SHS

General
Mathematics
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Function as Model
General Mathematics – SHS
Quarter 1 - Week 1, Module 1: FUNCTION AS MODEL

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Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Arthur Lawrence T. Yee

Editor: Desiree R. Euste
Reviewers: Sarah Christine P. Godoy
Simeon D. Brillantes
Illustrator: John Ervin Babor
Layout Artist: Jhomar B. Jaravata
Cover Art: Jed Adra
 FUNCTION AS MODEL

Introduction
Functions can often be used to model real situations. Identifying an
appropriate functional model will lead to a better understanding of various
phenomena. A function can serve as a simple kind of mathematical model.
In this module, you will learn how to represent real-life situations using
functions.

Objectives

At the end of the self-directed module’s learning activities, you will be able to
represent real-life situations using functions, including piecewise function (M11GM-
Ia-1)

Vocabulary list

In exploring and answering this module, you will encounter the following
terms and concepts to help you use them appropriately in context:

Function is a relation where each element in the domain is related to only one value
in the range by some rule. (DepEd’s General Mathematics Learner’s Material,
page 1.)

Dependent Variable is the "output" value of a function. It is called dependent

because its value depends on what you put into the function.

Independent Variable is an "input" value of a function.

Piecewise Function is a function which is defined by multiple sub-functions, each

sub-function applying to a certain interval of the main function’s domain (a
sub-domain)

f(x)= 7+x , if x ≤ 1
9 -3x , if x > 1

sub-functions sub-domain

• The Ceiling function (least integer function) of a real number 𝑥, denoted by ⌈𝑥⌉, is
defined to be the smallest integer that is greater than or equal to 𝑥.

• The Floor function (greatest integer function) of a real number 𝑥, denoted by ⌊𝑥⌋, is
defined to be the largest integer that is less than or equal to 𝑥.

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 Pretest

Directions: This test will evaluate your knowledge and skills prior to starting
this module. Read each question carefully then write the letter of your choice.

1. A kilogram of milkfish can be purchased at Iriga City Public Market for ₱100.00.
Which of the following function represents the cost of x kilograms with function f.
a. f(x) = 100x c. f(x) = 100 + x
b. f(x) = 100 – x d. f(x) =
100
𝑥

2. Bea is a cashier in a restaurant. Her monthly salary is ₱8 500.00 per month. What is
her daily salary if she worked for n days.
𝑛
a. f(n) = c. f(n) = n – 8500
8500 8500
b. f(n) = 8500n d. f(n) = 𝑛
3. The monthly salary of Mang Tiniong is ₱25 000.00 plus an overtime pay of ₱35.00
per hour. How much is his salary if he has a total overtime of t hours?
a. f(t) = 25 035t c. f(t) = 25 000 + 35t
b. f(t) = 25 000t + 35 d. f(t) = t + 25 035

4. A typical phone call will cost you ₱7.50 for the first minute (or a fraction of a minute)
and an additional ₱5.00 for each succeeding minute. Which of the following best
represents the cost for x minutes of call?
a. 7.5 𝑖𝑓 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 1 7.5 , if x ≤ 1
{ c. f(x) = {
7.5 + 5(𝑥 − 1) 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 1 7.5 + 5x if x > 1

b. f(x) = 7.5 + 5x d. f(x) = 5(x-1) + 7.5

5. A school’s fair committee wants to sell t-shirts for their school fair. They found a
supplier that sells it at a price of ₱175.00 per piece but they can sell it in ₱15,000.00
for a bulk order of 100 shirts and ₱125.00 for each excess t-shirt after that. Use a
piecewise function to represent the cost in terms of the number of t-shirts purchased.

a. f(x) = 15 175 + 125 x

175𝑥 𝑖𝑓 0 < 𝑥 < 100
b. f(x) = {15 000 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 = 100
15 000 + 125(𝑥 − 100) 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 100
c. f(x) = 175 x + 15 125
175𝑥 𝑖𝑓 0 < 𝑥 < 100
d. f(x)={
15 000 + 125𝑥 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 100
 Learning Activities

In this part, you will learn how to represent real-life

situations using functions in simplest way. A function f is a rule
that assigns to each element x in the first set of values, exactly one
and only one element, called f(x) or y, in the second set of values.
The variable x is called the independent variable, while f(x) or y,
is the dependent variable.
In representing real-life situations using functions,
we must follow these steps:

Steps on Representing Real-Life Situations using Functions

I. What is asked? (Determine what the problem requires you to do.)

II. What is given? (Identify the given data in the problem.)
III. What operation to be used? (Decide on the operation to be used as
required in the problem.)
IV. Write a number sentence. (Represent the problem using a function
notation. If possible, simplify the function.)

