9758 H2 Mathematics

Chapter 4: Functions
Lecture Notes

Objectives:

At the end of the chapter, you should be able to:

(a) understand the definition of a function and its domain;
(b) use the vertical line test on a graph to determine whether it represents a function
(c) determine the range of a function from its graph
f ( x ) = x 2 + 5 f:x a x 2 + 5 f -1 ( x ) fg ( x ) f 2 ( x)
(d) use of notations such as , , , and
(e) understand the definition of a one-to-one function and identify it using a horizontal line test;
(f) understand and explain the condition for a function to have an inverse function;
(g) obtain the inverse of a one-to-one function and state its domain and range;
(h) illustrate in graphical terms the relation between a one-to-one function and its inverse;
(i) restrict the domain of a function so that the inverse is a function;
(j) understand that a composite function fg is a composition of two functions, g followed by f;
(k) understand and explain the condition for the composition of two functions to exist;
(l) obtain the composition of two functions and determine its domain and range;

Contents
4.1 Definition of Relations and Functions
4.2 Inverse Functions
4.3 Composite Functions
4.4 Special Functions
4.5 Mastery Examples
4.6 Self-Reading Examples

Real-Life Applications:
Whenever anyone wants to undo something that they or someone else did, they use an inverse
function, whether it's untying a knot or solving a puzzle. When a computer reads a number you type
in and converts it to binary for internal sto rage, then prints it out again on the screen for you to see,
it's doing an inverse function.

For a simpler example: When someone calls you on the phone, he or she looks up your
number in a phone book (a function from names to phone numbers). When Caller ID
shows who is calling, it has performed the inverse function, finding the name Chapt
corresponding to the number. er 4:
Functi
ons

Page 1 of 32
Check-in Exercises

1. Recapping the use of set notation, we can use

( a, b ) to represent the interval { x: a < x < b} ,
[ a, b] to represent the interval { x: a x b} ,
( a, b] to represent the interval { x : a < x b} ,
[ a, b ) to represent the interval { x: a x < b} ,
( a, ) to represent the interval { x : x > a} ,
[a, ) to represent the interval { x : x a} ,
(-, b) to represent the interval { x : x < b} .
(-, b] to represent the interval { x : x b} .

Write the following in set notation:

Inequality form Set Notation

10 < x < 20 (10, 20)
10 < x 16 (10,16]
8 x 16 [8,16]
x<3 ( -,3)

1
sin q =
2. Given that -p q p , solve 2.
(What is wrong with the following solution? Can you come up with the correct solution?)

1
sin q =
2
1 p
q = sin -1 =
2 6

Chapt
er 4:
Functi
ons

Page 2 of 32
4.1 Definition of Relations and Functions

4.1.1 Relations and Terminology

A relation between two sets X and Y is a collection of ordered pairs containing one object from each
set.
For example, we can consider the relation f between the students in the class and their heights. Let X
be the set of students in the class and Y the heights (in cm), we might have (Tom, 165), (Nicole, 159),
(Henry, 171) appearing in the relation.

In symbols, we write the relation like this: f : X a Y . This means f maps the elements in set X to the
elements in set Y

To describe mathematically the relation within one pair of values, e.g (Henry, 171), we can say any of
the following:
f maps Henry to 171
171 is the image of Henry under f
f(Henry) = 171

4.1.2 Domain and Range of a Relation

Given a relation f : X a Y ,
The set of all x-values in the ordered pairs in f is known as the domain of f. (This is set X.)
The set of all y-values in the ordered pairs in f is known as the range of f. (This is a subset of set Y,
but might not be exactly equivalent to set Y. Set Y is known as the co-domain of f, which is beyond
the scope of the A-Level syllabus.)

Example 1

1 f : X a Y , f = { ( -2, 4 ) , ( 2, 4 ) , ( 3,9 ) } { -2, 2,3} .

Domain of f is
X = { -2, 2,3} Y = { 4, 7,9} { 4,9}
where and Range of f is
f
3 9

2 4

Set X Set Y
Chapt
er 4:
Functi
ons

Page 3 of 32
4.1.3 Graphical Representation of a Relation

Rule of a Relation
Often, but not always, a rule of a relation exists which defines explicitly how an element in the domain
is mapped to its image. This is necessary when the number of elements in a domain is infinite.

f ( x ) = x + 2, x {1, 2,3} f ( x) = x + 2
For example, if we have , the rule is given by .

