Calculus 1 (Math 105)

1.1 Function (Part 2)

Graphs of Functions

Page 1 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

1.2 Graphs of Functions
• Graphing Functions by Plotting Points
• Determining Whether Relations Are Functions (Vertical Line Test).
• Getting information from the graph of a function
✓ Values of a Function.
✓ Domain and Range Function.
✓ Increasing and Decreasing Functions
✓ Local Maximum and Minimum Values of a Function

Page 2 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

1.2 Graphs of Functions
The most important way to visualize a function is through its graph.

In this section we investigate in more detail the concept of graphing

functions.

✓ To graph a function 𝑓, we plot the points (𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥)) in a coordinate

plane.
✓ In other words, we plot the points (𝑥, 𝑦) whose 𝑥-coordinate is an
input and whose 𝑦-coordinate is the corresponding output of the
function.

Definition 1:

The graph of a function

If 𝑓 is a function with domain 𝑋, then the graph of 𝑓 is the set of ordered
pairs

{(𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥)) ∣ 𝑥 ∈ 𝑋}

plotted in a coordinate plane.

In other words, the graph of 𝑓 is the set of all points (𝑥, 𝑦) such that

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥);

that is, the graph of 𝑓 is the graph of the equation 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).

• The graph of a function 𝑓 gives a picture of the behavior or "life

history" of the function.

• We can read the value of 𝑓(𝑥) from the graph as being the height of
the graph above the point 𝑥 (see the Figure below).

Page 3 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Page 4 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi
Graphing Functions by Plotting Points

Example 1

Sketch graphs of the following functions.

(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 (b) 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 (c) ℎ(𝑥) = √𝑥

Solution

We first make a table of values. Then we plot the points given by the table and join

them by a smooth curve to obtain the graph. The graphs are sketched in Figure

below

Page 5 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Determining Whether Relations Are Functions.

Vertical Line Test

The definition of a function as a set of ordered pairs in which no two

ordered pairs that have the same first coordinate have different
second coordinates implies that any vertical line intersects the graph
of a function at no more than one point.

This is known as the vertical line test.

Definition 2: The Vertical Line Test for Functions

A graph is the graph of a function if and only if no vertical line

intersects the graph at more than one point.

Example 2

Using the Vertical Line Test, state whether the graph is the graph of a function.
(a) (b)

Solution

Page 6 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

(a)

This graph (Black) is not the graph of a function because some vertical lines

(Red) intersect the graph in more than one point (A, B and C).

(b)

This graph (Black) is the graph of a function because every vertical line (Red)

intersects the graph in at most one point (A).

Page 7 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Checkpoint 1

Find the domain and range of the following relations.

Then use the Vertical Line, to state whether the graph is the graph of a

function.
(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Page 8 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Getting information from the graph of a function

• Many properties of a function can be understood more easily from

its graph than from the rule that defines the function.
• In this section, we will learn how a graph provides information
about:
✓ The values of a function.
✓ The domain and range of a function.
✓ Increasing and decreasing intervals of a function.
✓ Local maximum and minimum values of a function.

Values of a Function
Example 3

To evaluate 𝑓(1) from the graph, we

observe that the value of the function

𝑓 at 𝑥 = 1 corresponds to the value on

the 𝑦-axis, which is 2 .

Therefore,

𝑓(1) = 2

Checkpoint 2

From the graph in the previous example, find

(a) 𝑓(0) (b) 𝑓(−1) (c) 𝑓(−2)

Page 9 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Domain and Rage of a Function

The graph of a function helps us to picture the domain and range of the
function on the 𝑥-axis and 𝑦-axis, as shown in the box below.

The domain and range of a function

The domain and range of a function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) can be obtained from a

graph of 𝑓 as shown in the figure. The domain is the set of all 𝑥-values for
which 𝑓 is defined, and the range is all the corresponding 𝑦-values.

Example 4

Page 10 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

(a) Use a graphing calculator to draw the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = √4 − 𝑥 2 .
(b) Find the domain and range of 𝑓.

Solution

(a) The graph is shown in the Figure below.

(b) From the graph in the Figure above we see that the domain is [−2,2] and the

range is [0,2].

Definition 3: Domain of a Function

The domain of a function is the set of all input values (all real numbers)
for which the function will produce a real number.

Definition 4: Finding the Domain of a Function Defined by an Equation

1. Start with the domain as the set of real numbers.

2. If the equation has a denominator, exclude any numbers that give
a zero denominator.
3. If the equation has a radical of even index, exclude any numbers
that cause the expression inside the radical (the radicand) to be
negative.

Example 5

Page 11 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Determine the domain of each function.

