24 Introduction to functions

Prior knowledge
This is a new concept. It builds on the earlier algebra units in Sections 1 and 2 of the Student’s Book.

Objectives overview
Objective Student’s Workbook Teacher’s Online
Learning objective code Book pages pages Guide pages resources
Understand that a function is a 7As.03 192–197 75–76 109–112 Flashcards
relationship where each input Unit 24
has a single output. Generate
Knowledge
outputs from a given function
test Unit 24
and identify inputs from a given
output by considering inverse
operations (linear and integers).
Understand that a situation can 7As.04 192–197 75–76 109–112
be represented either in words
or as a linear function in two
variables (of the form y = x + c
or y = mx), and move between
the two representations.

Background information
In this unit, students are introduced to the concept of functions. Study begins with function
machines in which it is demonstrated that a number is input, the function carried out and produces
an output. Students will carry out functions and use their problem-solving skills to identify the
function when given the inputs and outputs. They will also explore inverse functions.
By the close of the unit, students will link their understanding of functions to forming equations, as
studied in Unit 20.

Terminology
Explain the difference between ‘a map’ and ‘mapping’ in mathematics. The inverse of a function
simply undoes the effect of the original. Make it very clear that an equation is an algebraic function.
The exercises all show function machines.

Lesson ideas
Draw examples of function machines with simple inputs on the board. Students could play ‘Guess
my function?’ by providing inputs and outputs for a partner. Students could be stretched further by
providing the related inverse function.

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 SECTION 3

Starter activity
Number machine
Professor Algebra has a number machine which can turn one number into another number.

1 In My number machine Out 2

When Professor Algebra feeds a card with the number 1 into his machine, the number 2 comes out.
1 What rule could the machine be using?
2 Professor Algebra feeds some more cards into the machine.
Here are his results.
What rule is the machine using?
Number in 1 3 0 9
Number out 2 6 0 18

3 Professor Algebra re-sets his number machine and changes its rule.
What rule is the machine using for each of the following sets of results?
a
Number in 5 9 13
Number out 7 11 15

b Number in 10 20 30
Number out 2 4 6

c
Number in 7 8 9
Number out 4 5 6

d Number in 20 40 60
Number out 15 30 45

4 Make up a rule for the number machine.

Ask a partner to give you some numbers to feed into your machine.
Tell your partner the results.
Can they guess your rule? How many goes does it take?
Is it possible to be sure of the rule after feeding in only one number?

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 24 Introduction to functions

Answers
1 ‘Add 1’ or ‘multiply by 2’ or a more complicated rule like ‘multiply by 2 and subtract 1’
2 Multiply by 2
3 a Add 2
b Divide by 5
c Subtract 3
d Multiply by 0.75
4 Student’s own work. It is not possible to be 100% sure of a rule after feeding in only one number;
you need to feed in at least two numbers.

Students’ Book answers

Exercise 24.1 (page 194) b

Input Output
1 a
x +6 y 5 −2

b 23 16
q −5 p
15 8
2 119 112
Input Output
0 5 6 a In Divide by 3 Out

1 6
In Subtract 8 Out
2 7
b
3 8 Input Output Input Output

3 −2 −6 −2 6
Input Output
4 12 4 12
2 6
8 24 8 16
4 12
20 60 20 28
6 18
7 a 3 b 12
8 24

4 Exercise 24.2 (page 197)

Input Output
1 n = M - 56
2 1 2 a
h × 15 p
4 2
3 b $330
6
3 a
8 4 R × 17.4 r

5 a b 8700 Rupees c 14.37 Reals

In Add 7 Out
4 a
n × 0.8 C

b Students’ explanations. Forgetting to

convert cents to dollars, cost can’t be
the input, it must be the output, +80 just
adds 80 to the number of km.
c $44

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 SECTION 3

Workbook answers
Exercises 24.1–24.2 (page 75)
1 a b
x +7 w f −3 d

c
h ×2 v b
Input Output
2 a
Input Output −2 −6
1 2 −1 −3
2 4 0 0
3 6 1 3
4 8 2 6
3
M − 28 R

4 a b
In ×2 Out Input Output
2 1
10 5
18 9
−6 −3
1 0.5
5 a Input Output
10 20
2.5 12.5
In Add 2 Out
14 24
25 35
15 25

Input Output
3.5 1.5
4 2
In Subtract 10 Out
4.5 2.5
8 6
5.5 3.5

Input Output
2 0.5
40 10
In Multiply by 4 Out
8 2
100 25
240 60
6 Input = x
3x = x + 8
2x = 8
x=4
This proves there is only one possible solution and it is 4.

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