Relations can be represented in different ways

(i) Ordered Pairs (if the number of elements of each set is finite);
(ii) Mapping Diagram (if the number of elements of each set is finite);
(iii) Graph (if the number of elements of each set is infinite, and the rule is known).

[Note: in the A-Level syllabus, we will mainly be using the graphical representation.]

Ordered Pairs f = { ( -2, 4 ) , ( 2, 4 ) , ( 3,9 ) }

Mapping f:X a Y
X = { -2, 2,3} Y = { 4, 7,9}
where and
f
3 9

2 4

Set X Set Y

Graph g : a , g ( x ) = x 2

y y = g(x)

0 x

Chapt
er 4:
Functi
ons

Page 4 of 32
4.1.4 Functions
A function f : X a Y is a relation that maps each element x X to exactly one element
yY .
The element y which x is mapped onto is called an image.

Example 2
For each of the relations below, state, with a reason, whether it is a function.

(i) f : X a Y where X = { 4, 9} & Y = { -3, - 2, 3} , f ( x ) = x

4
Is f a function? No
Reason:
9
3 For a relation to be a function, each element in X
should have only 1 image but for the element 9,
X Y there are 2 images.

g :U a V where U = { -2, 1, 2, 3} & V = { 1, 4, 9} , g ( x ) = x

2
(ii)

1 1 Is g a function? Yes
2 4 Reason:
9 This relation is a function since every element in
2 the domain has exactly one image.
3
U V

(iii) h : S a T where S = { -2, 1, 2, 3} & T = { -1, 2, 4, 9} , h ( x ) = x + 1

2 Is h a function? No
1 2
Reason:
4
This relation is not a function because the
2 9
element 2 has no image.
3
S T

(iv) r : A a B where A = { -2, 1, 2, 3} & B = { -1, 2, 3, 4} , r ( x ) = x + 1 Chapt

er 4:
2 Is r a function? Yes Functi
1 2 Reason: ons
3 This relation is a function since every element in
2 4 the domain has exactly one image.
3
A B

Page 5 of 32
 Notes:
1. f : x a y implies that under the function f, the element x is mapped onto the element
y and f(x) = y means that y is the image of x under the mapping f.

4.1.5 Vertical Line Test

We can check if a relation is a function by representing the relation as a graph, and then by
using the vertical line test.

If for each value a in the domain, the vertical line x = a intersects the graph exactly once, then
the given graph is the graph of a function.

Example 3
Using the vertical line test, state, giving a reason, whether the following relations are
functions.
+ {0}
(i) y = x 2 , x (ii) 2
y y =x , x R

y = x2 y

0 x

0 x
x=k
Using the vertical line test, this
relation is a function because any This relation is not a function since using the
vertical line cuts the curve exactly vertical line test, x = 3 has 2 images, i.e..
once.

4.1.6 Domain & Range of a Function

Definitions
When we consider f : X a Y , the domain of the function f is defined as the set of elements
in X.

This means that X is the set of numbers which the rule is operating on.
Chapt
The domain of the function f is denoted by Df , er 4:
y = x2 i.e. Domain of f = X = Df . Functi
ons
The range of the function f is the set of y-values produced by the rule. This means that range
is the set of all images under f.

Range of the function f is denoted by Rf . (Note that Rf Y .)

Page 6 of 32
 The range of a function is usually determined from its graph by looking at the y-values that
the graph of the function takes.

Example 4
Sketch the graphs of the following functions and state their domain and range.

f : x x 2 , x + Domain of f , Df , is =
+ ( 0, )
y
Range of f, Rf , is =
+ ( 0, )

g:x a ( x + 1)
2
+1 D = ( -, 0)
, x , x < 0 Domain of g, g
R = [1, )
y Range of g, g

2
(-1,1)

x
0

1
h : x a 1 + , x , x 0 Dh =-
( , 0) ( 0, ) or
\ { 0}
x
y
Rh =-
( ,1) ( 1, ) or \ { 1}

y=1
x

Chapt
er 4:
Functi
ons
4.1.7 Equivalence of Functions

Two functions are the same if and only if they have the same rule and domain.

Compare the graphs of these two functions:

Page 7 of 32
 f : x a x 2 , x +
g : x a x 2 , x
f g since they have different domains.

4.2 Inverse Functions

For any relation, there is a corresponding inverse relation. If the relation f maps a to b, then
-1
the inverse relation, denoted by f , maps b to a.

