GENERAL MATHEMATICS

LESSON 2: EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONS

MODULE 2

SUGGESTED OUTLINE OF CURRICULUM

I. Functions
II. Rational Functions
III. Inverse and Exponential Functions
IV. Logarithmic Functions
V. Logic

TITLE: EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONS

INTRODUCTION

Evaluation of functions is a process of calculating the value of a function f(x) or y for given values
of x. The y is the dependent variable while the x is the independent variable. The process is done by
substituting the numerical values of x to the given function.

Study the following examples.

Example 1: Evaluate the following functions at x = 3.

a. ( )
b. ( )
c. ( ) √
d. ( )
e. ( ) | |

Solutions: Replace the entire variable x in the functions by 3.

a. ( ) ( ) b. ( ) ( ) ( ) c. ( ) √
√

( )
( ) ( ) | ( ) |
| |
| |

Example 2: If ( ) , evaluate the following:

√
1. f(5) 4. f( )

2. f( ) 5. f(x+1)

3. f(0)

General Mathematics
Michelle J. Fajardo
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 GENERAL MATHEMATICS
LESSON 2: EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONS
MODULE 2

Solutions:

1. ( ) ( ) ( ) 2. ( ) ( ) ( ) 3. ( ) ( ) ( )

( ) ( ) ( )

( ) ( )

√ √ √
4. ( ) ( ) ( ) 5. ( ) ( ) ( )

√
( ) ( )

Evaluation of Piecewise Functions

The process of evaluating piecewise functions is similar to evaluating ordinary functions, except
for the fact that we need to choose the piece or chunk of function to be used for a given value of x. We
can do this by examining the appropriate interval where the input or the value of x belongs.

Example 3: Given the Piecewise function below,

( )

{ ( )

1. Find h(-10)

Step 1: Determine the piece that should be used.

Since -10 belongs to the interval , therefore, we shall use the third piece function.

General Mathematics
Michelle J. Fajardo
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 GENERAL MATHEMATICS
LESSON 2: EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONS
MODULE 2

Step 2: Find h(-10) using the third piece of function.

( ) ( )

( )

( )

( )

2. Find h ( )

Step 1: Determine the piece that should be used.

Since belongs to the interval , therefore we shall use the second piece of function.

Step 2: Find h ( ) using the second piece of the function.

( )

( )

3. Find h (6)

Step 1: Determine the piece that should be used.

Since 6 belong to the interval , therefore we shall use the first piece of function.

Step 2: Find h(6) using the first piece of the function.

( )

( ) ( )

General Mathematics
Michelle J. Fajardo
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 GENERAL MATHEMATICS
LESSON 2: EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONS
MODULE 2

ACTIVITY

Reference:

Barcelona Alvin B. M.A. et.al, Senior High Conceptual Math and Beyond General Mathematics, Brilliant
Creations Publishing, Inc., Quezon City, Pages 3-10.

General Mathematics
Michelle J. Fajardo
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