(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 1 (b) 𝑔(𝑠) = √2𝑠 − 1

𝑡 1
(c) ℎ(𝑡) = 2 (d) 𝑚(𝑟) =
𝑡 −3𝑡−10 𝑟−2

Solution

(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 1.

∵ 𝑓(𝑥) is a polynomial, therefore, the domain is all real numbers (ℝ).

(b) 𝑔(𝑠) = √2𝑠 − 1.

𝑔(𝑠) is defined if

2𝑠 − 1 ≥ 0
1
⇒𝑠≥
2
1
⇒ 𝐷𝑔 = [ , ∞) .
2

𝑡
(c) ℎ(𝑡) = .
𝑡 2 −3𝑡−10

ℎ(𝑡) is defined for all real number except the zeros of the denominator.

𝑡 2 − 3𝑡 − 10 = 0
⇒ (𝑡 − 5)(𝑡 + 2) = 0
⇒ 𝑡 = 5 or 𝑡 = −2
∴ 𝐷ℎ = ℝ ∖ {−2,5} = (−∞, −2) ∪ (−2,5) ∪ (5, ∞).

1
(d) 𝑚(𝑟) =
𝑟−2

𝑚(𝑟) is defined for all real number except the zeros of the denominator.

𝑟−2=0⇒𝑟 =2

∴ 𝐷𝑚 = ℝ ∖ {2} = (−∞, 2) ∪ (2, ∞).

Page 12 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Checkpoint 3

Find the domain of each of the following functions.

3𝑥
(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 (b) 𝑔(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 −4
√3𝑥+12
(c) ℎ(𝑡) = √4 − 𝑡 (d) 𝐹(𝑥) =
𝑥−5

Solution

Page 13 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Range of a Function from a graph
Definition 5: Definition of Range

The range of a function is the set of all output values that are possible
for the given domain of the function.

Example 6

Find the range of each function shown the following graphs.

Solution

(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1

It is clear that

𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 1 ≥ 1 for all 𝑥 ∈ ℝ.

Thus the range of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1 is [1, ∞).

1
(b) 𝑦 =
𝑥−2

1
We can see from the graph above that the range of 𝑦 = is ℝ\{0} = (−∞, 0) ∪
𝑥−2

(0, ∞)

(c) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 2 − 1.

It is clear that √𝑥 2 − 1 ≥ 0 for all 𝑥.

Thus, the range of 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 2 − 1 is [0, ∞).

Page 14 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Increasing, Decreasing, and Constant Functions

➢ Consider the graph in the Figure below.

➢ As a point on the graph moves from left to right,
✓ this graph falls for values of −2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 0,
✓ remains the same height from 𝑥 = 0 to 𝑥 = 2,
✓ and rises for values of 2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 4.

The function represented by the graph is said to be decreasing on the

interval [−2,0], constant on the interval [0,2], and increasing on the
interval [2,4].

Page 15 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Definition 6: Definition of Increasing, Decreasing, and Constant Functions

If 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 are elements of an interval 𝐼 that is a subset of the domain

of a function 𝑓, then

▪ 𝑓 is increasing on 𝐼 if 𝑓(𝑥1 ) < 𝑓(𝑥2 ) whenever 𝑥1 < 𝑥2 .

▪ 𝑓 is decreasing on 𝐼 if 𝑓(𝑥1 ) > 𝑓(𝑥2 ) whenever 𝑥1 < 𝑥2 .
▪ 𝑓 is constant on 𝐼 if 𝑓(𝑥1 ) = 𝑓(𝑥2 ) for all 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 .

Example 7

In each graph below, determine all intervals where 𝑓 is increasing or decreasing.

Solution
Page 16 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi
LEFT GRAPH:

𝑓 is decreasing on (−∞, −1] and [1,3]

𝑓 is increasing on [−1,1] and [3, ∞)

RIGHT GRAPH:

𝑓 is decreasing on (−∞, −1).

𝑓 is constant on [−1,1) and [2,4].

𝑓 is increasing on [1,2] and [4, ∞).

Checkpoint 4

State the intervals on which the given function is increasing, decreasing, or

constant.

Solution

Page 17 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Local Maximum and Minimum Values of a Function

• We can find the local maximum and minimum values of a function

using a graphing calculator.
• If there is a viewing rectangle such that the point (𝑎, 𝑓(𝑎)) is the
highest point on the graph of 𝑓 within the viewing rectangle (not
on the edge), then the number 𝑓(𝑎) is a local maximum value of 𝑓
(see the Figure below).
• Notice that 𝑓(𝑎) ≥ 𝑓(𝑥) for all numbers 𝑥 that are close to 𝑎.

