … … 1
1
-1
i.e., 𝑥, 𝑦 = 1, 1 , −1, 1 , 2, 4 , −2, 4 , 3, 9 , −3, 9 … … … 2
4
Since, we get unique 𝑦 for 𝑥, so it is a function. -2

3 9

-3

3
 6/11/2023

Function is like a machine

 A function relates an input to an output.

 It is like a machine that has an input and an output.

 A function is a rule which operates on an input and

produces a single output from that input.
Example:

Input: Bread Function: Toaster Output: Toasted Bread

Now do this exercise

 Write down the output from the function shown in figure when the
input is:
𝑎) 5 𝑏) − 2 𝑐) 𝑥

Function
Input Multiply input by 7 and Output
then subtract 2

Answer:

a) 5 × 7 − 2 = 35 − 2 = 33

b) −2 × 7 − 2 = −14 − 2 = −16

c) 𝑥 × 7 − 2 = 7𝑥 − 2

4
 6/11/2023

Function Notation
• When we know that a relation is a function, the “y” in the equation can be
replaced with f(x).

• f(x) is simply a notation to designate a function. It is pronounced ‘f’ of ‘x’ or

‘function of x’.
• The ‘f’ names the function, the ‘x’ tells the variable that is being used.

• The parenthesis DO NOT mean multiplication!

• f(x) is another name for y.

• Sometimes other letters such as g, h or capital letters F, G and H are used to name
functions.

Function Notation

Name of
Output Input
Function

5
 6/11/2023

Ways to Represent a Function

Mapping:
Ordered Pairs: Graph: Input Output
(1, 2)
(3, 6) 1 10
(5, 10) 3 2
(−1, −2)
5 -2
X Y
-1 6
1 2
Table: Symbolic:
3 6 Verbal:
𝑥, 𝑦 : 𝑦 = 2𝑥
5 10 The cost is twice the original
amount.
-1 -2

Identification Objectives
of Function • To determine if a relation is a function
𝐴 𝐵 • To identify function algebraically and graphically

𝑎
𝑏 3
𝑐

6
 6/11/2023

Is a relation a function?
• When a relation is provided, concentrate on the x-coordinates.

If the set of ordered pairs has different x-coordinates,

it IS a function

If the set of ordered pairs has same x-coordinates,

it is NOT a function
• Function identification is not affected by y-coordinates.

Example 1

{(1, 3), (0, 4), ( 3, 5), ( 2, 7 ), (4,  1), (5, 0)}

•Is this a relation?

YES
•Is this a function?
•Hint: Look only at the x-coordinates

YES

7
 6/11/2023

Example 2

{ (1 ,  5 ), (  1 , 0 ), ( 2 ,  3 ), ( 3 ,  4 ), (1 , 5 ), (  2 , 1 )}

•Is this a function?

•Hint: Look only at the x-coordinates

NO
•Is this still a relation?

YES

Example 3
Which relation mapping represents a function?

𝐴 𝐵 𝐴 𝐵

𝑎 𝑎
1. 3 𝑏 2. 𝑏 3
𝑐 𝑐

8
 6/11/2023

Conclusion

• Not every relation is a function.

• Every function is a relation.

Identifying functions
Look at the following
table:
For each input there is
Input Output
EXACTLY one output
5 12
10 22
You can notice that there is
15 32
NO REPEATATION in the
20 42 input column
25 52

This table represents a function

9
 6/11/2023

Identifying functions
Look at the following table:

Input Output For each input there is

5 12 MORE THAN ONE output
5 14
7 21 You can notice that there is
7 22 REPEATATION in the input
9 36 column

This table DOES NOT represents a function

Vertical Line Test

Vertical Line Test: A relation is a function if a vertical line drawn through its graph,
passes through only one point.

Also Known As

“The Pencil Test”

Take a pencil and move it from left to right (–x to x); if it crosses more than one
point, it is not a function.

10
 6/11/2023

Vertical Line Test

𝑦

Would this
graph be a
−𝑥 𝑥 function?

−𝑦
YES
No two points are on
the same vertical line.

Vertical Line Test

Would this
graph be a
function?
NO
Two points are on the
same vertical line.