Learn from the succeeding examples on how to represent these problems using
functions.

Sample Problems:

Example 1

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

if a meal costs ₱ 40.00.

Based on the steps listed above, we now identify,

I. What is asked? (Determine what the problem requires you to do.)

Represent the cost of buying x meals, wherein each meal costs ₱ 40.00.

II. What is given? (Identify the given data in the problem.)

₱ 40.00 – cost of a meal

III. What operation/s to be used? (Decide the operation to be used as required by the
problem.)
The operation to be used is Multiplication.

IV. Write a number sentence. (Represent the problem using Function)

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 Total cost = Cost per meal × no. of meals

Let 𝑥 be the no. of meals and 𝐶(𝑥) be the total

cost, since each meal costs ₱ 40.00, you must multiply ₱
40.00 by the number of meals x to know the cost of meals,
therefore the cost function is;

C(x) = 40x ; where x is the number of meals

In example 1, x is an independent variable while C(x) is a
dependent variable that depends on the given value of x.
Example 2

A certain Ornamental Plant Shop in Nabua charges ₱ 500.00

for a yearly membership. The first ornamental plant is free with the
membership, and any plant after that costs ₱150.00 including tax.
How much money M does a shopper spends after buying p plants
and paying a yearly membership?

I. What is asked? (Determine what the problem requires you to do.)

How much money M does a shopper spend after buying p plants and a yearly
membership? (Represent the total costs in buying p plants and paying the yearly
membership fee)

II. What is given? (Identify the given data in the problem.)

₱ 500.00 amount of yearly membership

₱150.00 cost of each ornamental plant
(take note: the first ornamental plant is free along with the membership)

III. What operation/s to be used? (Decide on the operation to be used as required by

the problem.)
The operations to be used are Multiplication, Addition and subtraction
(The problem state that the first ornamental plant is free, therefore subtract 1 from
the total p plants that the shopper will get and will be multiplied to the cost of each
plant, the result will just be added to the yearly membership fee)

IV. Write a number sentence. (Represent the problem using Function)

The total cost that the shopper will spend is given by the sum of the fixed
annual membership fee and the cost of buying 𝑝 plants. Thus,
𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒕 = 𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒇𝒆𝒆 + 𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕
The problem state that the first ornamental plant is free, therefore subtract 1
from the total 𝑝 plants that the shopper will get and will be multiplied to the costs of
each plant, thus,

𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 = 𝟏𝟓𝟎(𝒑 − 𝟏)

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 Let 𝑀(𝑝) be the function that will represent the total costs in terms of buying 𝑝
plants including the annual membership, wherein the first plant is free. Therefore, the
total cost function is given by,

𝑀(𝒑) = 𝟓𝟎𝟎 + 𝟏𝟓𝟎(𝒑 − 𝟏)

In the problem p is an independent variable while M(p) is a dependent

variable that depends on the given value of p.

Since the first ornamental plant is free, you

will subtract 1 from the total p plants that the shopper
will get and multiply it to the cost of each plant, the
result will just be added to the yearly membership
fee, therefore the cost function is

M(p) = 500+150(p-1)
(where p is the number of plants)

In the next example, we have a piecewise function as a mathematical model.

PIECEWISE FUNCTION
A function can be in pieces. You can create functions
that behave differently based on the input (x) value.

As mentioned earlier, there are four steps to follow in

representing functions, but for Piecewise function, we will
add these three sub-steps that will fall under Step IV:
1. Identify the intervals for which different rules
apply.
2. Determine formulas that describe how to
calculate an output from an input in each
interval.
3. Use braces and if-statements to write the
function.

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 Example 3

A user is charged ₱300.00 monthly for a particular

mobile plan, inclusive of 100 free text messages. Messages in
excess of 100 are charged P1.00 each. Represent the monthly
bill for the mobile plan using the function t(m), where m is the
number of messages sent in a month.

I. What is asked? (Determine what the problem requires you to do.)

Represent the monthly cost for text messaging using the function t(m), where
m is the number of messages sent in a month.

II. What is given? (Identify the given data in the problem.)

The monthly charged of the mobile plan that costs ₱300.00, and a charge of
₱1.00 in excess of the 100 free text messages.

III. What operation/s to be used? (Decide the operation to be used as required by the
problem.)
Multiplication, addition and subtraction

IV. Write a number sentence. (Represent the problem using Piecewise Function)

(The problem consists of multiple rules/conditions, therefore it is a piecewise function

and you will consider the three sub-steps here.)
1. Identify the intervals for which different rules apply.
• The mobile plan cost ₱300.00 for up to 100 messages.
• Over 100 messages cost ₱300.00 plus ₱1.00 per excess in 100 messages.
2. Determine formulas that describe how to calculate an output from an input
in each interval.
Based on the interval identified, you can represent that using the following
formulas;
𝟑𝟎𝟎 , 𝒊𝒇 𝟎 < 𝒎 ≤ 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝟑𝟎𝟎 + 𝟏(𝒎 − 𝟏𝟎𝟎) , 𝒊𝒇 𝒎 > 𝟏𝟎𝟎
3. Use braces and if-statements to write the function.
Let 𝑡(𝑚) be the function that will represent the total bill of the mobile plan,
where 𝑚 is the number of text messages sent in a month.

Therefore, the cost of text messaging can be expressed

by the piecewise function:

t(m) =
𝟑𝟎𝟎 , 𝒊𝒇 𝟎 < 𝒎 ≤ 𝟏𝟎𝟎
{
𝟑𝟎𝟎 + 𝟏(𝒎 − 𝟏𝟎𝟎) , 𝒊𝒇 𝒎 > 𝟏𝟎𝟎
(where m is the number of text messages)
In the problem, m is an independent variable while t is a
dependent variable that depends on the number of sent messages.
The monthly bill for text messaging t(m) is based on the number of sent messages m.

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 As you can see, the function formed is a combination of two functions, and that is a
Piecewise function.

Example 4

A tricycle ride in a particular town charges ₱8.00 for the

first 4 kilometers, and each additional integer kilometer adds
₱1.50 to the fare. Use a piecewise function to represent the
tricycle fare in terms of the distance (d) in kilometers.

I. What is asked? (Determine what the problem requires you to do.)

Represent the tricycle fare in terms of the distance (d) in kilometers using
piecewise function.
II. What is given? (Identify the given data in the problem.)
The tricycle fare is ₱8.00 for the first 4 kilometers, and each additional integer
kilometer adds ₱1.50 to the fare.
III. What operation/s to be used? (Decide the operation to be used as required by the
problem.)
Multiplication and addition
IV. Write a number sentence. (Represent the problem using Piecewise Function)
(The problem consists of multiple rules/conditions, therefore it is a piecewise function
and you will consider the three sub-steps here.)
1. Identify the intervals for which different rules apply.
• The tricycle fare is ₱8.00 for the first 4 kilometers.
• Over 4 kilometers, the cost is ₱8.00 plus ₱1.50 per additional integer kilometer
to the fare.
2. Determine formulas that describe how to calculate an output from an input
in each interval.
Based on the interval identified, you can represent that using the following
formulas;
𝟖 , 𝒊𝒇 𝟎 < 𝒅 ≤ 𝟒
𝟖 + 𝟏. 𝟓𝟎⌊𝒅 − 𝟒⌋ , 𝒊𝒇 𝒅 > 𝟒
3. Use braces and if-statements to write the function.
Let 𝐹(𝑑) be the function that will represent the total costs of the tricycle fare,
where 𝑑 is the number of kilometer.

Therefore, the total cost of the tricycle fare can be

expressed by the piecewise function:

𝟖 , 𝒊𝒇 𝟎 < 𝒅 ≤ 𝟒
𝑭(𝒅) = {
𝟖 + 𝟏. 𝟓𝟎⌊𝒅 − 𝟒⌋ , 𝒊𝒇 𝒅 > 𝟒
(where d is the number of kilometer)

(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. 𝟐⌋ = ⌊𝟒. 𝟕⌋ = 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. 𝟐⌋ = ⌊𝟒. 𝟕⌋ = 𝟒)

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 In the problem, 𝒅 is an independent variable while 𝐹 is the dependent
variable that depends on the distance 𝒅 in kilometer. The total cost of tricycle fare
𝐹 is based on the distance 𝒅 in kilometer.
As you can see, the function formed is a combination of two functions,
and that is another example of piecewise function with the application of floor
function.
Example 5
A mall charges a parking fee of ₱35.00 for the first two
hours and an extra ₱15.00 for each hour (or a fraction of it) after
that. If you park for more than twelve hours, you instead pay a flat
rate of ₱250.00. Represent your parking fee using the function p(t)
where t is the number of hours you parked in the mall.