• Similarly, if there is a viewing rectangle such that the point

(𝑏, 𝑓(𝑏)) is the lowest point on the graph of 𝑓 within the viewing
rectangle, then the number 𝑓(𝑏) is a local minimum value of 𝑓.
• In this case 𝑓(𝑏) ≤ 𝑓(𝑥) for all numbers 𝑥 that are close to 𝑏.

Page 18 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Determine a Domain Value Given a Range Value
Example 8

Find the values of 𝑎 in the domain of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 4 for which 𝑓(𝑎) = 2.

Solution

Checkpoint 5

find the value or values of 𝑎 in the domain of 𝑓 for which 𝑓(𝑎) equals the given
number.

(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 2; 𝑓(𝑎) = 10 (b) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 16; 𝑓(𝑎) = −2

Solution

Page 19 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Note:
It may be that, for a given number 𝑏, there is no number in the domain
of 𝑓 for which 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑏.

Example 9

Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3, find a value in the domain of 𝑓 for which 𝑓(𝑎) = 2.

Solution

𝑓(𝑎) = 3

𝑎2 + 3 = 2 Replace f(a) with 𝑎2 + 3

𝑎2 = −1 Solve for 𝑎

√𝑎2 = √−1

𝑎 = ±𝑖

The values of 𝑎 are complex numbers and not in the domain of 𝑓. Note from the

graph in the Figure above that the horizontal line through (0,2) does not intersect

the graph as it did in the previous Example.

Page 20 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Zeroes of a Function and Intercepts

• A problem in the previous Example is a special interest is

determining the values in the domain of a function 𝑓 for which
𝑓(𝑎) = 0.

• A value 𝑎 in the domain of a function 𝑓 for which 𝑓(𝑎) = 0 is called

a zero of 𝑓.

✓ For instance, let 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 4. When 𝑥 = 2 , we have

𝑓(2) = 2(2) − 4 = 0.

Because 𝑓(2) = 0,
then 2 is a zero of 𝑓.

✓ Here is another example:

Suppose 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 15.
Then
𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 15 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 15
𝑔(3) = 32 + 2(3) − 15 𝑔(−5) = (−5)2 + 2(−5) − 15
𝑔(3) = 0 𝑔(−5) = 0
3 is a zero of 𝑔. −5 is a zero of 𝑔.

In this case, there are two values in the domain of 𝑔, −5 and 3 , for which
𝑓(𝑥) = 0.

Page 21 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Example 10

Find the zeros of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3.

Solution

Checkpoint 6

Find the zeros of 𝑓.

(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4 (b) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5

Solution

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Intercepts

Any point that has an 𝑥 - or a 𝑦-coordinate of zero is called an intercept

of the graph of a function because it is at these points that the graph
intersects the 𝑥 - or the 𝑦-axis.

Example 11

Find the 𝑥 - and 𝑦-intercepts of the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3.

Solution

Algebraic Solution

To find the 𝑦-intercept, let 𝑥 = 0 and solve for 𝑦.

𝑦 = 𝑓(0) = 02 − 2(0) − 3 = −3

To find the 𝑥-intercepts, let 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 and solve for 𝑥.

𝑓(𝑥) = 0

𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3 = 0

(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1) = 0

𝑥 = 3 or 𝑥 = −1.

Because 𝑦 = −3 when 𝑥 = 0, then (0, −3) is a 𝑦-intercept.

Because 𝑥 = 3 or 𝑥 = −1 when 𝑦 = 0 then , (3,0) and (−1,0) are 𝑥-intercepts.

Visualize the Solution

The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3, shown below, confirms that these three points are

intercepts.

Page 23 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 • Observe that the graph intersects the 𝑥-axis at (−1,0) and (3,0), the
𝑥-intercepts.

• The graph also intersects the 𝑦-axis at (0, −3), the 𝑦-intercept.

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Applications of Functions
Example 12

An open box is to be made from a square piece of cardboard that measures

40 inches on each side.

(a) Express the volume 𝑉 of the box as a function of 𝑥.

(b) Determine the domain of 𝑉.

Solution

To construct the box, squares that measure 𝑥 inches on each side are cut from

each corner of the cardboard as shown in the Figure below.

(a) The length 𝑙 of the box is 40 − 2𝑥.

The width 𝑤 is also 40 − 2𝑥. The height of the box is 𝑥. The volume 𝑉 of a box

is the product of its length, its width, and its height. Thus

𝑉 = (40 − 2𝑥)2 𝑥

(b) The squares that are cut from each corner require 𝑥 to be larger than 0 inches

but less than 20 inches. Thus, the domain is {𝑥 ∣ 0 < 𝑥 < 20}.

Page 25 of 25 Calculus 105 (Semester 2 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi