Topic 2: Functions

SL 2.1 Linear Functions ● Different forms of the equation of a

straight line. Gradient; intercepts.
○ Lines with gradients 𝑚1 and
𝑚2.
○ Parallel lines 𝑚1 = 𝑚2.
○ Perpendicular lines
𝑚1 × 𝑚2 =− 1.

SL 2.2 Function Notation ● Concept of a function, domain,

range and graph. Function notation,
for example 𝑓(𝑥), 𝑣(𝑡), 𝐶(𝑛).
● The concept of a function as a
mathematical model.
● Informal concept that an inverse
function reverses or undoes the
effect of a function.
● Inverse function as a reflection in
the line 𝑦 = 𝑥, and the notation
−1
𝑓 (𝑥).

SL 2.3 Sketching Graphs ● The graph of a function; its equation

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).
● Creating a sketch from information
given or a context, including
transferring a graph from screen to
paper.
● Using technology to graph functions
including their sums and
differences.

SL 2.4 Analyzing Functions ● Determine key features of graphs.

● Finding the point of intersection of
two curves or lines using
technology.

SL 2.5 Composite and ● Composite functions.

Inverse Functions ● Identity function. Finding the inverse
−1
function 𝑓 (𝑥).

SL 2.6 Quadratic Functions ● The quadratic function

2
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐: its graph, 𝑦
-intercept (0, 𝑐). Axis of symmetry.
● The form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑝)(𝑥 − 𝑞),
𝑥-intercepts (𝑝, 0) and (𝑞, 0).
2
● The form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ) + 𝑘,
vertex (ℎ, 𝑘).

SL 2.7 Roots of Quadratic ● Solution of quadratic equations and

 Equations inequalities. The quadratic formula.
2
● The discriminant ∆ = 𝑏 − 4𝑎𝑐 and
the nature of the roots, that is, two
distinct real roots, two equal real
roots, no real roots.

SL 2.8 Reciprocal and ● The reciprocal function 𝑓(𝑥) =

1
,
𝑥
Rational Functions
𝑥 ≠ 0: its graph and self-inverse
nature.
● Rational functions of the form
𝑎𝑥+𝑏
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐𝑥+𝑑 and their graphs.
● Equations of vertical and horizontal
asymptotes.

SL 2.9 Exponentials and ● Exponential functions and their

Logarithmic 𝑥
graphs: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎 , 𝑎 > 0, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒
𝑥
Functions ● Logarithmic functions and their
graphs: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑥, 𝑥 > 0,
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑛 𝑥, 𝑥 > 0.

SL 2.10 Solving Equations ● Solving equations, both graphically

and analytically.
● Use of technology to solve a variety
of equations, including those where
there is no appropriate analytic
approach.
● Applications of graphing skills and
solving equations that relate to
real-life situations.

SL 2.11 Function ● Transformations of graphs.

Transformations ○ Translations: 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑏;
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 − 𝑎).
○ Reflections (in both axes):
𝑦 =− 𝑓(𝑥); 𝑦 = 𝑓(− 𝑥).
○ Vertical stretch with scale
factor 𝑝: 𝑦 = 𝑝𝑓(𝑥).
○ Horizontal stretch with scale
1
factor 𝑞 : 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑞𝑥).
○ Composite transformations.

AHL 2.12 Polynomial ● Polynomial functions, their graphs

Functions and equations; zeros, roots and
factors.
● The factor and remainder theorems.
● Sum and product of the roots of
polynomial equations.

AHL 2.13 Rational Functions ● Rational functions of the form:

with Higher Powers 𝑓(𝑥) = 2
𝑎𝑥+𝑏
, and
𝑐𝑥 +𝑑𝑥+𝑒
 2
𝑎𝑥 +𝑏𝑥+𝑐
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑑𝑥+𝑒
.

AHL 2.14 Odd and Even ● Odd and even functions.

Functions ●
−1
Finding inverse function, 𝑓 (𝑥),
including domain restriction.
● Self-inverse functions.

AHL 2.15 Intersections in ● Solutions of 𝑔(𝑥) ≥ 𝑓(𝑥), both

Functions graphically and analytically.

AHL 2.16 Absolute Value, ● The graphs of the functions,

Reciprocal, and 𝑦 = |𝑓(𝑥)| and 𝑦 = 𝑓(|𝑥|), 𝑦 =
1
𝑓(𝑥)
Quadratic 2
Transformations , 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏), 𝑦 = [𝑓(𝑥)] .
● Solution of modulus equations and
inequalities.