Illustration f f -1
2 2
1 2 1 2
4 4
2 9 2 9
3 3
S T S T
In this section, we will be learning for a given function f, under what conditions will the
-1
inverse of f, f , also be a function, and if so, how do we determine its rule, domain and
range?

4.2.1 One-to-One Functions

Definition
A function f is said to be a one-to-one function if no two values in the domain are mapped
onto the same image.

Mathematically, f : X a Y is one-to-one if and only if for all a, b X ,

f ( a) = f ( b) a = b
.

Illustration:
X Y X Y

One-to-One Function f Not one-to-one Function g Chapt

er 4:
4.2.2 Existence of Inverse Functions Functi
-1 ons
If a function f is one-to-one, the inverse relation f is also a function. Equivalently, we also
-1
say that f exists.
-1 -1
If f is not one-to-one, then the inverse function f will not exist. (or the inverse relation f
is not a function.)
f is one-to-one f -1 exists

Page 8 of 32
 Note: To show that a function is one-to-one, we need to make use of the horizontal line test
(4.2.3)

Illustration:
X Y X Y
Note that the
inverse relation is
still a function.

Function f Inverse function f -1

Note that the inverse

relation is not a
function. (why?)

Function g Inverse relation g -1

4.2.3 Horizontal Line Test

The horizontal line test is a graphical approach to check whether a function is one-to-one.

1. Graphically, a function f is one-to-one if any horizontal line y = k , k Rf cuts the graph

y = f ( x)
at exactly one point.
2. If there exists a horizontal line that cuts the graph of function f at more than one point,
then f is not one-to-one.
Chapt
Note: Functions which are strictly increasing or strictly decreasing are one-to-one functions. er 4:
Functi
Example 5 ons
For each of the following
y functions, determine whether they are one-to-one.
2
(a) g : x a x , x
h : x a x - 2, x +
(b)
y =1
[Solution] x
0 1 Page 9 of 32
 (a) Consider the graph of g. Using the Horizontal Line
Test, since the horizontal line y=1 cuts the graph
y=g( x ) at two distinct points, g is not a
one-one function.
g ( 1) = g ( -1) = 1
Alternatively, since , therefore, g
is not a one-to-one function.

x
(b) Consider the graph of h. Since the horizontal line
y =k y = k, k (-2, ) , intersects the graph y = h(x) at
one point only i.e. every y-value is obtained from
a unique x-value, hence h is a one-to-one
2 function.
0
y

4.2.4 Domain and Range of an Inverse Function

Df -1 Rf -1
= Rf and = Df

Illustration:
Domain Range
f

x
y

4.2.5 Rule of an Inverse Function

By definition of an inverse function, we have y = f ( x ) x = f -1 ( y ) .

-1
Thus, to get the rule for the inverse function f , we need to first write down the rule of
function f in the following way y = f ( x) and then make x the subject.

Method to find rule of inverse of a function: Chapt

1. Let y = f (x) er 4:
2. Make x the subject of the formula. Functi
3. If there is more than one possibility, make sure you check the domain and range of the ons
original function to choose the correct one.

1
f -1 ( x )
f ( x)
Note:

Page 10 of 32
Example 6 (Worked Example)
Find the inverse function of the following, and leave your answer in similar form.
5
f : x a ( x - 32 ) , x
9 , x > -460
[Solution]
5
f : x a ( x - 32 ) , x
9 , x > -460
5
f ( x) = ( x - 32 ) x
9 , x > -460
Rf = (-273.3, )
5
y = ( x - 32 )
Let 9
9y
x - 32 =
5 Method to find rule of inverse of a function:
9y 1. Let y = f (x)
x = 32 +
5 2. Make x the subject of the formula.
9y 3. If there is more than one possibility,
f -1 ( y ) = 32 + make sure you check the domain and
5
range of the original function to choose
9x
f -1 ( x) = 32 + the correct one.
5
Df -1 = Rf = (-273.3, )
9x
f -1 : x a 32 + , x
5 , x > -273.3

Real-Life Application

How do we convert temperatures in Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius ? We use the formula

5
y = ( x - 32 )
9 . Using the inverse function, we can now also obtain a formula that allows us to
convert temperatures in degree Celsius to Fahrenheit.