11
 6/11/2023

Identifying functions from graph

Function Not a Function Not a Function

Function Function Not a Function

What you will learn!

Different types of Functions-

Types of  One-to-one Function

Functions
 Onto Function
 One-to-one Correspondence
 Into Function
𝐴 𝐵
 Constant Function
𝑎 1  Identity Function
𝑏 2  Even Function
𝑐 3  Odd Function
𝑑 4

12
 6/11/2023

One-to-one Function
Let 𝑓: 𝐴 ⟶ 𝐵 be a function. If distinct element of A has distinct images in B then
the function is called one-to-one function.

A function is said to be injective if it is one-to-one.

Note: There can be un-used elements in the co-domain.

𝐴 𝐵 𝐴 𝐵

𝑎 1 𝑎 1
𝑒 2 𝑒 2
𝑖 3 𝑖 3
𝑜 4 𝑜 4
5 5

A one-to-one function A function that is not

one-to-one

Horizontal line test

If horizontal lines intersect the graph of a function 𝑓 in at most one point, then 𝑓
is one-to-one.

One-to- Not one-to-one

one

13
 6/11/2023

Onto Function
Let 𝑓: 𝐴 ⟶ 𝐵 be a function. If all elements of the set B are images of the
elements of A then the function is called onto function.

A function is said to be surjective if it is onto.

Note: There can be multiply used elements in the co-domain.

𝐴 𝐵 𝐴 𝐵

𝑎 1 𝑎 1
𝑒 2 𝑒 2
𝑖 3 𝑖 3
𝑜 4 𝑜 4
𝑢 5

An onto function A function that is not onto

One-to-one vs. onto

 Are the following functions onto, one-to-one, both, or neither?

𝑎 1 𝑎 1 𝑎 1
𝑏 2 𝑏 2 𝑏 2
3
𝑐 4 𝑐 3 𝑐 3
𝑑 𝑑 4
One-to-one but not Onto but not one-to- One-to-one and onto
onto one

𝑎 1 𝑎 1
𝑏 2 𝑏 2
3
𝑐 3 𝑐 4
𝑑 4
Neither one-to-one nor onto Not a
function

14
 6/11/2023

One-to-one correspondence
 The function 𝑓: 𝐴 ⟶ 𝐵 is a one to one correspondence, if it is both one-to-
one and onto.
 Such function is also called bijection.

𝐴 𝐵

𝑎 1
𝑏 2
𝑐 3
𝑑 4

Onto-to-one correspondance

Into Function
 The function 𝑓: 𝐴 → 𝐵 is said to be into function if 𝑓 𝐴 ≠ 𝐵 that is the co-

domain of the function is not equal to the range of the function (hence, 𝐶𝑜𝑑 ≠
𝑅 ).

𝐴 𝐵

𝑎 1 Cod(f) = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}
𝑒 2
𝑖 3 Range(f) = {1, 2, 5}
𝑜 4
5 Cod f ≠ Range f

Into function

15
 6/11/2023

Constant function
Constant Function: A constant function is a function that has the same output value
no matter what your input value is. Symbolically, 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘, where 𝑘 is a
constant, a single value that does not change.
Example: 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 𝑦
=3
𝑥 𝑥 −2 −1 0 1 2
𝑦 𝑓(𝑥) 3 3 3 3 3

 The domain of the constant function is all real numbers.

 The range is the constant 𝑘. In this function is equal to 3.

 The graph is a horizontal line.

Identity function
Identity Function: Identity function is a function which gives the same value as
inputted. Symbolically, 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥.

Identity Function
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥
Input Output

Graph: 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥

𝑥 𝑥 −2 −1 0 1 2
𝑦 𝑓(𝑥) −2 −1 0 1 2

 The domain is the set of real numbers.

 The range of the identity function is also the set of real numbers.

16
 6/11/2023

Even Function & Odd Function

Even Function: A function 𝑓(𝑥) is called even function if 𝑓 −𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥

For example, y = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 is an even function.

Odd Function: A function 𝑓(𝑥) is called odd function if 𝑓 −𝑥 = −𝑓 𝑥

For example, y = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 is an odd function.

Determine algebraically the following functions are even, odd, or neither.

1. 𝑓 𝑥 = −3𝑥 + 4
2. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 4𝑥
3. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 3𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 4

Inverse
Functions Objectives
D of 𝑓 R of 𝑓 • To be able to find inverse of functions
𝑓

𝑦=𝑓 𝑥
𝑥

𝑓
R of 𝑓 D of 𝑓

17
 6/11/2023

Inverse Relations and Functions

If (a, b) is an ordered pair of a relation, then (b, a) is an ordered pair of its inverse.
 The domain of the relation is the range of the inverse AND the range of the
relation is the domain of the inverse.
If both a relation and its inverse happen to be functions, they are inverse functions.
 Not all inverses are functions.
 The inverse function of 𝑓 would be denoted as 𝑓 and read as “𝑓 inverse”.

𝑎 𝑓 1 1 𝑓 𝑎
𝑏 2 2 𝑏
𝑐 3 3 𝑐

Graph of Inverse Function

The graph of a function and its

inverse are mirror images about
the line 𝒚 = 𝒙.

18
 6/11/2023

Existence of Inverse

 To have an inverse function, a function must be one-to-one.

 A function is said to be one-to-one if whenever 𝑓 𝑥 =𝑓 𝑥 it

implies that 𝑥 = 𝑥 .

 This means that for each y-value there is only one x-value.

Finding an Inverse Function

 Rewrite 𝑓(𝑥) as 𝑦

 Swap the 𝑥 and 𝑦

 Solve for 𝑦

 Rewrite 𝑦 as 𝑓 𝑥

19
 6/11/2023

Find Inverse: 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐

Given that, 𝑓 𝑥 = 6𝑥 − 12

𝑦 = 6𝑥 − 12 Replace 𝒇(𝒙) with 𝒚

𝑥 = 6𝑦 − 12 Interchange 𝒙 and 𝒚

𝑥 + 12 = 6𝑦

𝑦= Solve for 𝒚

∴𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥+2 Replace 𝒚 with 𝒇 𝟏 𝒙

Find Inverse: 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐

Given that, 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 + 2
𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 2 Replace 𝒇(𝒙) with 𝒚
𝑥 = 3𝑦 + 2 Interchange 𝒙 and 𝒚
Not One-One
𝑥 − 2 = 3𝑦 Solve for 𝒚 Function!

𝑦 =

𝑦=± Not Function!

∴𝑓 𝑥 =± Replace 𝒚 with 𝒇 𝟏 𝒙

20
 6/11/2023

Composition Function
• A composite function is a combination of two functions.

• The output or results of one of the functions is used as the input to the other
function.

• The composition of the function f with the function g is written as 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)), which is
read as ‘f of g of x.’

• It is also known as 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 𝑥 which is read as ‘f composed with g of x.”

• In other words: 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑔 𝑥

Example
Evaluate Composites of Functions
f ( x)  3x 2  x  4
g ( x)  2 x  1

a) ( f  g )( x ) b) ( g  f )( x)
 f ( g ( x ))  g ( f ( x))
 f ( 2 x  1)
 g (3 x 2  x  4)
 3(2 x  1) 2  ( 2 x  1)  4
 2(3 x 2  x  4)  1
 3(4 x 2  4 x  1)  2 x  1  4
 12 x 2  12 x  3  2 x  5  6x2  2x  8 1

 12 x 2  14 x  8  6x2 2x 7

21
 6/11/2023

Composition and Inverses

 If f and g are functions and

( f  g )( x)  g  f x   x,

then f and g are inverses of one another.

Show that the following are inverses of each other.

1 2
f  x   7 x  2 and g x   x
7 7

 f  g  x   f  g  x    g  f  x   g  f  x  
1 2  g  7 x  2
 f  x 
7 7 1 2
1 2
  7 x  2 
 7 x    2 7 7
 7 7  2 2
 x 
 x22 7 7
x x
They are inverses of one another since the
composition of each yields a value of x.

22
 6/11/2023

Domain and Objectives

Range
• To be able to find domain and range of a
function

Domain and Range

Inputs Outputs
-1 1

0
0

2.25
1.5
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒙𝟐
2 4

3.2 10.24
⋮ ⋮

The domain of a function is the set of The range of a function is the set of
possible inputs. possible outputs.

23
 6/11/2023

Problem 1: Find the domain and range for the function f ( x)  x 2  x  1, where x  {0,1, 2, 3}.

Given that, f ( x)  x 2  x  1

When x  0, f (0)  02  0  1  1

x  1, f (1)  12  1  1  1

x  2, f (2)  2 2  2  1  3

x  3, f (3)  32  3  1  7

 dom f  {0,1, 2,3}

and range f  {1,3, 7}.

1 x
Problem 2: Find the domain and range for the function f ( x)  .
5 x
For Domain: 1 x
Clearly, f ( x)  is not defined when x  5.
5 x
 domain of f ( x)  R  {5}  set of all real numbers except 5.

For Range:
1 x
Let y  f ( x )  or , x(1  y )  5 y  1
5 x
5 y 1
or , 1  x  5 y  xy x 
1 y
or , x  xy  5 y  1 So, x is not defined for y  1.

 range of f ( x)  R  {1}  set of all real numbers except  1.

24
 6/11/2023

Problem 3: Find the domain and range for the function y = 2𝑥 + 5

For Domain:
For Range:
Given that, y = 2𝑥 + 5

Here, y gives real values if and y = 2𝑥 + 5, y≥0

only if 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 5 Range

2𝑥 + 5 ≥ 0 2𝑥 = 𝑦 − 5
Domain
2𝑥 ≥ −5 𝑦 −5
𝑥= , y≥0
2
𝑥≥−
∴ 𝑅 = 0, ∞
∴ 𝐷 = − ,∞

Domain and range of some functions

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥

R
R a
a R n
n a g
g n e
e g
e

Domain Domain Domain

Domain: (−∞, ∞) Domain: (−∞, ∞) Domain: (−∞, ∞)

Range: [𝟎, ∞) Range: [−∞, ∞) Range: [𝟎, ∞)

25
 6/11/2023

Piecewise Objectives
Functions  To introduce the concept of piecewise functions.
 To evaluate piecewise functions from a graph.
 To evaluate piecewise functions from a function.

What is a Piecewise Function?

 A piecewise function is exactly what it sounds like. It is a
function made of pieces.

 Look at the graph to the right. Notice if you apply the

vertical line test it passes. Thus, it is a function.

 The pieces look very different so how can a function model

the graph?

 This is where piecewise functions come in!

 A piecewise function will have the same number of 𝑥+5 𝑥 ≤ −8

equations as the graph has pieces. sin 𝑥 + 3 − 8 < 𝑥 < −2

𝑓 𝑥 =
 Each equation in the function represents a piece on the 𝑥 −1≤𝑥< 3
graph.
log 𝑥 𝑥≥3

26
 6/11/2023

What is a Piecewise Function?

 A piecewise function is exactly what it sounds like. It is a function
made of pieces.

 Look at the graph to the right. Notice if you apply the vertical line
test it passes. Thus, it is a function.

 The pieces look very different so how can a function model the
graph?

 This is where piecewise functions come in!

 A piecewise function will have the same number of equations as 𝑥+5 𝑥 ≤ −8

the graph has pieces.
sin 𝑥 + 3 − 8 < 𝑥 < −2
 Each equation in the function represents a piece on the graph. 𝑓 𝑥 =
 Piecewise function always have domain restrictions so you know 𝑥 −1≤𝑥< 3
which equation matches which piece.
log 𝑥 𝑥≥3

Evaluating From a Graph

 If you need to know a value but are only given
the graph, how do find the value?

 Go to the x value on the x- axis.

 Move vertically until you hit the function

 Find the point.

 The y-coordinate is the value of the function at

that x.

27
 6/11/2023

Evaluating From a Graph (Continued)

 Find 𝑓 −1

 Move horizontally on the x-axis to find 𝑥 = −1.

 Move vertically until you hit the function.

 In this case, the function is an end point.

Because it is a closed circle, the point is part of
(−1, 0.5)
the function. So the point is (−1, 0.5).

