Definition

A relation is a rule that relates values from a set of values (called the domain) to a second set
of values (called the range).

A relation is a set of ordered pairs (𝑥, 𝑦).

A function is a relation where each element in the domain is related to only one value in the
range by some rule.

A function is a set of ordered pairs (𝑥, 𝑦) such that no two ordered pairs have the same x-value
but different y-values. Using functional notation, we can write f(𝑥) = 𝑦, read as
“𝑓 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑦. ” In particular, if (1, 2) is an ordered pair associated with the function f, then
we say that f(2) = 1.

Relations can be represented by using ordered pairs, graph, table of values, mapping diagram and
rule or equations. Determine which of the following represents functions.

1. Ordered Pairs

Example 1. Which of the following relations are functions?

𝑓 = (1, 3), (4, 1), (2, 0), (7,2)

𝑔 = (3, 2), (4,4), (3, 3), (8, 9)

ℎ = (1, 2), (2, 3), (3, 4), (4, 5)

Solution:
The relations 𝑓 and ℎ are functions because no two ordered pairs
have the same x-value. Meanwhile, 𝑔 is not a function because (3,2)
and (3, 3) are ordered pairs with the same x-value but different y-
values.

2. Mappings

Relations and functions can be represented by mapping diagrams where the

elements of the domain are mapped to the elements of the range using
arrows. In this case, the relation or function is represented by the set of all
the connections represented by the arrows.
Solution.

The relations f and g are functions because each value y in Y is

unique for a specific value of x. The relation h is not a function
because there is at least one element in X for which there is more
than one corresponding y- value. For example, 𝑥 = 2 corresponds to
𝑦 = 20 or 40.

3. Vertical Line Test

A relation between two sets of numbers can be illustrated by a graph in the

Cartesian plane, and that a function passes the vertical line test.

The Vertical Line Test

A graph represents a function if and only if each vertical line intersects the graph at most once.

Example . Which of the following can be graphs of functions?

1. 2.
 3. 4.

5.

Solution.

Graphs 2, 3, 4 are graphs of functions while 1 and 5 are not because they do not pass the vertical
line test.

Important Concepts.

Relations are rules that relate two values, one from a set of inputs and the second from the
set of outputs.

Functions are rules that relate only one value from the set of outputs to a value from the set
of inputs.

The domain of a relation is the set of all possible values that the variable x can take.

Functions as Representations of Real-life Situations.

Functions can often be used to model real situations. Identifying an appropriate functional model
will lead to a better understanding of various phenomena.

Example.

Give a function C that can represent the cost of buying x meals, if

one meal costs P40.

Solution: Since each meal costs P40, then the cost function is (𝑥) = 40𝑥.
Example 9.

A jeepney ride costs P8.00 for the first 4 kilometers, and each
additional integer kilometer adds P1.50 to the fare. Use a piecewise
function to represent the jeepney fare in terms of the distance (d) in
kilometers.

Solution.
The input value is distance and the output is the cost of the jeepney fare. If
(𝑑) represents the fare as a function of distance, the function can be
represented as follows:

8.00 , 𝑖𝑓 0 < ≤ 4
(𝑑) = {
8 + 1⌊𝑑⌋ , 𝑖𝑓 𝑑 > 4

Note that ⌊𝑑⌋ is the floor function applied to d. The floor function
gives the largest integer less than or equal to d, e.g. ⌊4.1⌋ = ⌊4.9⌋ = ⌊4⌋

EVALUATING FUNCTIONS
PRE-REQUISITE SKILLS:

You need a good grasp of GEMDAS. GEMDAS is an acronym for the words
Grouping symbols, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction.
When asked to simplify two or more operations in one algebraic/numerical
expression, the order of the letters in GEMDAS indicates what to calculate first,
second, third and so on, until a simplified expression is achieved.
Example 1. Evaluate the following functions at 𝑥 = 1.5:

a. f(𝑥) = 3𝑥 – 2
b. f(𝑥) = 3𝑥2 − 4𝑥
c. h(x) = √ (x +4 )
2 x +1
d. f(x) =
x−1
e. 𝑡(𝑥) = ⌊𝑥⌋ + 1

Solution:
a. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 2 = 3(1.5) − 2 = 4.5 − 2 = 2.5
b. 𝑦 = 3𝑥2 − 4𝑥 = 3(1.5)2 − 4(1.5) = 3(2.25) − 6 = 6.75 − 6 = 0.75
c. y = √ x+ 4=√ 1.5+4= √ 5.5=2.34
2 x +1 2(1.5)+1 3+1 4
d. y = = = =¿ =8
x−1 (1.5)−1 1.5−1 0.5
e. 𝑦 = ⌊𝑥⌋ + 1 = ⌊1.5⌋ + 1 = 1 + 1 = 2

13
Example 2.
Evaluate the following functions, where f and q are as
defined in Example 1.

a) (2𝑥 + 1) b) (4𝑥 − 3)

Solution:

a. (2𝑥 + 1) = 3(2𝑥 + 1) − 2 = 6𝑥 + 3 − 2 = 𝟔𝒙 + 𝟏
b. (4𝑥 − 3) = 3(4𝑥 − 3)2 − 4(4𝑥 − 3)
= 3(16𝑥2 − 24𝑥 + 9) − 16𝑥 + 12

= 48𝑥2 − 72𝑥 + 27 − 16𝑥 + 12

= 48𝑥2 − 88𝑥 + 39

Example 3

Evaluate (𝑎 + 𝑏) where (𝑥) = 4𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 .

Solution.

(𝑎 + 𝑏) = 4(𝑎 + 𝑏)2 − 3(𝑎 + 𝑏) = 4(𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏2) − 3𝑎 − 3𝑏

= 4𝑎2 − 3𝑎 + 8𝑎𝑏 − 3𝑏 + 4𝑏2

Example 4

Suppose that 𝑠 (𝑇) is the top speed (in km per hour) of a runner when
the temperature is T degrees Celsius. Explain what the statements
(15) = 12 and (30) = 10 mean.

Solution.

The first equation means that when the temperature is 15°𝐶, then
the top speed of a runner is 12 km per hour. However, when
temperature rises to 30°𝐶, the top speed is reduced to 10 km per
hour.

Example 5

The velocity 𝑉 (in m/s) of a ball thrown upward 𝑡 seconds after the
ball was thrown is given by (𝑡) = 20 – 9.8𝑡. Calculate (0) and (1), and
 explain what these results mean.

Solution.
(1) = 20 – 9.8(0) = 20 and (1) = 20 – 9.8(1) = 10.2. These results
indicate that the initial velocity of the ball is 20 m/s. After 1
second, the ball is traveling more slowly, at 10.2 m/s.

Operations on Functions & Composition of Functions

PRE-REQUISITE SKILLS:

Basic knowledge of algebra is required such as simplifying expressions,

factoring and the like.

Definition.

Let 𝑓 and 𝑔 be functions.

1. Their sum, denoted by 𝑓 + 𝑔, is the function denoted by

(𝒇 + 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) + 𝒈(𝒙)

2. Their difference, denoted by 𝑓 − 𝑔, is the function denoted by

(𝒇 − 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) − 𝒈(𝒙)

3. Their product, denoted by 𝑓●g, is the function denoted by

(𝑓●𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥)●𝑔(𝑥)
4. Their quotient, denoted by , is the function denoted by

( fg ) ( x )= gf ((x)x)
* excluding the values of x where (𝑥) = 0

Use the following functions below for Example 5

 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙 + 𝟑
 𝒑(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟕
 𝒗(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟒
 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟖
 h(x) = ( x +2)/(x+ 3)
 t(x) = (x+2)/(x+3)
 Example 6. Determine the following functions.

a) (𝑣 + 𝑔)(𝑥)
b) (𝑓 ● 𝑝)(𝑥)
c) (𝑓 + ℎ)(𝑥)
d) (𝑝 − 𝑓)(𝑥)
❑
e) ( ) (𝑥)
❑

Solution:

a. (𝑣 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = (x2 + 5x + 4) + (x2 + 2x − 8)

= 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 4 + 𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 8
= 2𝑥2 + 7𝑥 − 4

b. (𝑓 ● 𝑝)(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 3)(2𝑥 − 7) = 2𝑥2 − 𝑥 − 21

𝒙+𝟕
c. (𝑓 + ℎ)(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 3) +
𝟐−𝒙
(𝑥 + 3)(2 − 𝑥) (𝑥 + 3)(2 −
= 𝑥+7
2−𝑥 = �
2−𝑥
�
)
+

�
�

�
�

6 − 𝑥 − 𝑥2 + 𝑥 + 7 13 − 𝑥2 𝑥2 − 13
= = =
2−𝑥 2−𝑥 𝑥−2

d. (𝑝 − 𝑓)(𝑥) = (2𝑥 − 7) − (𝑥 + 3) = 2𝑥 − 7 − 𝑥 − 3 = 𝑥 − 10
v
e.
() x2+5x+4
(x+1)(x+4) (x+1)
()x = = =
g x2+2x−8 (𝑥−2)(𝑥+4) (𝑥−2)
 Applying operations on functions may be quite confusing but as soon as
you fully learn the concept, you can derive strategies to simplify functions
easily.