Chapt
er 4:
Functi
ons

Page 11 of 32
4.2.6 Graphical Relationship between f and f1

A point
( x, y ) under the function f becomes the point ( y, x ) under the function y3 .
-1
The graph of f is obtained by reflecting the graph of f in the line y = x.

-1
(i.e. the graphs of f and f are mirror images of each other in the line y = x.)

Example 7
Find the inverse of the following function, and leave your answer in a similar form. Also,
sketch the graph of each function and its inverse on the same axes.
1
g : x a x 2 + x + 1, x , x > -
2

[Solution] Alternatively
x>-1 1
2 g(x) = x 2 + x + 1, x , x > -
Let y = x + x + 1 , 2
2
2
1 3 2 x>-1
y = x + + Let y = x + x + 1 , 2
2 4
x2 + x + 1 - y = 0
1 3
x=- y-
2 4 -1 (1)2 - 4(1)(1 - y )
x=
1 3 2(1)
x=- + y-
2 4 -1 4 y - 3 1- 4 y - 3 1
x= reject Qx>-
1 3 1 2 2 2
reject - - y - Q x >


2 4 2 -1 + 4 y - 3
g -1 ( y ) =
2
1 3 -1 + 4 x - 3
x=- + y- g -1 ( x ) =
2 4 2
1 1 -1 + 4 x - 3 3
=- + 4y - 3 g -1 : x a , x , x >
2 2 2 4
-1 + 4 x - 3 3
g -1 : x a , x , x >
2 4

y = f(x)
y
y=x

Chapt
1 y = f1(x)
(,) er 4:
Functi
1 x ons
0 (,)

Page 12 of 32
4.2.7 Restriction of a domain of a function

Sometimes a function is not one-one, and therefore the inverse function does not exist.
However, it might be possible to restrict the domain of the function such that the resulting
function is one-one.

Example 8
Restrict the domains of the following functions to maximal domains so that the resulting
function is 1-1.
(i) Restricted Maximal Domain
y such that resulting function is
y = f (x) one-to-one:
(-, -1]
Or
1 [-1, )
x

-1 0
(ii) f : x a sin x , x [-p , p ] , x Restricted Maximal Domain
such that resulting function is
y one-to-one:
p
1 [-p , - ]
2
x p p
[- , ]
0 or 2 2
p
[ ,p ]
Or 2

Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Recall: In secondary school, we often use the inverse trigonometric functions in our calculators, for
-1 -1 -1
example sin , cos and tan . However, if we consider the graph y = sin x above for the domain
[-p , p ] it is clear that the function y = sin x , x [-p , p ] , x is not 1-1, and thus inverse does not
exist. Thus, we have to restrict the domains of the trigonometric functions such that the inverse exists.

y = sin x y = cos x y = tan x

Restricted p p [0, p ] p p
Domain [- , ] (- , )
2 2 2 2 Chapt
Graph with er 4:
Restricted Functi
Domain so that ons
inverse exists

Page 13 of 32
 Chapt
er 4:
Functi
ons

Page 14 of 32
 Example 91
The function f is defined by f : x 2x2 3, x
-1
Explain why the inverse function f does not exist. If the domain of f is restricted to the
-1 -1
subset of for which x > A, find the least value of A for which f exists and find f .
-1
Hence sketch on the same axes, the graphs of f and f , indicating clearly the relationship
between the two functions.
-1
Hence solve f(x) = f (x).

[Solution]
f (x)= 2x2 3, x y
Since the horizontal line y=1 cuts the
graph y=f ( x) at two points, f is not one-to-one
and therefore f 1 does not exist. 0 y = x1
(Alternatively) Since f (1) = f (-1) = -1
-1
f is not one-to-one f does not exist

-1
Hence we restrict Df = (0,) so that f is one-to-one. Therefore f exists.
Least value of A = 0

y = f ( x ) = 2x 2 - 3 , x>0
Let
y+3 y+3
x2 = x=
2 2
y+3
Since x > 0 , x = 2
x+3
-1 2 , x , x > -3
Then, f (x) =
-1
The diagram below shows the graphical relationship between f, f and y = x.
y
y = f(x) y=x

3
2

x
3
0 2

Chapt
er 4:
Functi
f ( x ) = f -1 ( x ) f ( x) = x ons
i.e. 2 x - 3 = x
2
Solving is equivalent to solving
2 x2 - x - 3 = 0
( 2 x - 3) ( x + 1) = 0

1 Refer to Example 17 for more example on finding inverse functions using Completing the Square method.
Page 15 of 32
 3
x=
2 or x = -1 (rej. since x > 0 )

4.3 Composite Functions

For any two functions f and g, the composite relation fg refers to a sequential mapping, i.e. the
D R R
elements in g are mapped under g to g and subsequently, the elements in g are mapped
under f.
g f

Dg Rg Rfg

fg

Similar to the inverse function, we will learn under what conditions this composite relation is
a function, and if so, how do we find its rule, domain and range?

