Review Notes 1

Introduction to Functions
Contents
Competencies Covered 1

Key Points 1
Functions 1
Real Life Functions 2
Piecewise Functions 2
Solving Word Problems on Piecewise Functions 2
Evaluating Functions 3
Graphing Functions 4
Operations on Functions 5
Addition of Functions 5
Subtraction of Functions 6
Multiplication of Functions 6
Division of Functions 6
Solving Word Problems on Operations of Functions 7

Synthesis 8

Practice 9

Tips 12
Functions 12
Operations on Functions 12
Tip for Answering Question 4 12
Tip for Answering Question 7 13

References 13

Answer Key 14
 Review Notes 1
Introduction to Functions

Competencies Covered
In this note, we will discuss the important concepts about the
following competencies:
● represent real-life situations using functions, including
piece-wise functions;
● evaluate a function;
● perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and
composition of functions; and
● solve problems involving functions.

Key Points
Functions
• A function is a special kind of relation in which no two
distinct ordered pairs have the same first element.

• The value that it takes in is called the input or independent

variable while the corresponding value that it produces is
the output or dependent variable.

Example:
The equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 2 is a function. This is a function
since any value of 𝑥 corresponds to exactly one value of 𝑓(𝑥).
The variable 𝑥 is the independent variable and 𝑦 is the
dependent variable.

RN1. Introduction to Functions 1

 • The expression 𝑓 (𝑥) may also be expressed as the variable 𝑦. Here, we say that 𝑦 is a
function of 𝑥.

Real Life Functions

• The function 𝑓 (𝑥) can be thought of as a “machine” that accepts values of 𝑥 as input
and produces values of 𝑦 as output.

Example:
A kid wants to buy biscuits that cost ₱15.00 each. In this situation, we can say that
the price of biscuits is a function of the number of biscuits bought. The input is the
number of biscuits bought and the output is the price of the biscuits.

Piecewise Functions
• A piecewise function is composed of two or more expressions for the different parts
of the domain.

Example:
2𝑥 − 1 if 𝑥 < −2
The function 𝑓(𝑥) = { −3 if − 2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2 is a piecewise function because the domain
3 if 𝑥 > 2
has been divided into parts: 𝑥 < −2, −2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2, and 𝑥 > 2.

Solving Word Problems on Piecewise Functions

Example:
A store offers a discount on bulk purchases of hats. For purchases less than 50 pieces,
the hat costs ₱150; for purchasing 50 to 100 pieces, the hat costs ₱130; and for
purchasing more than 100 pieces, the hat costs ₱120. Illustrate the price 𝑃 of
purchasing 𝑥 hats as a function.

RN1. Introduction to Functions 2

 Solution:
The function can be illustrated as a piecewise function since the domain is divided into
three parts: 𝑥 < 50, 50 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 100, and 𝑥 > 100.

The price 𝑃(𝑥) is illustrated as follows.

150𝑥 if 𝑥 < 50
𝑃 (𝑥) = {130𝑥 if 50 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 100
120𝑥 if 𝑥 > 100

Evaluating Functions
• To evaluate functions, we substitute 𝑥 with its corresponding value and solve for 𝑓(𝑥).

Example:
Evaluate the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 2 at 𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 = 5.

Solution:
To evaluate 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑥 = −1, substitute −1 to 𝑥 and solve for 𝑓(𝑥).

𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 2
𝑓(−1) = 3(−1) + 2
= −3 + 2
= −1

Similarly, we can evaluate 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑥 = 5 by substituting 5 to 𝑥 and solving for 𝑓(𝑥).

𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 2
𝑓 (5) = 3(5) + 2
= 15 + 2
= 17

RN1. Introduction to Functions 3

 Graphing Functions
• To graph a function, we can take some arbitrary values of 𝑥, determine their
corresponding values of 𝑦 using a table of values, and plot the ordered pairs in a
Cartesian plane.

• A table of values is a graphic organizer or chart that helps determine two or more
points that can be used in creating graphs.

Example:
Sketch the graph of the function 𝑓 (𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 2.

Solution:
1. Tabulate some arbitrary values of 𝑥.

𝒙 𝒚
−2
−1
0
1
2

2. To obtain the corresponding values of 𝑦, evaluate the function at the chosen

values of 𝑥.

𝒙 𝒚
−2 −4
−1 −1
0 2
1 5
2 8

RN1. Introduction to Functions 4

 3. Plot the ordered pairs on the Cartesian plane.

Since 𝑓 (𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 2 is a linear function, we will connect the points using a straight
line.

Operations on Functions

Addition of Functions
• The sum of two functions 𝒇(𝒙) and 𝒈(𝒙) is denoted by (𝒇 + 𝒈)(𝒙). The sum is defined
as (𝒇 + 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) + 𝒈(𝒙).

Example:
Find the sum of the functions 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 4𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 4.

(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓 (𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)

= (2𝑥 + 3) + (4𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 4)
= 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 7

RN1. Introduction to Functions 5

 Subtraction of Functions
• The difference of two functions 𝒇(𝒙) and 𝒈(𝒙) is denoted by (𝒇 − 𝒈)(𝒙). The
difference is defined as (𝒇 − 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) − 𝒈(𝒙).

Example:
Find the difference of the functions 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔 and 𝒈(𝒙) = −𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟏.

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)

= (𝑥 2 + 6) − (−2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1)
= 𝑥 2 + 6 + 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 1
= 3𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 5

Multiplication of Functions
• The product of two functions 𝒇(𝒙) and 𝒈(𝒙) is denoted by (𝒇 ∙ 𝒈)(𝒙). This product is
defined as (𝒇 ∙ 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) ∙ 𝒈(𝒙).

Example:
Find the product of the functions 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙 − 𝟏 and 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟕.

(𝑓 ∙ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓 (𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)

= (𝑥 − 1 )(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 7)
= 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 7
= 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 − 7

Division of Functions
𝒇
• The quotient of two functions 𝒇(𝒙) and 𝒈(𝒙) is denoted by ( ) (𝒙). This quotient is
𝒈
𝒇 𝒇(𝒙)
defined as (𝒈) (𝒙) = 𝒈(𝒙). Note that 𝒈(𝒙) should not be equal to 𝟎.

RN1. Introduction to Functions 6

 Example:
Find the quotient of the functions 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙 + 𝟑 and 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏𝟓.

𝒇 𝒇(𝒙)
( ) (𝒙) =
𝒈 𝒈(𝒙)
𝒙+𝟑
=
𝒙𝟐
− 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏𝟓
𝒙+𝟑
=
(𝒙 + 𝟑)(𝒙 − 𝟓)
𝟏
=
𝒙−𝟓

Solving Word Problems on Operations of Functions

Example:
An urban planner wants to find the area of a rectangular field owned by one of their
clients. The length of the field is given by the function 𝐿(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 90) meters, while its
width is given by 𝑊(𝑥) = (54 + 9𝑥) meters.

Solution:
The area 𝐴(𝑥) of a rectangular field can be expressed by multiplying the length 𝐿(𝑥)
and the width 𝑊(𝑥). It follows that 𝐴(𝑥) = (𝐿 ⋅ 𝑊)(𝑥).

𝐴(𝑥) = (𝐿 ⋅ 𝑊)(𝑥)
= 𝐿(𝑥) ∙ 𝑊(𝑥)
= (𝑥 + 90) ∙ (54 + 9𝑥)
= 54𝑥 + 9𝑥 2 + 4 860 + 810𝑥
= 9𝑥 2 + 864𝑥 + 4 860

Therefore, the area of the rectangular field is 𝐴(𝑥) = (9𝑥 2 + 864𝑥 + 4860) sq. units.

RN1. Introduction to Functions 7

 Synthesis
● A function is a special kind of relation in which no two distinct ordered pairs have the
same first element.
○ The value that it takes in is called the input or independent variable while the
corresponding value that it produces is the output or dependent variable.
○ Functions can be applied in real-life situations that have an input-output
relationship.
● In evaluating functions, substitute 𝑥 with its corresponding value and solve for 𝑓(𝑥).
● The following are the different operations that can be performed among functions.
○ Addition of Functions: (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓 (𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)
○ Subtraction of Functions: (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓 (𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)
○ Multiplication of Functions: (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓 (𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
○ Division of Functions: ( ) (𝑥) =
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥)

● In solving functions, we have to determine if the problem asks us to evaluate a given

function or perform operations on functions.

Addition of Functions Subtraction of Functions

𝑓 + 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 + 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑓 − 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 − 𝑔(𝑥)

Functions
Input-output relationships

Division of Functions
Multiplication of Functions
𝑓 𝑓 𝑥
𝑓 ⋅ 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 ⋅ 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥 =
𝑔 𝑔 𝑥

RN1. Introduction to Functions 8

 Practice
Shade the circle beside the correct answer for each question.

1. Which of the following refers to the independent variable in a function?

◯ variable 𝑦
◯ variable 𝑥
◯ variable 𝑓 (𝑥)
◯ variable 𝑓 (𝑦)

2. In the situation “In January, a man invested ₱20 000 each year in the bank and is able
to withdraw ₱100 000 after 5 years.” What is the output in the situation?
◯ 5 years
◯ ₱20 000
◯ January
◯ ₱100 000

3. What is the value of the function ℎ (𝑥) = −7𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 − 1 at 𝑥 = −1?

◯ −15
◯ −16
◯ 0
◯ 14

4. Which among the following is a function?

◯ 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1 = 0
◯ 3𝑥 = −𝑦 − 2
◯ 𝑥 2 = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 1
◯ 4𝑥 + 2 = 1 + 5

RN1. Introduction to Functions 9

 5. What is the difference of the functions 𝑝(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 and 𝑞(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 3?
◯ 𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 3
◯ −𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 12
◯ 3𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 + 3
◯ −𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 3

𝑗
6. Given that 𝑗(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑘(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 6, what is (𝑘) (𝑥)?

◯ 𝑥−1
𝑥−1
◯ 2
2
◯ 𝑥−1
1
◯
𝑥−1

7. What is the function that is represented by the table of values below?

𝒙 𝒚
1 0
2 3
3 8
4 15
5 24

◯ 𝑓 (𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 2
◯ 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1
◯ 𝑓 (𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 3
◯ 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1

RN1. Introduction to Functions 10

 8. A rental shop offers rental for dresses. It costs ₱1 000 to rent a dress for 3 days and
an additional of ₱300 per day if the dress will be rented for more than 3 days. Which
among the following functions 𝑃(𝑥) represents the price of renting a dress for 𝑥
days?
◯ 𝑃 (𝑥) = 300𝑥 + 1 000
◯ 𝑃 (𝑥) = 300𝑥 + 100
1 000 if 𝑥 ≤ 3
◯ 𝑃 (𝑥) = {
300𝑥 + 1 000 if 𝑥 > 3
1 000 if 𝑥 ≤ 3
◯ 𝑃 (𝑥) = {
300𝑥 + 100 if 𝑥 > 3

9. Rose and Cherry are sisters. Rose is 2 years older than twice Cherry’s age. If 𝑥
represents Cherry’s age, what is the function that will represent Rose’s age?
◯ 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2
◯ 𝑓 (𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 2
◯ 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2
◯ 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 + 4

10. Mark, Gabriel, and Symon decided to sell their old shoes. Mark was able to earn ₱350
more than thrice Gabriel’s earning, while Gabriel earned ₱100 more than Symon’s
earnings. If Symon earned ₱𝑥, which function represents the sum of Mark’s and
Gabriel’s earnings?
◯ (𝑀 + 𝐺 )(𝑥) = 50 + 3(𝑥 + 100)
◯ (𝑀 + 𝐺 )(𝑥) = (3𝑥 + 350) + (𝑥 + 100)
◯ (𝑀 + 𝐺 )(𝑥) = (3𝑥 + 150) + (𝑥 + 100)
◯ (𝑀 + 𝐺 )(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 350

RN1. Introduction to Functions 11

 A water sprinkler, which covers a circular area, reaches 𝑟(𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 4) inches in every
direction, where 𝑥 represents the strength of water pressure. What is the area that the
water sprinkler can cover if the strength of the water pressure is 𝑥 = 5?

Tips

Functions
● When looking for the function, given the 𝑥 and 𝑦 values, it is best to choose one pair
of values, then substitute it to the choices to get the answer faster.
● In writing piecewise functions, take note that the intervals should not overlap. If
there is an overlap, there might be a mistake in your interpretation.

Operations on Functions
● In solving for the operations in functions, remember to always combine like terms.
For division, look out for values that can be cancelled; there are times that you need
to factor the given function before cancellation.
● Do not neglect the change of signs, most especially when subtracting functions.

Tip for Answering Question 4

● Remember that a function begins with either 𝑓(𝑥) = or 𝑦 =. Equations that do not
have either 𝑓(𝑥) or 𝑦 are not functions. This will help you reduce the choices until you
are able to rule out which equation is a function.

RN1. Introduction to Functions 12

 Tip for Answering Question 7
● Generally, we can determine the function represented by this table of values using
the two-point form. However, we can just take an ordered pair and substitute it to
the given choices. If the ordered pair does not satisfy the function, then we remove it
from our choices. By process of elimination, we can arrive at the correct function if
we try out several ordered pairs.

References

Gantert, Anne Xavier. “Relations and Functions,” Algebra 2 and Trigonometry. United States of
America: Amsco School Publications Inc., 2009

Pierce, Rod. “Piecewise Function,” Math is Fun. Accessed from

https://www.mathsisfun.com/sets/functions-piecewise.html, 28 October 2019

Stapel, Elizabeth. “Function Notation and Evaluating at Numbers,” Purplemath. Accessed

from https://www.purplemath.com/modules/fcnnot.htm, 28 October 2019

RN1. Introduction to Functions 13

 Answer Key

Answers to Multiple Choice

1. variable 𝑥
2. ₱100 000
3. −16
4. 3𝑥 = −𝑦 − 2
5. −𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 3
𝑥−1
6. 2

7. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1
1 000 if 𝑥 ≤ 3
8. 𝑃(𝑥) = {
300𝑥 + 100 if 𝑥 > 3
9. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 2
10. (𝑀 + 𝐺 )(𝑥) = (3𝑥 + 350) + (𝑥 + 100)

Possible answer and explanation to HOTS Question

The water sprinkler covers a circular area. Hence, 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2 . It says in the problem that the
water sprinkler can reach 𝑟(𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 4) inches in any direction, which means that this
is the radius.

1. Evaluate the function at 𝑥 = 5, to get the radius.

𝑟(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 4
= 2(5) + 4
= 10 + 4
= 14

RN1. Introduction to Functions 14

 2. Substitute the radius to the formula of the area of a circle.

𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2
= 𝜋(14)2
= 196𝜋
≈ 615.44

Thus, the area that the water sprinkler can cover is 615.44 sq. inches.

RN1. Introduction to Functions 15