DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

Topic: Inequalities and Functions

Reporter: Angelene V. Adante

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Determine the intercepts and symmetry of a function.

2. Find the Domain and identify the asymptote of a function
3. Determine whether the function is even or odd.
4. Identify type of functions

Function is a relation between two variables that inhibits an apparent connection. If

the variables are x and y, then y can be determined for some range of values of x.
We call this, y as a function of x denoted by y = f (x). Differential Calculus is limited
only to those relations that are functions defined by equations. It is usually written
in set notation form with curly brackets.

Example:
{(-2, 1), (4, 3), (7, -3)} {(1,5), (3, 6), 4, 7)}

Relation Representation
There are other ways too to write the relation, apart from set notation such as through
tables, plotting it on XY- axis or through mapping diagram.

Is a Relation also a Function?

 a relation can map inputs to multiple outputs.
 It is a function when it maps each input to exactly one output. 
 The set of all functions is a subset of the set of all relations.
 all functions are relations, but not all relations are functions.

INTERCEPTS

Intercepts are the points where the graph intersects the x-axis or y-axis. To get the x-
intercept (x, 0): let y = 0 and solve for x. To get the y-intercept (0, y): let x = 0 and solve
for y Let’s do a simple quadratic equation. Remember the quadratic equation form: ax2 +
bx + c.

Example: Find the x- and y- intercepts for the graph of y = x2 - 9.

x-intercept: Let y = 0, so: x2 - 9 = 0
 Step 1: Factor the equation.
(x + 3) (x - 3) = 0

Step 2: Solve for x

For (x + 3) = 0, x = -3
For (x - 3) = 0, x = 3
Since we have two solutions, the graph has two
x-intercepts: (-3, 0) and (3, 0) y-intercept:

Let x = 0, so: y = (0)2 - 9

Solve the equation: y = -9
The y-intercept is at (0, -9).

When we graph it, we can see the intercepts:

x-intercepts: (-3, 0) and (3, 0)
y-intercept: (0, -9)

Symmetry
A graph is symmetric with respect to a line if reflecting the graph over that line leaves
the graph unchanged.

Y-axis symmetry
A graph is symmetric with respect to the y-axis if along with the point (x, y), (-x, y) is also a
point on the graph.

We saw this in our example above for the equation

y = x2 – 9. We saw that the left and right sides of
the graph (left of the y-axis and right of the y-axis,
respectively) are a mirror image of each other.
To test for symmetry with respect to the y-axis,
replace x with -x. If the final result is the same
as your original equation, there is symmetry.

y = x2 – 9
= (-x2) – 9
y = x2 – 9

Y-axis symmetry
To test for symmetry with respect to the y-axis, replace x with -x. If the final result is the
same as your original equation, there is symmetry.

X-axis symmetry
A graph is symmetric with respect to the x-axis if along with the point (x, y), (x, -y) is also a
point on the graph.

Symmetry with respect to the origin

A graph is symmetric with respect to the origin if along with the point (x, y), (-x, -y) is also a
point on the graph.

Example 1: Test the graph of y = 4x + 2 for symmetry with respect to the y-axis.
Step 1: Replace x with -x: y = 4(-x) + 2
= -4x + 2
Step 2: Match it to the original equation.

The final equation y = -4x + 2 is not equivalent to the original equation. There is no
symmetry with respect to the y-axis.
 Example 2: Test the graph of y = |x| + 5 for symmetry with respect to the y-axis.
Step 1: Replace x with -x:
y = |-x| + 5
y=x+5
Step 2: Match it to the original equation
Our solution: y = x + 5
Original equation: y = x + 5

The two equations are equivalent; therefore, there is symmetry with respect to the y-axis.

X-axis symmetry
A graph is symmetric with respect to the x-axis if along with the point (x, y), (x, -y) is also a
point on the graph.
To test for symmetry with respect to the x-axis, replace y with -y. If the final result is the
same as your original equation, there is symmetry.
We basically follow the same steps as we did with y-axis symmetry, but in this case, we
replace y with -y to test for x-axis symmetry. The part above the x-axis should be a mirror
image of the part below the x-axis.

Example 3: Test the graph of y = x3 + 2 for symmetry with respect to the x-axis.
Step 1: Replace y with -y -y = x3 + 2
You can make y positive by multiplying everything by -1.
You will get: y = - x3 - 2

Step 2: Match it to the original equation.

In any case, the equations are not equivalent. There is
no symmetry with respect to the x-axis.

Example 4: Test the graph of y2 = x3 + 9x for

symmetry with respect to the x-axis.

Step 1: Replace y with –y

(-y)2 = x3 + 9x
y2 = x3 + 9x

1
Example 5: Test the graph of y = for
x
symmetry with respect to the origin.

Step 1: Replace x with -x and y with -y.