4.3.1 Existence of a Composite Function

Given f and g are functions of x:
The composite relation, fg, is a function if and only if range of g is a subset of domain of f.
x Dg = Dfg
The composite relation fg is defined as fg( x ) = f[g( x )] , where .

R Df
Composite function fg exists g

The following diagrams illustrate this idea.

Diagram 1: If Rg Df , fg is a function.
For example, consider the functions
f : A B , f ( x )=x +1, where A={ 1,2,4,6,8,9 }B={2,3,5,7,9,10}
g : X Y , g ( x )=x 2 , where X ={ 1,2,3 }Y ={1,4,9 }

Rg = Y = { 1, 4,9} , Df = A = { 1, 2, 4, 6,8,9}
Rg Df , therefore fg is a function.

3 Chapt
2 6 er 4:
7
Functi
ons
1 1 2
2 4 5
9 10
3
8 9

Page 16 of 32
 R Df
Diagram 2: If g , then fg is not a function.
For example, consider the functions
f : C a D, f ( x ) = x + 1, where C = { 1, 2,3, 4,5} & D = { 2,3, 4,5, 6}
g : X a Y , g ( x ) = x 2 , where X = { 1, 2,3} & Y = { 1, 4,9}
Rg = Y = { 1, 4,9} , Df = C = { 1, 2,3, 4,5}
R Df
Since 9 C , g , therefore fg is not a function as the element 3 has no
image when mapped under fg.

2
3 2
1
2 4
Rg 1 5 3 5
3
4 6
5
9

Important Notes:

1. The composition of two functions may not exist, in general. So before you form the
composition of two functions, it is always necessary to check whether the composite
function exists.
2. Composition of functions is not commutative. In general, gf fg .

4.3.2 Domain and Range of a Composite Function

Domain of a Composite Function

By virtue of the definition of a composite function, the domain of a composite function fg is
the domain of g.
Dfg = Dg

Range of a Composite Function

R Df
Since we know that for the composite function fg to exist, we need to have g , thus if
Rg Chapt
we map the elements in under f, then the resulting range will be a subset of the range of f. er 4:
Rfg Rf Functi
Thus, we have the property
ons
Rfg
However, to find the exact range of the composite function fg , i.e. , more work needs to
be done.

Steps to find Range of a Composite Function fg

1. Find the range of g.
Page 17 of 32
2. Restrict the domain of f to the range of g and find the range of f corresponding to the
restricted domain.

Chapt
er 4:
Functi
ons

Page 18 of 32
4.3.3 Rule of a Composite Function
To find the rule of a composite function, we simply substitute the rule of the second function
into the first.
Illustrated example:
Consider:
f ( x ) = x 2 , x
2
x-5 x - 5
g ( x) = , x fg ( x ) = , x
3 3
g f
2
x x -5 x - 5

3 3
fg

Example 10
The functions f and g are defined by
f : x a 1 - 3 x, x < 0
g : x a 2 x 2 + 1, x 0 .
(a) Show that fg does not exist.
(b) Show that gf exists as a function and give a rule similar as above, with the domain and
range.

[Solution]
x

y
1

0
y

y = f(x)
y = g(x)

0 x

Rg = [ 1, ) Df = ( -, 0 )
(a) ,
R Df
Since g , therefore fg does not exists.

Rf = ( 1, ) Dg = [ 0, )
(b) ,
R Dg
Since f , therefore gf exists.
Chapt
gf ( x) = g(1 - 3 x)
er 4:
= 2(1 - 3x )2 + 1 Functi
ons
= 18 x 2 - 12 x + 3
gf : x a 18 x 2 - 12 x + 3, x , x < 0

Page 19 of 32
 To find the range of gf
Step 1: find the range of the first function, f.
Rf = ( 1, ) y
Step 2: Restrict the domain of g to Rf
and find corresponding range y = g(x)
Rgf = ( 3, )
f g
Rf = ( 1, )
Df = (-, 0) Rgf = ( 3, ) 1

0 x
Example 11
The functions f and g are defined as
f : x x2 + 1, x>0
g:x 1x , x 0
(a) Explain why fg exists as a function and give a rule similar as above with the domain
and range.