I. What is asked? (Determine what the problem requires you to do.)

Represent the parking fee using 𝒑(𝒕) in terms of the number of hours 𝒕 you
parked in the mall
II. What is given? (Identify the given data in the problem.)

The parking fee costs P35.00 for the first 2 hours, and an extra P15.00 for each
hour (or a fraction of it) after that. And a flat rate of P250.00 for more than 12 hours.
III. What operation/s to be used? (Decide the operation to be used as required by the
problem.)
Multiplication and addition
IV. Write a number sentence. (Represent the problem using Piecewise Function)

(The problem consists of multiple rules/conditions, therefore it is a piecewise function

and you will consider the three sub-steps here.)
1. Identify the intervals for which different rules apply.

• The parking fee is ₱35.00 for the first 2 hours.

• Over 2 hours, the cost is ₱35.00 plus ₱15.00 for each hour (or a fraction of it).
• For more than 12 hours, a flat rate of ₱250.00.
2. Determine formulas that describe how to calculate an output from an input
in each interval.

Based on the interval identified, you can represent that using the following
formulas;

𝟑𝟓 , 𝒊𝒇 𝟎 < 𝒕 ≤ 𝟐
𝟑𝟓 + 𝟏𝟓⌈𝒕 − 𝟐⌉ , 𝒊𝒇 𝟐 < 𝒕 ≤ 𝟏𝟐
𝟐𝟓𝟎 , 𝒊𝒇 𝒕 > 𝟏𝟐

3. Use braces and if-statements to write the function.

Let p(𝑡) be the function that will represent the total costs of the parking fee,
where 𝑡 is the number hours you parked in the mall.

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 Therefore, the parking fee can be expressed by the piecewise
function:
𝟑𝟓 , 𝒊𝒇 𝟎 < 𝒕 ≤ 𝟐
𝒑(𝒕) = {𝟑𝟓 + 𝟏𝟓⌈𝒕 − 𝟐⌉ , 𝒊𝒇 𝟐 < 𝒕 ≤ 𝟏𝟐
𝟐𝟓𝟎 , 𝒊𝒇 𝒕 > 𝟏𝟐
(where t is the number of hours)

(Note that ⌈𝒕⌉ is the ceiling function applied to 𝒕. The ceiling function gives the
smallest integer greater than or equal to 𝒕, e.g. ⌊𝟓. 𝟑⌋ = ⌊𝟓. 𝟕⌋ = 𝟔)

Time to work on your own.

ARE YOU READY?

Practice Task 1

Direction: Answer the following questions.

1. A kilogram of dalandan in Pure Gold costs ₱55.00. If Jessica bought k kilograms,

represent the amount paid A as a function.

For numbers 2-3: Use the problem below to answer the following questions.

A certain store is having a sale on all the items. All items are 15% off.
In addition, you have a coupon for ₱ 100.00 off in any items because you
were the 1 millionth customer.

2. Write a function that represents the sale price. (Use 𝑓(𝑥) that represents the sale price.)
3. What function will represent the coupon discount? (Use 𝑔(𝑥) that represents the coupon
discount.)

For numbers 4-5: Use the problem below to answer the following questions.

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 A hiker is missing and the search-and-rescue teams are determining the
area in which to search. The hiker can hike at an estimated 3km per hour.

4. Let 𝑓(ℎ) be the function of the distance that the hiker can hike, what would be the function
that represents the distance the hiker could hike in h hours?

5. Write the function 𝑔(𝑥), which would give the potential search area given the hiker
travelled in 𝑥 kilometers.

Yeah, I can do it!!!

Practice Task 2

Direction: Represent the following real-life situations

using functions.

1. A kilo of mango in a fruit stand cost ₱ 95.00. If

Aaron bought x kilograms, represent the amount paid
F as a function.

2. Mrs. Roman was given money worth ₱5,500.00 to

be divided equally to her students. Represent the
amount received by the students if there are n
students.