1
(-y) =
−x
−1
-y =
x
1
y=
x

The result and the original equation are both

equivalent; therefore, we have symmetry with respect to the origin.
Domain and Range of Rational Functions
The  domain  of a  function f(x) is the set of all values for which the function is defined, and
the  range  of the function is the set of all values that f takes. A rational function is a
p (x)
function of the form f(x)=  , where p(x) and  q(x) are polynomials and q(x)≠0.
q(x)
The domain of a rational function consists of all the real numbers xx except those for which
the denominator is 0. To find these xx values to be excluded from the domain of a rational
function, equate the denominator to zero and solve for x.

1
For example, the domain of the parent function f(x)=   is the set of all real numbers
x
1
except x=0. Or the domain of the function f(x)=   is the set of all real numbers
x−4
except x=4.

Example 1:
1
Find the domain and range of the function y= – 5.
x+3
To find the excluded value in the domain of the function, equate the denominator to zero
and solve for x.
x+3=0⇒x=−3
So, the domain of the function is set of real numbers except −3.

The range of the function is same as the domain of the inverse function. So, to find the
range define the inverse of the function.

Interchange the x and y.
1
x= −5
x+3

Solving for y you get,

1
x+5=
y+ 3
1
y+3=
x+5
1
y= –3
x+5
1
So, the inverse function is  f −1(x)= –3
x+5

The excluded value in the domain of the inverse

function can be determined by equating the
denominator to zero and solving for x.
x+5=0⇒x=−5

So, the domain of the inverse function is the set of real numbers except −5. That is, the
range of given function is the set of real numbers except −5.

Therefore, the domain of the given function is {x∈ R   |  x ≠−3} and the range is {y∈ℝ  |  
y≠−5} .

Example 2:

Find the domain and range of the function y =

x2 −3 x −4
.
x+1

Use a graphing calculator to graph the function.

When you factor the numerator and cancel the non-

zero
common factors, the function gets reduced to a linear
function as shown.
 (x +1)(x + 4)
y=
( x+ 1)

(x +1)(x + 4)
y=
( x+ 1)

=x–4

So, the graph is a linear one with a hole at x= −1.

Use the graph to identify the domain and the range.

The function is not defined for x= −1. So, the domain is {x∈ℝ  |  x≠ −1}  or (−∞,−1)∪(−1,∞).

The range of the function is {y∈ℝ | y≠k where y−1=k}.

For x≠−1, the function simplifies to y = x−4. The function is not defined at x = −1 or the
function does not take the value −1−4 = −5. That is, k=−5.
Therefore, the range of the function is {y ∈ ℝ | y≠ −5} or (−∞,−5)∪(−5,∞).

Asymptotes of a rational function:

An asymptote is a line that the graph of a function approaches, but never touches. In the
1
parent function f(x)= , both the  x - and  y - axes are asymptotes. The graph of the parent
x
function will get closer and closer to but never touches the asymptotes.
To find the vertical asymptote of a rational function, equate the denominator to zero and
solve for x.
If the degree of the polynomial in the numerator is less than that of the denominator, then
the horizontal asymptote is the xx -axis or y=0.

a 1
The function f(x)= ,a≠0  has the same domain, range and asymptotes as f(x)= .
x x

a
Now, the graph of the function f(x)= + c ,a≠0  is a hyperbola, symmetric about the
x−b
point (b,c). The vertical asymptote of the function is x=b and the horizontal asymptote
is y=c.

ax+ b
Considering a more general form, the function f(x)=   has the vertical asymptote at x=
cx +d
−d a
 and the horizontal asymptote at y= . More generally, if both the numerator and the
c c
denominator have the same degree, then horizontal asymptote would be y=k where k is the
ratio of the leading coefficient of the numerator to that of the denominator.

Example 3:
5
Find the vertical and horizontal asymptotes of the function f(x)= .
x−1

To find the vertical asymptote, equate the denominator to zero and solve for x.
x−1=0⇒x=1
So, the vertical asymptote is x=1

Since the degree of the polynomial in the numerator is less than that of the denominator,
the horizontal asymptote is y=0.
Even and Odd Functions

To "determine algebraically" whether a function is even or odd, take the function and plug –
x in for x, and then simplify. If you end up with the exact same function that you started
with (that is, if f (–x) = f (x), so all of the signs are the same), then the function is even. If
you end up with the exact opposite of what you started with (that is, if f (–x) = –f (x), so
all of the signs are switched), then the function is odd.

Example 1: Determine algebraically whether f (x) = –3x2 + 4 is even, odd, or neither.

If I graph this, I will see that this is "symmetric about the y-axis"; in other words, whatever
the graph is doing on one side of the y-axis is mirrored on the other side:

This mirroring about the y-axis is a hallmark of even

functions.
Plug –x in for x, and simplify:

f (–x) = –3(–x)2 + 4
= –3(x2) + 4
= –3x2 + 4

∴ f  ( x ) is even

Example 2: Determine algebraically whether f (x) = 2x3 – 4x is even, odd, or neither.

If I graph this, I will see that it is "symmetric about the origin";
that is, if I start at a point on the graph on one side of the y-axis,
and draw a line from that point through the origin and extending
the same length on the other side of the y-axis, I will get to another
point on the graph.

You can also think of this as the half of the graph on one side of the y-
axis is the upside-down version of the half of the graph on the other
side of the y-axis. This symmetry is a hallmark of odd functions.
Note also that all the exponents in the function's rule are odd, since the second term can be
written as 4x = 4x1.

Plug –x in for x, and simplify:

f (–x) = 2(–x)3 – 4(–x) original: f (x) = 2(x)3 – 4(x)
= 2(–x3) + 4x switched: –f (x) = –2x3 + 4x
= –2x3 + 4x

f (x) is odd.

What are the Different Types of Functions?

The function y = f(x) is classified into different types of functions, based on factors such as
the domain and range of a function, and the function expression. The functions have a
domain x value which is the input. The domain value can be a number, angle, decimal,
fraction. And the range is the y value or the f(x) value which is generally a numeric value.
The types of functions have been classified into the following four types.
• Based on the Set Elements
• Based on Equation
• Based on Range
• Based on Domain

 One One Function

 Many One Function
 Onto Function
Based on Elements
 One One and Onto Function
 Into Function
 Constant Function

Based on Equation
 Identity Function
 Linear Function
 Quadratic Function
 Cubic Function
 Polynomial Functions

 Modulus Function
 Rational Function
 Signum Function
 Even and Odd Functions
Based on the Range
 Periodic Functions
 Greatest Integer Function
 Inverse Function
 Composite Functions

 Algebraic Functions
Based on the Domain  Trigonometric Functions
 Logarithmic Functions
 Activity

Name: _____________________________

TEST I Direction: Complete the sentence below.

1. The points, if any, at which graph crosses or touches the coordinate axes are called
______________.
2. If for every point (x, y) on the graph of an equation, the point (-x, y) is also on the
graph, then the graph is symmetric with respect to the _____________.
3. The x- intercepts of the graph of an equation are those x- values for which ________.
4. If the graph of an equation is symmetric with respect to the y- axis and −4 is an x-
intercept of this graph, then ______ is also an x- intercept.
5. If the graph of an equation is symmetric with respect to the origin and (-3, 4) is a point
on the graph, then __________ is also a point on the graph.

TEST II Determine if each function is even, odd or neither.

Function Even Odd Neither
4 3
1. f(x) = x + x
2. f(x) = -3x5 + 2x
x
3. f(x) = 2
x −1
4. g(x) = 5x4 + 3x2
5. f(x) = x3 – x2 + 4x + 2
6. f(x) = |x| + 4
7. f(x) = √ x 4−x 2 +4
8. The Product of f(x) = x2 + 1 and
h(x) = x4 – 4x2
9. The product of f(x) = x2 + 1 and
g(x) = x3 – 3x
10. The sum of f(x) = -3x5 + 2x,
g(x) = 2x3 – 7x

TEST III.
2 x−1
1. Given f(x) = , find
x−7
a. the domain
b. the range
c. the x- and y- intercept of f(x)
2. Graph the function; identify the horizontal and vertical asymptote.
Answer key:
Test I
1. x and y intercepts
2. y axis symmetry
3. y is equal to zero
4. 4
5. (3, -4)
Test II
1. Neither
2. Odd
3. Neither
4. Even
5. Neither
6. Even
7. Even
8. Even
9. Odd
10. Odd
Test III
1. a. {x∈ R   |  x ≠7} or {−∞ , 7}∪{7, ∞ }
b. {y∈ R   |  y ≠2} or {−∞ , 2}∪{2, ∞ }
1 1
c. x = y=
2 7
2.

Horizontal Asymptote x = 2
 Vertical Asymptote x = 7

Name: _______________________________

I. Identify the following:

5+2 x
1. Given the function f(x) = find,
1+ x
a. x- and y- intercepts
b. domain and range
c. graph the function: identify the vertical and horizontal asymptote

II. Algebraically determine whether the following function is even, odd or neither.
2. f(x) = x3 – x2 + 4x + 2
3. f(x) = √ x 4−x 2 + 4
4. f(x) = x3 + 4x
5. f(x) = x√ x 2−1

Answer Key
−5
1. a. x = y =5
2
b. domain = {x∈ R   |  x ≠-1}{−∞ ,−1}∪{-1, ∞ }
range = {y∈ R   |  y ≠2}{−∞ , 2}∪{2, ∞ }
c.

Horizontal asymptote x = 2 Vertical asymptote x = -1

2. Neither
3. Even
4. Odd
5. Odd

References:
https://byjus.com/maths/relations-and-functions/
https://www.varsitytutors.com/hotmath/hotmath_help/topics/domain-and-range-of-rational-
functions
https://www.personal.kent.edu/~bosikiew/Math11012/vertical-horizontal.pdf
https://www.purplemath.com/modules/fcnnot3.htm
https://www.cuemath.com/algebra/types-of-functions/