[Solution]

o Graph of function g Graph of function f

y y
y = f(x)
y = g(x)

1 1
x
x 1
0 0

Dg = (-, 0] Df =
( 0, )
Rg =
[ 1, ) Rf =
( 1, )
Rg = [ 1, ) Df = ( 0, )
(a) ,
Rg Df
Since , therefore the composite function fg exists.
(
fg ( x ) = f 1 - x )
Rfg
( )
2 Alternative method to find : Sketch the graph
= 1- x +1
y = fg ( x ) y
of .
= ( 1 - x ) + 1, since x 0 Chapt
= 2- x er 4:
y = fg(x) Functi
Dfg = Dg = ( -, 0]
2 ons
\ fg : x a 2 - x, x 0, x

To find the range of fg, 0 x

g
( -, 0] [ 1, )
f
[ 2, )
Rfg = [ 2, )
From graph, we can see
Page 20 of 32
2
 \ Rfg = [ 2, )
.

4.3.4 Special Composite Functions

So far we have learnt about composite functions, comprising of a sequence of two functions.
It is possible for a composite function to consist of a sequence of more than two functions, or
the composite functions to involve an inverse function.
In this section, we will be considering two interesting types of composite functions (not
exhaustive).

Example 12
Consider the function

f :x e
x
, xR , x > 0

(i) Find f 1 , stating clearly its domain and range.

(ii) On the same diagram, sketch the graphs of y=f ( x ) , y=f 1 (x) and
y=f 1 f ( x ) .
(iii) On a separate diagram, sketch the graph of y=f f 1 ( x ) .
(iv) Are f f 1 and f 1 f equal?

[Solution]
(i)
find f 1 , let y=f ( x )
From the graph of f , Rf = (1, ) .
To y=e x
x=ln y
f 1 ( x )=ln x . Df =( 1, ) ,
1

Rf -1 = Df = (0, )

(ii) Rf =( 1, ) ( 1, )=D f 1 , hence f 1 f exists.

x x
f f ( x )=f ( e )=ln e
1 1

f 1 f ( x )=x , D f f =D f = (0, )
1

Chapt
er 4:
Functi
ons

(iii) Rf =(0, )(0, )=D f , hence ff 1 exists.

1

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 ff -1 ( x ) = f (ln x) = e ln x = x
\ ff -1 ( x) = x, Dff -1 = Df -1 = (1, )

1
ff and f 1 f are not equal as their domains are not the same, even though they have the same
rule.

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Type 2: f n , where n is a positive integer ,

Example 13
The functions f and g are defined as
f : x x2 + 1, x>0
ff
Explain why exists as a function and give a rule with the domain and range.

Rf = ( 1, ) Df = ( 0, )
,
y
Since Rf Df , therefore ff exists.
y = f(x)
( ) ( )
2
ff ( x) = f x 2 + 1 = x 2 + 1 +1
Dff = Df = ( 0, )
1
(x ) x
2
\ ff : x a 2
+ 1 + 1, x > 0, x
0
To find range of ff ,
f f
( 0, ) ( 1, ) ( 2, )
\ Rff = ( 2, )

f 2 ( x ) ( f ( x ) )
2
In this context, it is important to note that

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ons

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4.4 Special Functions

4.4.1 Increasing and Decreasing Functions

Definitions
A function f : X a Y is said to be (strictly) increasing if and only if for any x1 , x2 X and
x2 > x1 f ( x2 ) > f ( x1 ) f ( x)
, we have , i.e. the value of increases as x increases.

A function f : X a Y is said to be (strictly) decreasing if and only if for any x1 , x2 X and

x2 > x1 f ( x2 ) < f ( x1 ) f ( x)
, we have , i.e. the value of decreases as x increases.

Note:
Assuming that the function f is continuous, then
(i) If f '( x) > 0 for all x Df , then f is strictly increasing.

(ii) If f '( x) < 0 for all x Df , then f is strictly decreasing.

Example 142
1
: x 1+
A function f is defined by f x 2 where x > 0. Show that f is strictly decreasing.

[Solution]
2
f '( x) = - <0
x3 (Q x > 0 )
Since the function is also continuous for all real and positive values of x, f is strictly
decreasing.

Note: In this case, sketching the graph of y=f ( x) is not sufficient to show that f is
strictly decreasing.

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ons

2 Refer to Example 17 for more examples on proving increasing/decreasing functions involving turning points.
Page 24 of 32
4.4.2 Piecewise Functions

Piecewise functions are just like normal functions except that they have more than one rule-
set, which will be applied depending on the domain of each rule.

Heres an example of a piecewise function:

{
2
f ( x )= x , x R , x< 0
x+3, x R , x 0

And heres how the graph looks like:

4.4.3 Periodic Functions

Periodic functions are functions whose values are repeated in regular intervals. The periodic
nature is often indicated by the following relation: f ( x )=f ( x +a ) where a indicates the
period. (Why is that?)

Heres an example of how a periodic function is defined:

f ( x )=x 2+ 3, x R , 0< x 1

f ( x )=f ( x +1 ) , x R

What the above statements are saying is that between 0 and 1, follow the rule given and then
repeat the function values with a period of 1.

And heres how the graph looks like: Chapt

er 4:
Functi
ons

Page 25 of 32
Example 15
[N2009/1/4]
It is given that
7 - x 2 for 0 < x 2
f ( x) =
2 x - 1 for 2 < x 4
f ( x ) = f ( x + 4)
and that for all values of x .
y = f ( x)
(i) Sketch the graph of for -7 x 10 [3]
f ( 27 ) + f ( 45)
(ii) Evaluate . [2]

[Solution]
(i)

f ( 27 ) = f ( 27 - 4 6 ) = f ( 3) = 2 3 - 1 = 5
(ii)
f ( 45 ) = f ( 45 - 4 11) = f ( 1) = 7 - 12 = 6
f ( 27 ) + f ( 45 ) = 6 + 5 = 11

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ons

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4.5 Mastery Examples
Example 16 3[PJC/Prelim 10/P2/Q2]
The function f is defined by
b 1
f :xa a+ 2
, x -
x 2 ,
where a and b are positive constants.
(i) Sketch the graph of f and state the range of f.
(ii) Find f1.
(iii) Given that
b2 1
gf : x a - 2 , x -
x 2
Find g(x) in terms of a and b.

[Solution]
1 b
f - = a + 2
2 1
-
(i) 2 y = f(x)
= a + 4b
Rf = (a, a + 4b]
b 1
y = a + 2 x -
(ii) Let x , 2.
b
x2 =
y-a
b
x=
y-a
1 b
x - x=-
Since 2 <0, y-a .
b
f -1 : x a - , a < x a + 4b
Hence, x - a .
2
b
gf ( x) = - 2
(iii) Given that x ,
1
Applying f ,
-1 b2
gff ( x) = - 2
b
-
x-a
Chapt
b2 er 4:
g ( x) = -
b Functi
ons
x - a
= ab - bx
\ g( x) = ab - bx

3 Refer to Example 18 for another example in finding a function given a composite function.
Page 27 of 32
4.6 Self-Reading Examples

Example 17 [N2002/2/5]
1
f ( x) = x +
The function f is defined for x 1 by x.
(i) Show that f(x) increases as x increases.
(ii) State the range of f.
(iii) Find an expression for f1(x).

[Solution]
(i)

1
f '( x ) = 1 -
x2
1 1
1> > 0 1- 2 > 0
When x > 1 ,
2
x x
i.e. f '( x) > 0 for x > 1
f '( x) = 0 x = 1 f '' ( 1) = 2 > 0
When , and
i.e. there is a minimum turning point at x = 1 .
f '( x) = 0
Therefore, since f '( x) 0 for x 1 and at only one point, the function
increases with x.

Rf = [2, )
(ii)
1
y = x+
(iii) Let x
xy = x 2 + 1
x 2 - xy + 1 = 0
-(- y ) (- y) 2 - 4(1)(1) Chapt
x= er 4:
2(1) Functi
y y2 - 4 ons
=
2
y + y2 - 4
x=
Since x 1 , 2 .

Page 28 of 32
 x + x2 - 4
Hence, f1(x) = 2 .

Example 18 [IJC Prelim 09/P1/Q10b]

The function h is defined by
h : x a x 2 + 2, x .
The function g is such that the composite function gh exists and
gh( x) = x 4 - 2 x 2 + 5, x .
Find an expression for g(x).

