Functions and Models
1. Definition of function
- A function describes a relationship where one quantity (the input or independent
variable) determines another quantity (the output or dependent variable).
- Input or independent variable is an isolated quantity, which can change in
whatever conditions and experiment. A set of all acceptable inputs called a
domain ( or a set D)
- Output or dependent variable is a quantity, which depends on an independent
variable. A set of all acceptable outputs called a range ( or a set E)
Example: when you take your weight usually by standing on a scale your
body weight will serve as the input while the measurement usually in
kilogram is your output, and the scale is a function.
2. Four ways to represent a function
- Verbally: Representing a function by verbal is describing a function with words.
Function Example: h(d)=2d+5
Verbal Representation:
"This function represents the height h of a plant in inches after it has been growing
for d days. The plant starts at a height of 5 inches, and it grows 2 inches each
day. So, if you want to know how tall the plant will be after a certain number of
days, you just multiply the number of days by 2 and then add 5. For example,
after 3 days, the plant will be 2×3+5=11 inches tall”
- Numerically: by a table of values
Example: The function for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit is:
where:
● C is the temperature in Celsius,
● F is the temperature in Fahrenheit.
Now, let's create a table that shows a few Celsius temperatures and their
corresponding Fahrenheit values:
- Visually: by a graph. Graph is the most common way to represent a function.
Through graphs, it is easier to understand the relationship between x ( input) and
y ( output). Besides that, we can also study history and develop tendencies of
functions. It also helps us identify the domain of functions through x-axis and the
range of functions through y-axis.
Example:
Imagine you're saving money in a bank account, and you deposit $200 every month.
The total amount saved depends on how many months you keep saving.
● The x-axis represents time (in months).
● The y-axis represents the total savings (in dollars).
Since you're depositing a fixed amount every month, the total savings will increase
steadily, forming a straight line. The function can be written as:
Savings=200×Months
The graph will show a linear increase, where every month the savings grow by $200.
- Algebraically: We represent a function through a specific formula.
Example: The formula for calculating simple interest is straightforward and is
commonly used in finance for loans and investments. The formula is:
Where:
A is final amount
P is initial principal balance
r is annual interest rate
t is time ( in year)
=
=
=
3. Piecewise Defined Function
- A piecewise defined function is illustrated by two or more equations, with each
equation applying to a specific interval of the input.
Example:
Example: Tax systems often use piecewise functions to determine how much tax
individuals owe based on their income. Different income ranges are taxed at
different rates.
Let’s assume the following tax brackets for an individual:
● Income up to $10,000: 10%
● Income from $10,001 to $30,000: 15%
● Income above $30,000: 20%
We can define the tax function T(I) based on income I as follows:
Explanation:
● For income up to $10,000, the tax is simply 10% of the income.
● For income between $10,001 and $30,000, the tax is the fixed amount of
$1,000 (which is 10% of the first $10,000) plus 15%of the amount over $10,000.
● For income above $30,000, the tax is a fixed amount of $4,000 (which includes
tax on the first two brackets) plus 20% of the amount over $30,000.
4. Symmetry
- A function is symmetric when the output is unchanged while the input is altered.
- If f(-x)=f(x) for all x in the domain of f, then f is an even function. An even function is
symmetric about the y-axis.
Example: f(x)= x² is an even function because:
f(-x) = (-x)² = x² = f(x)
- If f(-x) = -f(x) for all x in the domain of f, then f is an odd function. An odd function is
symmetric about the origin
Example: f(x)=x³ is an odd function because:
f(-x) = (-x)³ = -x³ = -f(x)
Other example:
Cosine Function:
g(x) = cos(x)
This function is even, as cos(−x) = cos(x)
Absolute Value Function:
h(x)=∣x∣
This function is also even, as ∣−x∣=∣x∣
5. Increasing and decreasing functions
A function f is called increasing on an interval I if
whenever in I
It is called decreasing on I if
whenever in I
Example:
