Functions

FUNCTION

A function is a rule f which assigns one and only one value to each
value of a variable x. One can loosely say, function is a rule to
transform one thing to another.

A function is written as y = f(x), which is read “y is a function of x.”

x is called the argument of the function, f(x) is called the value of
the function.

The domain of a function is the set of all possible values of x; the

range of a function is the set of all possible values of f(x).
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 EXAMPLE FUNCTIONS

EXAMPLE FUNCTIONS
Other letters such as g or h can also be used to express a function. If there is more
than one function, different letters must be used to distinguish between them.

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 EXAMPLE FUNCTIONS

The domain of polynomial functions, including constant, linear, quadratic, and cubic
functions, is the set of all real numbers; the domain of rational and power functions
excludes any value of x involving an undefined operation, such as division by zero.

GRAPHING FUNCTION (manual way)

In graphing, y generally replaces f(x) as the symbol for a function and, as the dependent
variable, is placed on the vertical axis.

The graph of a linear function is a straight line. The graph of a nonlinear function on a
cartesian coordinate system is accomplished by:
• determining a number of ordered pairs (points) of values which satisfy the function.
• connecting the points by a smooth curve then completes the graph of the function.

For example, the

quadratic function y =
2x2 can be drawn by:

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 GRAPHING FUNCTION (manual way)
• The graph of a quadratic function is a
parabola

• The graph of a parabola is symmetric

about a line called the axis of
symmetry

• The point of intersection of the

parabola and its axis is called the
vertex.

• In this example, the axis of symmetry

coincides with the y axis; the vertex
is (0, 0)

GRAPHING FUNCTION (manual way)

Draw the graph of rational function y = 2/x

• As x → 0, the graph
approaches the y
axis. The y axis in
this instance is called
the vertical
asymptote.

• As x → ∞, the graph
approaches the x
axis, in this case
called the horizontal
asymptote
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THE ALGEBRA OF FUNCTIONS

THE ALGEBRA OF FUNCTIONS

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 THE ALGEBRA OF FUNCTIONS

Assume a firm operating in a purely competitive market which has a constant marginal
revenue or selling price of $60, a fixed cost of $450, and a variable cost of $35 an item.

By letting x represent the number of items produced and sold, the firm’s total revenue
R and total cost C can be expressed by the following functions of x:

R(x) = 60x
C(x) = 35(x) + 450

Functions are also frequently combined for business and economic purposes, using the
algebra of functions. For instance, the profit function of the firm mentioned above is
easily obtained by subtracting the total cost function from the total revenue function:

π(x) = R(x) − C(x)

π(x) = 60x − [35(x) + 450]
π(x) = 25x − 450
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 GRAPHING FUNCTION (formal way)

Graphing linear function was comparatively easy, since we

only needed two points to calculate manually, and then
connect those points and extend infinitely to draw the line.

For quadratic function wee need to

determine if the parabola open downs or
up, the vertex of the parabola, x
intercepts.

For rational function, we need to find out the

asymptotes.

GRAPHING FUNCTION: SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATION

By setting y = 0, a quadratic function y = ax2 + bx + c, can be expressed as a

quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants and a ≠0.

Quadratic equations in this form can be solved by

• Factoring
• Use of thequadratic formula
• Completing the Square

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 GRAPHING FUNCTION: SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATION

Factoring

GRAPHING FUNCTION: SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATION

Quadratic
Formula

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 GRAPHING FUNCTION: SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATION

Completing the
Square

GRAPHING FUNCTION (formal way)

The graph of a quadratic function y = ax2 + bx + c is simplified by three

helpful hints:
1. If a < 0, the parabola opens down; if a > 0, the parabola opens up.
2. The coordinates of the vertex are (x, y), where x = -b/2a, and y =
(4ac − b2)/4a.
3. The x intercepts can be found by setting the function equal to zero
and using the quadratic formula or factoring to solve for x.

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 GRAPHING FUNCTION (formal way)

GRAPHING FUNCTION (formal way)

The graph of a rational function is made easier by finding the asymptotes.

1. The vertical asymptote is the line x − k where k is found after all
cancellation is completed by solving the denominator, when set equal to
zero, for x;
2. The horizontal asymptote is the line y = m, where m is found by first
solving the original equation for x and then solving the denominator of
that equation, when set equal to zero, for y.
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GRAPHING FUNCTION (formal way)

By setting x - 4 =0

APPLICATION (QUADRATIC FUNCTION)

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APPLICATION (RATIONAL FUNCTION)

THANK YOU!

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