CALCULUS I

FUNCTIONS

Romeo C. Layones, M.A.T.

FUNCTIONS AND THEIR GRAPHS
Definition 1: A function is a set of ordered pairs of numbers
(x, y) in which no two distinct ordered pairs have the same
first number. The set of all admissible values of x is called
the domain of the function, and the set of all resulting
values of y is called the range of the function.

Note 1: The symbols x and y denote variables. Because the

value of y is dependent on the choice of x, x denotes the
independent variable and y denotes the dependent
variable.
Note 2: The notation f(x), called the function value, is due to
Leonard Euler.
EVALUATING FUNCTIONS
Note: To evaluate the function f with the functional notation
f(x), replace x with the specified value.
Example 1: Let f(x) = 2x2 + 3x – 4
Find the following:
a) f(3) = 2 (3 ) 2
+ 3(3) − 4 = 18 + 9 − 4 = 23
b) f(-2) = 2 (− 2 ) 2
+ 3(−2) − 4 = 8 − 6 − 4 = −2
c) f(0) = 2 ( 0 ) 2
+ 3(0) − 4 = 0 + 0 − 4 = −4
d) f(2a+1) = 2(2a + 1) + 3(2a + 1) − 4 = 2(4a 2 + 4a + 1) + 6a + 3 − 4
2

= 8a 2 + 8a + 2 + 6a + 3 − 4 = 8a 2 + 14a + 1
f(x + h) − f(x) 2(x + h) 2 + 3(x + h) − 4 − (2x 2 + 3x − 4)
e) =
h h
2(x + 2xh + h ) + 3x + 3h − 4 − 2x 2 − 3x + 4
2 2
=
h(4x + 2h + 3)
=
h h
2x 2 + 4xh + 2h 2 + 3x + 3h − 4 − 2x 2 − 3x + 4 = 4x + 2h + 3
=
h
EVALUATING FUNCTIONS
Example 2: Let f(x) = sin x
Find the following:
a) f(0) = sin 0 = 0
 
b) f(π/6) = sin   = 1
6 2
 3  2
c) f(3π/4) = sin   =
 4  2

d) f(x+2π) = sin (x + 2 )
= sin x cos 2 + cos x sin 2
= sin x(1) + cos x(0)
= sin x
EVALUATING FUNCTIONS
Example 3: Let f(x) = ex
Find the following:
a) f(0) = e 0 = 1 1
b) f(– 1) = e = e  0.3679
−1

c) f(2) = e 2  7.3891
d) f(lnx) = e ln x
=x
Exercises:
Evaluate the following functions:

1) f(x) = 2𝑥 − 1
Find:
f(x + h)−f(x)
a) f(3) b) f(−2) c) f(0) d) f 𝑎 + 1 e) f 2𝑥 f) 2f 𝑥 g) f(x) + f(h) h)
h

x
2) f(x) =
x−3
Find:
a) f(−2) b) f(−1) c) f(0) d) f 4 e) f h + 1 f) f(2a)
f(x + h)−f(x)
g)
h
GRAPH OF A FUNCTION
Definition: If f is a function, then the graph of f is the set of all
points (x,y) in the plane R2 for which (x,y) is an ordered
pair in f.

x -2 -1 0 1 2
Example 1: y = – x2
y -4 -1 0 -1 -4
y
Domain : (−,+)
x
Range : (-,0]
GRAPH OF A FUNCTION

x 1 2 3 4 5
Example 2: y = x − 1
y 0 1 1.4 1.7 2

Domain : [1,+)
Range : [0, + )

x
GRAPH OF A FUNCTION

Example 3: y = 25 − x x -5 -4 -3 0 3 4 5
2

y 0 3 4 5 4 3 0

Domain : [−5, 5]
Range : [0, 5]

x
GRAPH OF A FUNCTION
1
Example 4: y =
x -3 -2 -1 -0.5 0.5 1 2 3
x y -0.33 -0.5 -1 -2 2 1 0.5 0.33

y
Domain : (−,0)  (0, + )
Range : (−,0)  (0, + )

x
GRAPH OF A FUNCTION
x -1 0 1
Example 5: y =| x |
y 1 0 1
This is called an absolute value function.
x if x  0
{
| x |= − x if x  0