3. Mrs. Villareal implemented waste segregation in

her class. She instructed her students to collect the
waste paper and sold it. If every kilogram of waste
paper is bought for ₱6.00, how much is their money if
they collected m kilograms of paper.

4. The teachers of Nabua National High School will

conduct community service in response to the
COVID-19 pandemic. They will visit a community and
will distribute goods worth ₱350.00 each. How much
will they spend for n families? Represent it as a
function. (Use 𝑓(𝑥) as a function of n.)

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Practice Task 3

Direction: Find the function that will represent the given scenario.

1. A computer shop charges ₱15.00 rental

fee for the first hour, plus ₱10.00 for
additional h hours.

2. A videoke machine can be rented

₱1,000.00 for three days. On the fourth day
onwards, ₱400.00 will be added per day.
Represent the cost of renting a videoke
machine as a piecewise function of the
number of days it is rented.

3. A certain chocolate bar costs ₱35.00 per

piece. However, if you buy more than 10
pieces, they will be marked down to a price
of ₱32.00 per piece. Use a piecewise
function to represent the cost in terms of
the number n of chocolate bars brought.

11
 Post Test

Directions: This test will evaluate your knowledge and skills after completing this
module. Read each question and write the letter that corresponds to your answer.

1. A kilogram of carabao mango can be purchased at Nabua Public Market for ₱140.00.
Represent the cost of x kilograms with function f.
a. f(x) = 140 + x c. f(x) = 140x
b. f(x) = 140 – x d. f(x) =
140
𝑥

2. Jane is a manager in a restaurant. Her monthly salary is ₱12,500. What is her daily
salary if she worked for n days.
a. f(n) =
12 500 c. f(n) = n – 12 500
𝑛 𝑛
b. f(n) = 12 500n d. f(n) = 12 500

3. Mrs. Magistrado, a Grade 7 teacher, needs to buy teaching materials worth ₱325.
She was already at the cashier when she remembered that she also needs to buy
manila paper. If each manila paper cost ₱3, how much will she pay if she adds x
pieces of manila paper? Represent it with function.
a. f(x) = 325 + x c. f(x) = 325 + 3x
b. f(x) = 328 + x d. f(x) = x – 325x

4. Mark started selling snacks in the nearby school. In one day he spends ₱200 for rent
and ₱25 for each snack item he prepares. Express a function E that can represent
the expenses of buying x items and his daily rental.
a. E(x) = 225x c. E(x) = 225x + 10
b. E(x) = 25x + 200 d. E(x) = 200 – 25x

5. In an amusement park, a bicycle rent costs ₱30 for the first hour or a fraction of an
hour and an additional ₱10.00 for each succeeding hours. How could we represent
the cost for renting bicycle for x hours?
30 if 0 < x ≤ 1 30 if x ≤ 1
a. f(x) = { c. f(x) = {
30 + 10(x − 1) if x > 1 30 + 10x if x > 1
b. f(x) = 30 + 10x d. f(x) = 10(x-1) + 30

Good Job!!!

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 Assignment

Solve the problem below by following the steps in representing a function.

Squares of side x are cut from each corner of an 8 in x 5 in rectangle (see figure), so that its
sides can be folded to make a box with no top. Define a function in terms of x that can
represent the area of the base of the box.

References:

Department of Education. (2016). General Mathematics

Learner’s Material First Edition. Lexicon Press Inc.
Oronce, O.A. (2016). General Mathematics. Rex Bookstore,
Inc.

13
 Answer key

PRE-TEST
1. A
2. D
3. C
4. A
5. B

PRACTICE TASK 1
1. f(k) = 55k
2. f(p) = p – 0.15p or f(p) = 0.85p
3. g(p) = 0.85p - 100
4. f(h) = 3h
5. g(x) = 𝜋𝑟 2

PRACTICE TASK 2
1. F(x) = 95x
5500
2. f(n) = 𝑛
3. f(m) = 6m
4. f(n) = 350n

PRACTICE TASK 3
1. f(h) = 15 + 10h
1000 , 𝑖𝑓 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 3
2. f(x) ={
1000 + 400 (𝑥 − 3), 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 3
35𝑛, 𝑖𝑓 0 < 𝑛 ≤ 10
3. f(n) = {
32𝑛, 𝑖𝑓 𝑛 > 10

POST TEST
1. C
2. A
3. C
4. B
5. A

ASSIGNMENT
f(x) = 4x2 – 26x + 40

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