[Solution]
h( x) = x 2 + 2
gh( x) = x 4 - 2 x 2 + 5 = ( x 2 - 1) 2 + 4
2
g( x 2 + 2) =
( x 2 + 2 ) - 3
+ 4
g( x ) = ( x - 3) 2 + 4

Alternatively
h( x) = x 2 + 2
gh( x) = x 4 - 2 x 2 + 5
= ( x 2 + 2) 2 - 4 x 2 - 4 - 2 x 2 + 5
= ( x 2 + 2) 2 - 6( x 2 + 2) + 13
g( x) = x 2 - 6 x + 13

Example 19 [HCI/2009/Prelim/I/8]
The functions f and g are defined as follows:
5- x
f : x , x , x 1
1- x ,
g : x 2x + 4x + l,
2
x , x > -2 .

(i) Explain why f has an inverse, f -1, and show that f -1 = f.

(ii) Evaluate f 51(4).
(iii) Find the range of values of l such that fg exists.
For these values of l, find the range of fg in terms of l.
Chapt
(i) 5- x 4 er 4:
f ( x) = = 1+ Functi
1- x 1- x
ons
Since any horizontal line, y = k cuts the graph of f at at
most 1 point,
f is 1-1. \ f -1 exists.

Page 29 of 32
 4 4 7-l
( -2, ) [ -2 + l , )
g f
y = 1+ x = 1- , 1
Let 1- x y -1 . 3-l

4 4 4.7 Appendices
f -1 ( x ) = 1 - = 1+ , x \{1}
x -1 1- x
\f -1= f . 4.7.1 GC Skills: Obtaining Graph of
Functions with Domain Input
(ii)
Example
f 51 ( 4 ) = f
f 50 ( 4 )
A function f is defined as below. (Taken
= f ( 4) (Q f ( x ) = f f ( x ) = x )
2 -1 from Example 14)
f:x
5-4 1 x2 + 1,
= =-
1- 4 3 x > 0.
(iii)
g ( x ) = 2 x2 + 4 x + l We use the GC to draw the graph of f as
below.
= 2 ( x + 1) - 2 + l -2 + l
2
1. Key in the rule of the function, f,
For fg to be defined, Rg Df = \ {1} into ! , say Y1, contained in a
-2 + l > 1 l > 3. bracket.

2. Start another pair of brackets in order to input the domain x > 0 into the GC.
You will begin the input as shown below:

3. To obtain the desired inequality signs, press `m to go into the Test menu.

Chapt
er 4:
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ons

4. To key in x > 0 , choose 3: > and continue input till you see the following screen.

Page 30 of 32
 5. Press % to obtain the graph of the intended graph of the example shown above.
(A screenshot of how the graph looks like is shown below.)

The table below shows a few kinds of domains that you might encounter. You might want to
consider exploring with your GC.
Type of domain GC Input in
x>a (Rule of Function)(x > a)
x b (Rule of Function)( x b )
3 x < 7 (Rule of Function)( 3 x )( x < 7 )
(The list is non-exhaustive.)

Note:
All the inequality signs can be obtained with the instructions in step 3.

-1
4.7.2 GC Skills: Using GC to sketch the graphs of f and f
Chapt
Given f : x a x , - 2 x 2 , sketch the graph of f and f on the same diagram.
3 -1
E.g: er 4:
Functi
Steps / Explanation Screen Display ons
Step 1 To sketch the graph of y = f ( x) and y = x :

In the Y= window, enter X for Y1 and X for Y2

3

with the correct domain.

Page 31 of 32
 Optional Note:
Move the cursor to the slanted line before
Y1 . Press ENTER to change the

appearance of the Y1 curve to a thin black

line, to help you distinguish between graph
-1
of f and f if required.

Next, we enter X for Y2 to illustrate the

-1
relationship between the graph of f and f .

Step 2
To sketch the graph of y = f ( x) :
-1

Press 2ND PRGM (DRAW) and select

8:DrawInv. This takes you to the Home Screen.

Now press ALPHA TRACE (F4) and select Y1 .

Upon pressing ENTER, it returns you to the

GRAPH window, where you will see the graphs of
-1
f and f together. Press ZOOM and choose 5:
ZSquare to use the sane scale for both the x- and y-
axis. (You need to do Step 2 again every time you
change the Zoom settings.)

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Page 32 of 32