Definition.
Let 𝑓 and 𝑔 be functions.
The composite function denoted by 𝑓 ○ 𝑔 is defined by

𝑓 ○ 𝑔 (𝑥) =
𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)).

The process of obtaining a composite function is called function composition

For examples 7 to 10, use the following functions:
2𝑥+1
(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1 (𝑥) = √𝑥 + 1 (𝑥) =
𝑥−1

(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 2 (𝑥) = ⌊𝑥⌋ + 1

Example 7: Find and simplify 𝑔 ○ 𝑓 (𝑥)

Solution:

𝑔 ○ 𝑓 (𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 1) = √2𝑥 + 1 + 1 = √2𝑥 + 2

Example 8: Find and simplify 𝑞 ○ 𝑓 (𝑥)

Solution:

𝑞 ○ 𝑓 (𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 1)2 − 2(2𝑥 + 1) + 2

= 4𝑥2 + 4𝑥 + 1 − 4𝑥 − 2 + 2

= 4𝑥2 + 1

Example 9: Find and simplify 𝑓 ○ 𝑝 (𝑥)

Solution:

2𝑥 + 1
𝑓 ○ 𝑝 (𝑥) = 2 ( 𝑥 − 1 ) + 1

(4𝑥 + 2) + (𝑥 − 1) 𝑥−1
=
5𝑥 + 1 𝑥−1

2(5) + 1 11
⌋+1= +1=2+1=3
Example 10: Find and simplify 𝐹 ○ 𝑝 (5) 5−1 4

Solution:

𝐹 ○ 𝑝 (5) = ⌊

PROBLEMS INVOLVING FUNCTIONS

Example 11

Suppose that 𝑁(𝑥) = 𝑥 denotes the number of shirts sold by a shop,

and the selling price per shirt is given by 𝒑(𝒙) = 𝟐𝟓𝟎 – 𝟓𝒙, for 0 ≤ 𝑥
≤ 20. Find (𝑁 ● 𝑝)(𝑥) and describe what it represents.

Solution:

(𝑁 ● 𝑝)(𝑥) = (𝑥)●𝑝(𝑥) = 𝑥 (𝟐𝟓𝟎 – 𝟓𝒙) = 𝟐𝟓𝟎𝒙 − 𝟓𝒙𝟐, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 20. Since

this function is the product of the quantity sold and the selling price,
then (𝑁 ● 𝑝)(𝑥) represents the revenue earned by the company.

Example 12

A spherical balloon is being inflated. Let (𝑡) = 3𝑡 cm represent its radius at

time 𝑡 seconds, and 𝑔(𝑟) =
4
𝜋𝑟 3 be the volume of the same balloon if its
let 3
 radius is 𝑟. Write (𝑔 ○ 𝑟) in terms of 𝑡, and describe what it represents.

Solution:

4 4
(𝑔 ○ 𝑟) = ((𝑡) = (3𝑡)3 = 𝜋(27𝑡3) = 36𝜋𝑡 3. This
3 3
function represents the volume of the balloon
at time t seconds.
Let us summarize…

Key Concepts

 A function is a set of ordered pairs (x,y) such that no two ordered pairs
have the same x-value but different y-values. Using functional notation, we
can write f(x) = y, read as “f of x is equal to y.”

 A function can be presented in the following ways: as a set of ordered

pairs, as a rule or equation, as a table of values, as a mapping diagram
(one -to- one, many-to-one), and through graphs.
 To check whether a graph represents a function, the vertical-line
test is applied.
 A piece-wise function is a function that contains several expressions
depending on restrictions of values the unknown variable will take on
in a certain situation
 To evaluate a function means to substitute/replace the variable with a
given value or an expression. f(a) denotes that f will be computed by
replacing all the variables in the functions with a.
 Operations on functions is denoted by the

following: Let f and g be functions.

Their sum, denoted by f + g, is the function denoted by

(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥).
Their difference, denoted by f - g, is the function denoted by
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥). .

Their product, denoted by 𝑓  𝑔, is the function denoted by

(𝑓𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) (𝑥).

Their quotient, denoted by f ÷g, is the function denoted by

(𝑥)
(𝑓 ÷ 𝑔)(𝑥) = , excluding the values of x where g(x)=0.
𝑔(𝑥)
  The composition of the function “ 𝑓 𝑜𝑓 𝑔 ” is defined as follows:
(𝑓  𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)). This means that (𝑥) is composed of the function
𝑔(𝑥). In other words, the variable 𝑥 in (𝑥) will take on the value of (𝑥).

 In solving composite functions, it is important to apply the GEMDAS principle.

 Real-life problems/scenarios could be represented by functions.