 The value of the function is the y-coordinate of

the point on the function.

 Thus, 𝑓(−1) = 0.5.

Evaluating From Function

2𝑥 + 3 𝑥<0
 Evaluate 𝑓 −2 𝑓 𝑥 =
2 𝑥≥1
 When asked to evaluate from a function, how
do you know which equation to use?

 Remember the number inside the parentheses

for 𝑓(−2) is the 𝑥.
 The right column in the piecewise function is
the domain for each equation.

28
 6/11/2023

Evaluating From Function

2𝑥 + 3 𝑥<0
𝑓 𝑥 =
 Evaluate 𝑓 −2 2 𝑥≥1

 When asked to evaluate from a function, how do

 Notice -2 falls in the first domain
you know which equation to use?
because it is less than 0.
 Remember the number inside the parentheses
for 𝑓(−2) is the 𝑥.

 The right column in the piecewise function is the

domain for each equation.

 Find the domain in which the 𝑥 falls and use that

equation to evaluate the function.

Evaluating From Function

2𝑥 + 3 𝑥<0
𝑓 𝑥 =
 Evaluate 𝑓 −2 2 𝑥≥1

 When asked to evaluate from a function, how  Notice -2 falls in the first domain
do you know which equation to use? because it is less than 0.

 Remember the number inside the  Thus, use the first equation to
parentheses for 𝑓(−2) is the 𝑥. evaluate.
𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 3
 The right column in the piecewise function is
𝑓 −2 = 2 −2 + 3
the domain for each equation.
= −4 + 3
 Find the domain in which the 𝑥 falls and use
that equation to evaluate the function. = −1

Therefore, 𝑓 −2 = −1

29
 6/11/2023

Evaluating From Function (Continued)

2𝑥 + 3 𝑥<0
 Evaluate 𝑓 0 . 𝑓 𝑥 =
2 𝑥≥1

 This one is tricky. Notice the first domain is less than 0 and the second
domain is greater than or equal to 1. Because we need to evaluate
when 𝑥 is 0, no function exists for this domain.

 Thus, this function is undefined when 𝑥 is 0. So, 𝑓(0) = undefined.

Your turn:

2𝑥 + 1, 𝑥< 0
𝑓(𝑥) 2𝑥 + 2, 𝑥≥0
=

Evaluate the followings:

f(-2) = ? f(4) = ?

f(0) = ? f(-1) = ?

30
 6/11/2023

That’s all for today!

Function

KEY WORDS
Table
Graph

31
 6/11/2023

Definition of Function

63

Definition of Function

Common Methods of Function

Numerically Geometrically Algebraically

Verbally
by tables by graphs by formulas

64

32
 6/11/2023

Idea of Denoting a function by

Letters

Lecture of Dr. Anindita Paul 65

Dependent and Independent

variables

66

33
 6/11/2023

Example 1

67

Example 2

68

34
 6/11/2023

Graphs of functions

69

70

35
 6/11/2023

Vertical line test

71

Example 3
Use vertical line test to determine which of the
following(s) is/are function(s).

(a) (b)

72

36
 6/11/2023

Absolute value function

PROPERTIES OF ABSOLUTE VALUE

73

Example 4

74

37
 6/11/2023

Example 5

75

Domain and range

76

38
 6/11/2023

Lecture of Dr. Anindita Paul 77

EXAMPLE 6

78

39
 6/11/2023

79

THE EFFECT OF ALGEBRAIC OPERATIONS ON THE

DOMAIN

40
 6/11/2023

EXAMPLE 7

41
6/11/2023

42
 6/11/2023

COMPOSITION OF FUNCTIONS

43
 6/11/2023

EXAMPLE 8

EXAMPLE 9
Sketch the graph of

Solution (a):

44
 6/11/2023

Solution (b):

Solution (c):

45
 6/11/2023

Home Assignment-1

x2  y2  4
1. Draw the graph of the equation and use
vertical line test to determine whether the equation
defines a function or not.

2. In each part of the accompanying figure,

y determine
whether the graph defines as a function of
x.

Date of submission:
Before Next Class

46