BACHELOR OF DATA SCIENCE

MAT 122

LEARNING

MODULE 1
√
1+ −3
Functions and their properties ρ :=
2

The Open University of Kenya

Developed by: Beth Kiratu

Reviewed by:
Programme Title Bachelor of Data Science

Course Title MAT 122 -

Learning Module number Module 1

Learning module title Functions and their properties

Module Developer Beth Kiratu

Reviewed by
LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

Audience Description
This module is offered to all students taking the Bachelor of Data
Science. As an open and distance learner, you should be able to
learn independently and optimise the learning modes and envi-
ronment available to you. Before you begin this course, please
confirm the course material, the course requirements and how the
course is conducted.

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

Ð Module Description

This module introduces you to functions which are the building blocks of Calculus. You study
general types of functions, finding domains and ranges of functions and plotting of graphs of
basic functions.

Expectations

This module seeks to enable learning about:

1. types of functions
2. domain and range of functions
3. graphs of functions
4. functions of real life problems

Module Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. define basic functions over intervals in R
2. interpret the domain and range of functions
3. sketch graphs of functions over an interval in R
4. construct functions from real life problems

WARM UP

Hello and welcome, you are now at the first part of

this module. Your first task is to measure your prior
knowledge and the concepts to be mastered by solv-
ing the given problems.
(a) Determine whether the graphs of the following equations are symmetric with re-
spect to the x-axis, y-axis, the origin, or none of these.
a. −x2
b. x3
x+1
c. y =
x
d. −x5 + 7x
(b) Let f(x) = x2 + 2x − 1 for all x. Evaluate:
i f(2)

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

ii f(−x)
iii f(x + 1)
iv f(x + h)
1. Find the domain and range of the following functions
i f(x) = −x2
x2 − 1
ii f(x) =
x− √1
iii f(x) = −2 x
|x|
iv f(x) =
x

RECAP

In Module 2 of MAT101 you were introduced to functions as relations in which every pre-
image has one corresponding image. A function was defined as a rule that assigns to each
element x in a set A exactly one element , called f(x), in set B, A is called the domain of f and
the range of f is the set of all possible values of f(x).

Watch the following video that gives a summary on

basic functions and their properties

1. Module learning Outcome 1

I - Types of functions

SHORT PRE-RECORDED VIDEO LECTURE(S)

Pre-recorded Video 1

In this video we define a function,

classify types of functions based on

l their properties;even,odd, piecewise,

composite functions ,examples and
their graphs
The set of all input values for the function is called the domain of
the function while the set of all output values of the function is the

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

range of the function.

These sets could be any sets of objects. We can visualize functions
as an input-output machine or an arrow as shown in the following
diagrams.

The most common method for visualizing function is its graph. If

f is a function with domain A then its graph is the set of ordered
pairs {(x, f(x)) : x ∈ A} The independent variable x represents
the input value from the domain f, and y, the dependent variable
represents the corresponding output value f(x) in the range of f.

Next we define basic functions based

on their properties
l
Definition 1:
Piece wise Functions
These are functions represented by different formulas for
each given interval in domain.

ő Example 1:
A function
 f is defined by:

 x if x ≤ 1
2

f(x) = 3 if 1 ≤ x ≤ 2

 x if x > 2

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

ő Example 2:
The absolute {
value function defined by
x if x ≥ 0
f(x) = |x| =
−x if x < 0

l
Note to graph a piecewise-defined function, you graph each part
of the function in its respective, on the same coordinate system.
In some cases the domain is partitioned about a point x = a. De-
pending on the value of the function at x = a, sometimes the
graph needs to included and open of closed circle at f(a).

Definition 2:
Symmetry If a function f satisfies f(−x) = f(x) for every
numberx in its domain, the f is called an even function for
example f(x) = x2 while f is odd if f(x) = −f(x) for ex-
ample f(x) = x2

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

ő Example 3:
a) f(x) = x5 + x

f(−x) = (−x)5 + (−x) = (−1)5 x5 + (−x)

= −x5 − x = −(x5 + x) = −f(x)

b) f(x) = x4 − 4x2

f(−x) = (−x)4 − 4(−x)2

= (−1)4 (x)4 + 4(x)2 = x4 − 4x2 = f(x)

Note: You can determine whether a function is odd or even by

looking at their graphs. The graph of an odd function is symmetric
about the y-axis, that is a horizontal line drawn from a point on
the to the y will be have equal distance with an other point on the
graph on the other side of the y-axis.
The graph of an odd function is symmetric about the origin. A
straight line drawn from a point on the graph to the origin will
have equal distance on the other side of the origin.

l Definition 3:
Composite Functions
If f and g are two functions, the composite f ◦ g is defined
by
g ◦ f(x) = g(f(x)).
The domain of g ◦ f consists of values x in the
domain of f for which f(x) is in the domain of g.
X Y Z
f g

x ( )
f(x) g f(x)

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1:

RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTARY READING

Stewart,J., Clegg, D. K.Watson, S. (2020). Calculus: early transcendentals. Cengage

Learning.
chapter 1 pg 7-10 functions

Mendelson, E. (2022). Schaum’s Outline of Calculus. McGraw-Hill Education. chapter 6

51-55 functions

Chris McMullen, 2021, Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions,
Zishka Publishing, ISBN 978-1-941691-24-3

R. Adams and C. Essex, 2021, Calculus: A complete Course, Addison Wesley, ISBN 13:
978-0135732588, P.4 pg 23 - pg 30

Paul’s online notes Calculus;Functions

Joel R. Hass, Maurice D. Weir, George B.Thomas,2020,Functions: Calculus;Functions

Activity 2:
Watch the following videos on basic types of functions

Content Curated Video

• What is a Function in Math?

ç https://youtu.be/GY6Q2f2kvY0
• Even, Odd, or Neither Functions The Easy Way!
- Graphs Algebraically, Properties Symmetry
https://youtu.be/fKyBOLsqRlo

Answer the following questions before proceeding to

the next section

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

Activity 3: COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

œComprehension Question 1
1. Let the function f be defined by;

{
x2 if −2 ≤ x < 1
f(x) = Evaluate the following
x+1 if 1 ≤ x ≤ 2

i. f(−1) ii. f(1) iii. f(x) = 10

- Solution

(i) f(−1) = 1 (ii) f(1) = 2 (iii) f(x); undefined

√
2. Given f(x) = x and g(x) = x + 1, calculate the following composite

functions

(i) f ◦ g (ii) g ◦ f (iii) f ◦ f

- Solution

√ √ √
(i) f ◦ g = x+1 (ii) g ◦ f = x+1 √ 1
(iii) f ◦ f = x = x4

Activity 4: Assessment
1. Let f(x) = x2 + 2x − 1 for all x. Evaluate

(a) f(2) (d) f(x + 1) (g) f(x + h) − f(x)

(b) f(−2) (e) f(x − 1) f(x + h) − f(x)
(h)
(c) f(−x) (f) f(x + h) h
√ x
2. If f(x) = x, g(x) = and h(x) = 4x − 8, find the formulas for the following.
4

(i) h(g(f(x))) (iii) h(f(g(x))) (v) f(g(h(x)))

(ii) h(h(f(x))) (iv) g(f(h(x))) (vi) f(h(g(x)))

3. Graphs of f and g are shown below. Decide whether each function is even, odd or

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

neither. Explain your reasoning

i.

ii.
- Solution
In (i) the y-coordinate axis is a line of symmetry for g hence g is an even function
and there is a change in direction of f about the y-coordinate axis hence f is an odd
function.
In (i) the y-coordinate axis is a line of symmetry for g hence g is an even function
and there is a change in direction of f about the y-coordinate axis hence f is an odd
function.

4. Find the missing entries in the following table

f(x) g(x) f◦g
x2 x+1
x+4 x
√
x |x|
1
x3 2x + 3
x+1
x
x
1
x−1
x2
- Solution
f(x) g(x) f◦g
x−4 x+4 x
√
x x2 |x|
1
2x3 + 3 x3 2x + 3
x+1 −1
x
x x−1
1 1
x−1
(x + 1)2 x2

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

2. Learning Outcome 2

II - Domain and ranges of functions

In this video we define the set of all input values of
a function and the set of all output values of a func-
tion.These sets could be any sets of objects. The sets
we consider will be sets of real numbers.

SHORT PRE-RECORDED VIDEO LECTURE(S)

Pre-recorded Video 2

You determine the domain of func-

tions by excluding those values of x
for which the value f(x) would re-
sult in dividing by zero or taking even
roots of negative numbers. The range
is determined by making x the sub-
ject in f(x), the values of y for which
g(y) is defined is the range of f de-
noted by Rf . We now give examples
in which we determine the range and
domain of a function algebraically

l In dealing with the domains and ranges of functions, intervals of

numbers occur so often that it is convenient to introduce special
notation and terminologies for intervals.
(a) Closed interval: [a, b] consist of all number x such that a ≤
x≤b
The solid dots on the line a and b are included in the close
interval [a, b]

(b) Open interval: (a, b) consists of all numbers x such that a <
x<b
The open dots on the line at a and b indicate that the end
points a and b are not included in the open interval (a, b)

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

(c) Half-open intervals: [a, b) consists of all numbers x such

that a ≤ x < b
[scale=0.5]half1 (a, b] consists of all numbers x such that

a<x≤b

The domain and range of a function

can be determined from the graph of
function. We now look at examples
in which the domain and range are
determined from the points at which
x and y are defined respectively.

ő Example 4:

l √
The domain of f(x) = x + 2 consists of all real num-
bers x for which x+2 ≥ 0. Thus we require xgeq−2.The
domain is the closed interval [−2, ∞)
We determine the range of f by making x the subject, we
obtain the function x = y2 − 2 which is defined for any
real number x, hence Rf = R

ő Example 5:
x+1
The domain of f(x) = consists of all values of
x2 + x
x for which x2 + x = ̸ 0, however f(x) can be simpli-
1
fied into f(x) = 2 . Therefore the domain of f is the set
x
(−∞, 0) ∪ (0, ∞).
x+1
Writing y = 2 and making x the subject we have
x √+ x
1
x = g(y) = , which is defined only for values of
y
y > 0. Therefore the range of Rf = (0, ∞)

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

ő Example 6:
l The function f(x) = |x−1| is defined for any real number
x and therefore domain of f is R, absolute function by def-
inition is always non-negative. Therefore Rf = [0, ∞)

ACTIVITIES

Activity 5:

RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTARY READING

Stewart,J., Clegg, D. K.Watson, S. (2020). Calculus: early transcendentals. Cengage

Learning.
chapter 1 pg 7-10 functions

Mendelson, E. (2022). Schaum’s Outline of Calculus. McGraw-Hill Education. chapter 6

51-55 functions

Chris McMullen, 2021, Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions,
Zishka Publishing, ISBN 978-1-941691-24-3

R. Adams and C. Essex, 2021, Calculus: A complete Course, Addison Wesley, ISBN 13:
978-0135732588, P.4 pg 23 - pg 30

Paul’s online notes Calculus

Joel R. Hass, Maurice D. Weir, George B.Thomas,2020,Functions: Calculus

Activity 6:
Watch the following videos on domain and ranges of functions

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

Content Curated Video

1. How To Find The Domain of a Function - Radicals, Frac-

ç tions Square Roots https://youtu.be/djT6-YamHaA

2. Understand Domain and Range
https://youtu.be/1c7eILT2ELY

Answer the following questions before proceeding to

the next section

Activity 7: Comprehension Questions

œComprehension Question 2
Find the domain and range of each the following functions

1 (b) f(x) = 1 + x2
(a) g(t) = √
1− t−2 (c) f(x) = ex

- Solution
1 √
(a) g(t) = √ is undefined at t − 2 = 1 ⇒ g(t) is undefined at
1− t−2
t = 3. Writing √ g(t) in its simplest form
1+ t−2
g(t) = which implies that g(t) is undefined at
3−t
t < 2. Therefore domain of g(t) is the set [2, ∞) − {3}.
Substituting this values in g(t), then by inspection Rf = (−∞, 1]
(b) f(x) = 1 + x2 is defined for any real number √ x, therefore the domain is R.
Making x the subject we obtain g(y) = y − 1 which is defined for y ≥ 1 .
Therefore Rf = [1, ∞)
(c) The exponential function is defined for any real number x. Therefore domain
of f is R . By definition ex is always positive and equal to 1 at x = 0. Therefore
range of f(x) = [1, ∞)

Activity 8: ASSESSMENT
Find the domain and range of each of the following functions

(i) f(x) = 5x − 3 x−4

√ (v) f(x) =
(ii) g(t) = 4 − 7t x2 − 2x − 15
x
(iii) h(x) − 2x2 + 12x + 5 (vi) h(x) = √
(iv) f(z) = |z − 6| − 3 x2 − 9

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

3. Learning Outcome 3

III - Graphs of Functions

We now look at visualization of functions through
their graphs. The graph of a function is the graph of
the equation y = f(x). It consists of those points in
the cartesian plane whose coordinates (x, y) are pairs
of input-output values for f.

SHORT PRE-RECORDED VIDEO LECTURE(S)

Pre-recorded Video 3
Drawing the graph a function f sometimes involves making a table
of coordinate pairs (x, f(x)) for various values of x in the domain of

l f, then plotting these points and connecting them with a smooth

curve.
Graphs of a function whose domain and range is known can be
sketched or plotted using computer algebra systems such as Mat-
lab, SageMath, Matplotlib.

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

ő Example 7:
This is an example of graphs of functions
plotted using tikzpicture package in latex.
y

l
y

4
(9, 3)
3
(4, 2)
2
(1, 1)
√
1 (3, 3)

0 x
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
-1 (0, 0)
-2

-3

ACTIVITIES

Activity 9:

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTARY READING

Stewart,J., Clegg, D. K.Watson, S. (2020). Calculus: early transcendentals. Cengage

Learning.
chapter 1 pg 7-10 functions

Mendelson, E. (2022). Schaum’s Outline of Calculus. McGraw-Hill Education. chapter 6

51-55 functions

Chris McMullen, 2021, Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions,
Zishka Publishing, ISBN 978-1-941691-24-3

R. Adams and C. Essex, 2021, Calculus: A complete Course, Addison Wesley, ISBN 13:
978-0135732588, P.4 pg 23 - pg 30

Paul’s online notes Calculus

Joel R. Hass, Maurice D. Weir, George B.Thomas,2020,Functions: Calculus

Activity 10:

Watch the following videos on plotting graphs of

functions

Content Curated Video

ç 1. Functions and Graphs https://youtu.be/kvU9sOzT2mk

2. Sketching Graphs and Graph Transformations
https://youtu.be/Fap2g-lm8QE

Activity 11: ASSESSMENT

1. Graph the following piecewise functions

{ 
x if 0 ≤ x ≤ 1  1
(i) f(x) = if x < 0
2 − x if 1 < x ≤ 2 (ii) f(x) = x
 x if 0 ≤ x

2. Use graphing utility to examine in order the graphs of the functions

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

√ √
(i) y = x (iii) y = 2 +x
√ 1
(ii) y = 2 + 3 + x (iv) y = √
2+ 3+x

4. Learning Outcome 4

IV - Function Models
In this video you are introduced functions as mathe-
matical models representing real life situations

SHORT PRE-RECORDED VIDEO LECTURE(S)

Pre-recorded Video 4
Functions arise whenever one quantity depends on another. Con-
sider the following three situations
a. The volume V of a right cylinder depends on radius r of the
cross sectional area and h of the cylinder. The rule that con-
nects r, h and V is given by the equation V = πr2 h. With

l each positive number

b. The human population of the world P depends on time t. For
each value of t there is a corresponding value of P, and we
say that P is a function of t.
c. The profit function p depends on the cost function p and
the revenue function r. If a company produces x items then
p(x) = c(x) − r(x)

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

ő Example 8:
A rectangular storage container with an open top has a
volume of 10m3 . The length of its base is twice its width.
Material for the base costs 10 dollars per square meter;
material for the sides costs 6 dollars per square meter.
Express the cost of materials as a function of the width
of the base. - Solution
l let w and 2w be the width and length of the base re-
spectively. The area of the base is 2w(w) = 2w2 , so
the cost in dollars of the material needed for the base
is 10(2w2 ). Two sides have area 2wh and the other
two have area 2(2wh), so the total cost is therefore
C = 10(2w2 ) + 6[2(wh) + 2(2wh)] = 20w2 + 36wh,
5
V = 2w2 (h) = 10 thus h = 2 substitute in C
w

ACTIVITIES

RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTARY READING

Activity 12:

Stewart,J., Clegg, D. K.Watson, S. (2020). Calculus: early transcendentals. Cengage

Learning. chapter 1 pg 7-10 functions

Mendelson, E. (2022). Schaum’s Outline of Calculus. McGraw-Hill Education. chapter 6

51-55 functions

Chris McMullen, 2021, Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions,
Zishka Publishing, ISBN 978-1-941691-24-3

R. Adams and C. Essex, 2021, Calculus: A complete Course, Addison Wesley, ISBN 13:
978-0135732588, P.4 pg 23 - pg 30

Paul’s online notes Calculus

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

Joel R. Hass, Maurice D. Weir, George B.Thomas,2020,Functions: Calculus

ACTIVITIES

Activity 13:

Watch the following video on plotting graphs of

functions

Content Curated Video

ç Lecture 3 Functions as
https://youtu.be/rkM2ZeXwrz8
Mathematical Models

Answer the following questions before proceeding to

the next section

Activity 14: Comprehension Questions

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

œComprehension Question 3
1. Anybody earning a good amount of money is required to pay income tax.
However, if the taxation office has a tax exemption for anyone they think is
not earning enough money. The income tax rates for Australian residents in
2021 were:
(a) if you earn less than $18200 per year, then you pay $0.
(b) if you earn more than $18200 but less than $45000 per year, then you
pay 19% for every dolllar you make beyong $18200.
(c) if you earn more than $45000 but less than $120000 per year, then you
pay $5092 plus 32.5% for every dollar you make beyond $45000
2. Let $I be the annual income and T be the amount of income tax paid. Write
an expression for T
- Solution


 0 if I ≤ 18200
T = |x| = 0.19(I − 18200) if 18200 < x < 45000

 5092 + 0.325(I − 45000) if 45000 < I < 120000
3. The amount of garbage, G, produced by a city with population p is given by
G = f(p).G is measured in tons per week, and p is measured in thousands
of people. Nakuru town has a population of 40, 000 and produces 13 tons
of garbage each week. Express this information in terms of the function f.
Explain the meaning of the statement f(5) = 2

ACTIVITIES

Activity 15: ASSESSMENT

1. The number of cubic yards of dirt, D, needed to cover a garden with area x square
feet is given by D = g(x).x.A garden with area 5000ft2 requires 50 cubic yards of
dirt. Express this information in terms of the function g. Explain the meaning of the
statement g(100) = 1
2. The monthly cost of driving a car depends on the number of miles driven. Jane
found in may it cost her 380 dollars to drive 480 miles and in June it cost her 460
dollars to drive 800 miles.
(a) express the monthly cost C as a function of distance driven d, assuming that a
linear relationship gives a suitable model.
(b) Use part (a) to predict the cost of driving 1500 miles per month.
(c) Draw the graph of the linear function. What does the slope represent?
(d) What does the y-intercept represent?
(e) Why does a linear function give a suitable model in this situation?
3. The manager of a weekend flea market knows from past experience that if he

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

charges x dollars for rental space at the flea market, then the number y of spaces
he can rent is given by the equation y = 200 − 4x
4. The number of cubic yards of dirt, D, needed to cover a garden with area x square
feet is given by D = g(x).x.A garden with area 5000ft2 requires 50 cubic yards of
dirt. Express this information in terms of the function g. Explain the meaning of the
statement g(100) = 1

WRAP UP

To wrap-up, answer the following questions:

1. why is it important to determine the domain and range of a function?
2. how do we sketch graphs of functions?
3. why do you come up with function models from real life situations?

TAKE HOME

Hello, you are now at the last part of this module.

Your task is to do a self-reflection on your learning
experience.

DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

share your understanding of properties of functions and your understanding on interpretation

of their graphs.

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LEARNING MODULE 1 MAT 122 -

CORE READING AND REFERENCES

1. J. Stewart, D.K. Clegg and S. Watson, 2021, Single Variable Calculus: Early Transcendentals 9th
Ed, Cengage Learning, ISBN 978-037-02226-9
2. Elliott Mendelson, 2022, Schaum’s Outline of Calculus 7th Ed, McGraw-Hill Education, ISBN 978-
1-264-25833-8
3. J. Stewart, D.K. Clegg and S. Watson, 2021, Calculus: Early Transcendentals 9th Ed, Cengage
Learning, ISBN 978-1-337-61392-7
4. Chris McMullen, 2021, Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions, Zishka Pub-
lishing, ISBN 978-1-941691-24-3
5. R. Adams and C. Essex, 2021, Calculus: A complete Course, Addison Wesley, ISBN 13: 978-
0135732588
6. P. Abbott and H. Neill, 2018, Calculus: A Complete Introduction: The Easy Way to Learn Calculus
(Teach Yourself), ISBN 13: 978-1473678446
7. Thomas Nield, 2022, Essential Math for data science, O’Reilly Media ISBN-13 978-1098102937

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