Domain : (−, + )
Range : [0, + )
x
GRAPH OF A FUNCTION

Example 6: y = x  x [-1,0) [0,1) [1,2)

y -1 0 1
This is called the greatest integer function.
y

Domain : (−, + )
Range : The set of integers
GRAPH OF A FUNCTION
x if x  0 x -1 0 0 1
Example 7: y =
2 - x if x  0 y -1 0 2 1
This is called a piecewise defined function.
y

Domain : (−, + )
Range : (-, 2]

x
Example 8: y = sin x.
π π π π 2π 3π 5π 7π 5π 4π 3π 5π 7π 11π
x 0 π
6 4 3 2 3 4 6 6 4 3 2 3 4 6

y 0 0.5 0.7 0.9 1 0.9 0.7 0.5 0 − 0.5 − 0.7 − 0.9 − 1 − 0.9 − 0.7 − 0.5

1
x
-2π -π π 2π
-1
Domain: (-∞,+∞) Period: 2π
Range: [-1, 1] Odd Function
Example 9: Graph f(x) = 2x.

x – 2 –1 0 1 2 3
f(x) ¼ ½ 1 2 4 8

f(x)

Domain : (−, + )
Range : (0, + )
x
 Example 10: f(x) = log2x.

x ¼ ½ 1 2 4 8
f(x) –2 –1 0 1 2 3

f(x)

Domain : (0, + )
Range : (−, + )
VERTICAL LINE TEST
A vertical line intersects the graph of a function in at most one
point.

Which of the following are functions?

FUNCTION NOT A FUNCTION NOT A FUNCTION

FUNCTION FUNCTION NOT A FUNCTION

Exercises:
A. Sketch by hand the graph of the following functions.
1) y = x − 4
2) y = x 2 + 3
1
3) y =
x −1
4) y = | x + 3 |
5) y = x − 2
6) y = cos x
7) y = 3 x
2 if x  1
8) y = { x − 5 if x  1
OPERATIONS ON FUNCTIONS

Given the two functions f and g:

SUM: (f + g)(x) = f(x) + g(x)
DIFFERENCE: (f – g)(x) = f(x) – g(x)
PRODUCT: (fg)(x) = f(x)g(x)
QUOTIENT: (f/g)(x) = f(x)/g(x)

In each case, the domain of the resulting function consists of

those values of x common to the domains of f and g, with
the additional requirement in the last case that the values of
x for which g(x) = 0 are excluded.
Example:
Define the following functions and determine the domain of
the resulting functions
f(x) = x – 2 g(x) = x2 – 4
Domain of f: (-∞, +∞)
Domain of g: (-∞, +∞)
a) (f + g)(x) = f(x) + g(x) = x – 2 + x2 – 4 = x2 + x – 6
Domain of f + g: (-∞, +∞)
b) (f – g)(x) = f(x) – g(x) = x – 2 – x2 + 4 = – x2 + x + 2
Domain of f – g: (-∞, +∞)
c) (fg)(x) = f(x)g(x) = (x – 2)(x2 – 4) = x3 – 2x2 – 4x + 8
Domain of fg: (-∞, +∞)
d) (f/g)(x) = f(x)/g(x) = (x – 2)/(x2 – 4) = 1/(x + 2)
Domain of f/g: (-∞, -2) ᴜ (-2, 2) ᴜ (2, +∞)
Exercises:
Define the following functions and determine the domain of
the resulting functions:
a) f + g b) f – g c) fg d) f/g

1) f(x) = 3 − 2 x ; g(x) = 6 − 3x

2) f(x) = x ; g(x) = x 2 − 1
1 x
3) f(x) = ; g(x) =
x +1 x−2
COMPOSITE FUNCTION

Given the two functions f and g, the composite function

denoted by f o g is defined by (f o g)(x) = f[g(x)] and the
domain of f o g is the set of all numbers x in the domain of
g such that g(x) is in the domain of f.

Example: Let f(x) = x – 2 and g(x) = x2 – 4

a) (f o g)(x) = f[g(x)] = f(x2 – 4) = x2 – 4 – 2 = x2 – 6
b) (g o f)(x) = g[f(x)] = g(x – 2) = (x – 2)2 – 4 = x2 – 4x
c) (f o f)(x) = f[f(x)] = f(x – 2) = x – 2 – 2 = x – 4
d) (g o g)(x) = g[g(x)] = g(x2 – 4) =(x2 – 4)2 –4 = x4 – 8x2 + 12
Exercises:
A. Define the following functions and determine the domain of
the composite function.
a) f o g
b) g o f
c) f o f
d) g o g

1) f(x) = 3 − 2 x; g(x) = 6 − 3 x
1
2) f(x) = x − 1; g(x) =
2

x
3) f(x) = x 2 − 1; g(x) = x −1
EVEN AND ODD FUNCTION

A function f is an even function if for every x in the domain of f,

f(-x) = f(x).
A function f is an odd function if for every x in the domain of f,
f(-x) = -f(x).

Note:
An even function is one whose graph is symmetric with
respect to the y-axis and an odd function is one whose
graph is symmetric with respect to the origin.
EVEN AND ODD FUNCTION

Example: Determine if function f(x) = 3x4 – 2x2 + 1 is even,

odd, or neither.

Solution:
Test for even function: f(-x) = f(x)
f(-x) = 3(-x)4 – 2(-x)2 + 1
= 3x4 – 2x2 + 1
f(-x) = f(x)

The given function is even.

Exercises:
A. Determine if each of the given functions is even, odd, or
neither.
1) f(x) = x 5 + 32
2) f(x) = x 2 + 4x + 4
3) f(x) = x 8 − 1
4) f(x) = x 3 − 4x
5) f(x) = |x|
6) f(x) = x 5 + 4x 3
7) f(x) = 5 𝑥
|x|
8) f(x) =
x
9) f(x) = sin 𝑥
FUNCTIONS AS MATHEMATICAL MODELS

SUGGESTIONS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS INVOLVING A

FUNCTION AS A MATHEMATICAL MODEL
1. Read the problem carefully so that you understand it.
2. Determine the known and unknown quantities.
3. Write down any numerical facts known about the variable
and function value.
4. Determine two algebraic expressions for the same number,
one in terms of the variable and one in terms of the
function value.
5. To complete the problem once you have applied the
mathematical model to solve for unknown quantities, write
a conclusion.
FUNCTIONS AS MATHEMATICAL MODELS
Example 1: The daily payroll for a work crew is directly
proportional to the number of workers, and a crew of 12
workers earns a payroll of $810.
a) Find a mathematical model expressing the daily payroll as
a function of the number of workers.
b) What is the daily payroll for a crew of 15 workers?
SOLUTION:
a) Let x = number of workers and f(x) = the daily payroll
INITIAL MODEL: f(x) = kx
f(12) = $810
810 = k(12)
k = 67.5
f ( x) = 67.5 x
FUNCTIONS AS MATHEMATICAL MODELS
Example 1: The daily payroll for a work crew is directly
proportional to the number of workers, and a crew of 12
workers earns a payroll of $810.
a) Find a mathematical model expressing the daily payroll as
a function of the number of workers.
b) What is the daily payroll for a crew of 15 workers?
SOLUTION:
b) Find f(15):
f ( x) = 67.5x
f (15) = 67.5(15)
f (15) = $1,012.50
ANSWER : The daily payroll for a crew of 15 workers is $1, 012.50.
FUNCTIONS AS MATHEMATICAL MODELS
Example 2: The period (the time for one complete oscillation)
of a pendulum is directly proportional to the square root of
the length of the pendulum, and a pendulum of length 8 ft
has a period of 2 sec.
a) Find a mathematical model expressing the period of a
pendulum as a function of its length.
b) Find the period of a pendulum of length 2 ft.
SOLUTION:
a) Let x = length of pendulum and f(x) = the period
INITIAL MODEL: f ( x) = k x 2
f (8) = 2 f ( x) = x
2
2=k 8
(
2=k 2 2 ) f ( x) =
2x
2 2
=k
2
FUNCTIONS AS MATHEMATICAL MODELS
Example 2: The period (the time for one complete oscillation)
of a pendulum is directly proportional to the square root of
the length of the pendulum, and a pendulum of length 8 ft
has a period of 2 sec.
a) Find a mathematical model expressing the period of a
pendulum as a function of its length.
b) Find the period of a pendulum of length 2 ft.
SOLUTION:
b) Find f(2)
2x
f ( x) =
2
2(2 )
f (2) = =1
2
ANSWER : The period of a pendulum of length 2 ft is 1 second.
FUNCTIONS AS MATHEMATICAL MODELS
Example 3: Shipping charges are often based on a formula that offers a
lower charge per pound as the size of the shipment is increased.
Suppose shipping charges are as follows: $2.20 per pound if the weight
does not exceed 50 lb; $2.10 per pound if the weight is more than 50 lb
but does not exceed 200 lb; $2.05 per pound if the weight is more than
200 lb.
a) Find a mathematical model expressing the total cost of a shipment as
a function of its weight.
b) Determine the total cost of a shipment of 50 lb, 51 lb, 52 lb, 53 lb,
200 lb, 202 lb, 204 lb, and 206 lb.
SOLUTION:
a) Let x = weight and f(x) = the total cost

2.2 x if x  50
f (x) =
{ 2.1x if 50  x  200
2.05 x if x  200
FUNCTIONS AS MATHEMATICAL MODELS
Example 3: Shipping charges are often based on a formula that offers a
lower charge per pound as the size of the shipment is increased.
Suppose shipping charges are as follows: $2.20 per pound if the weight
does not exceed 50 lb; $2.10 per pound if the weight is more than 50 lb
but does not exceed 200 lb; $2.05 per pound if the weight is more than
200 lb.
a) Find a mathematical model expressing the total cost of a shipment as
a function of its weight.
b) Determine the total cost of a shipment of 50 lb, 51 lb, 52 lb, 53 lb,
200 lb, 202 lb, 204 lb, and 206 lb.
SOLUTION:
b) f(50) = 2.2(50) = $110.00 f(200) = 2.1(200) = $420.00
f(51) = 2.1(51) = $107.10 f(202) = 2.05(202) = $414.10
f(52) = 2.1(52) = $109.20 f(204) = 2.05(204) = $418.20
f(53) = 2.1(53) = $111.30 f(206) = 2.05(206) = $422.30
FUNCTIONS AS MATHEMATICAL MODELS
Example 4: The consumer demand for a particular toy in a certain
marketplace is a function f of p, the number of dollars in its price, which
in turn is a function g of t, the number of months since the toy reached
the marketplace.
5000 1 2 7
If f(p) = 2
and g(t) = t + t +5:
p 20 20
a) Find a mathematical model expressing the consumer demand as a
function of the number of months since the toy reached the
marketplace.
b) Find the consumer demand 5 months after the toy reached the
marketplace.
SOLUTION:
a) p = g(t)
5000 5000
f(t) = = 2000000
 1 2 
2
 t + 7t + 100 
2
f(t) =
7
(t )
2
 t + t + 5   2
+ 7t + 100
2

 20 20   20 
FUNCTIONS AS MATHEMATICAL MODELS
Example 4: The consumer demand for a particular toy in a certain
marketplace is a function f of p, the number of dollars in its price, which
in turn is a function g of t, the number of months since the toy reached
the marketplace.
5000 1 2 7
If f(p) = 2
and g(t) = t + t +5:
p 20 20
a) Find a mathematical model expressing the consumer demand as a
function of the number of months since the toy reached the
marketplace.
b) Find the consumer demand 5 months after the toy reached the
marketplace.
SOLUTION:
b) Find f(5):
2000000 2000000 2000000
f(t) =  f(5) = =  78
(t + 7t + 100)
2 2
(5 + 7 • 5 + 100)
2 2
(160) 2

ANSWER :
The consumer demand 5 months after the toy reached the marketplace is 78 units.
FUNCTIONS AS MATHEMATICAL MODELS
Example 5: The surface area of a sphere is a function of its radius. If r
centimeters is the radius of a sphere and A(r) square centimeters is the
surface area, then A(r)= 4πr2. Suppose a balloon maintains the shape
of a sphere as it is being inflated so that the radius is changing at a
constant rate of 3 centimeters per second. If f(t) centimeters is the
radius of the balloon after t seconds, do the following:
a) Compute (A o f)(t) and interpret your results.
b) Find the surface area of the balloon after 4 seconds.
SOLUTION:
a) A(r) = 4πr2 and f(t) = 3t where r = f(t)
Find (A o f)(t):

( A o f )(t) = A f (t) = A3t  = 4π(3t ) = 36t 2

2

INTERPRETATION: The surface area of the balloon after t seconds is

36πt2 cm2.
FUNCTIONS AS MATHEMATICAL MODELS
Example 5: The surface area of a sphere is a function of its radius. If r
centimeters is the radius of a sphere and A(r) square centimeters is the
surface area, then A(r)= 4πr2. Suppose a balloon maintains the shape
of a sphere as it is being inflated so that the radius is changing at a
constant rate of 3 centimeters per second. If f(t) centimeters is the
radius of the balloon after t seconds, do the following:
a) Compute (A o f)(t) and interpret your results.
b) Find the surface area of the balloon after 4 seconds.
SOLUTION:
b) Find (A o f)(4):
( Aof )(t ) = 36t 2
( Aof )(4) = 36 (4)2 = 576 cm 2  1810 cm 2
ANSWER: The surface area of the balloon after 4 seconds is 1810 cm2.
FUNCTIONS AS MATHEMATICAL MODELS
Example 6: A rectangular field is to be enclosed with 240
meters of fence. Find a mathematical model expressing the
area of the field as a function of its length.
SOLUTION:
Given: Perimeter = 240
Let L = length and W = width
Equation: 2L + 2W = 240
Solve for W:
2W = 240 – 2L
W = 120 – L
Let A(L) = area
MODEL: A(L) = L(120 – L)
A(L ) = 120L − L2
FUNCTIONS AS MATHEMATICAL MODELS
Example 7: A manufacturer of open tin boxes wishes to use pieces of tin
with dimensions 8 in. by 15 in. by cutting equal squares from the four
corners and turning up the sides. Find a mathematical model
expressing the volume of the box as a function of the square cut out
SOLUTION:
Given: L = 15 in.; W = 8 in.

x
8 x

8 − 2x
15 − 2x

15
Let x = length of the side of the square to be cut out
V(x) = volume as a function of x
MODEL: V(x) = (15 – 2x)(8 – 2x)(x) V ()
x = 4 x 3
− 46 x 2 + 120 x
Exercises: Solve the following.
1. A person’s approximate brain weight is directly proportional
to his or her body weight, and a person weighing 150 lb
has an approximate brain weight of 4lb. a) Find a
mathematical model expressing the approximate brain
weight of a person as a function of the person’s body
weight. b) Find the approximate body weight of a person
whose body weight is 176 lb.
2. A cardboard box manufacturer makes open boxes from
square pieces of cardboard of side 12 cm by cutting equal
squares from the four corners and turning up the sides.
Find a mathematical model expressing the volume of the
box as a function of the side of the square cut out.