Operation of Functions

 A function consists of a set of inputs, a set of outputs, and a rule for assigning each input to exactly one
output. The set of inputs is called the domain of the function. The set of outputs is called the range of
the function.
 A function can be visualized as an input/output device
 A function is a relation in which the members of the domain (x-values) DO NOT repeat.

Examples of a functions as an ordered pairs:

Ordered pairs are generally written as (x, y), where x is the x-

coordinate and y is the y-coordinate.

A function can be represented by a set of ordered

pairs. For example {(1,-1), (4,8), (9,-1), (3,2)} is a
function represented by a set of ordered pairs.

Examples of a functions as an diagram :

A function diagram is yet another representation, with

parallel x and y axes. Each (x, y) pair is represented by a
line segment connecting the input point on the x axis to the
output point on the y axis. The line segment is called the
input-output line.

aw a mapping diagram for the f(x) = 2x2 + 5 function in the set of real numbers.

Connect the pairs with arrows: Go through your

table, starting in the top row, and draw one arrow for
each ordered pair

Examples of a functions as a Graph :

The graph of a function f is the set of all points in the plane of the form (x, f(x)). We could also define the graph of f to be the
graph of the equation y = f(x). So, the graph of a function if a special case of the graph of an equation.

f
You can use the vertical line test on a graph to
N determine whether a relation is a function. If it is
impossible to draw a vertical line that intersects
the graph more than once, then each x-value is
paired with exactly one y-value. So, the relation is
a function.
 Evaluating Functions
 Evaluating a function means finding the value of f(x) =… or y =… that corresponds to a
given value of x. To do this, simply replace all the x variables with whatever x has been
assigned. For example, if we are asked to evaluate f(4), then x has been assigned the
value of 4.

Example: Given that f(x) = 3x + 6, find f(4)

f(x) = 3x + 6 Solution:

This means we will evaluate the function when x has been

= 3(4) + 6
assigned the value of 4. The first step is to replace every x
= 12 + 6 with 4. Then evaluate the function by following order of
operations Using PEMDAS rule.
= 18

Evaluating Piecewise Functions

 A piecewise function is a function defined by a series of intervals for the independent
variable. It shows a different function for a particular interval of real numbers.

Example:

Since x= -2, then we use the first subfunction because the condition is less than 2
f (-2)= 6x + 5
=6(-2) + 5 Substitute the value of the variable.
= -12 + 5
= -7

When x= 45
Since x= 45, then we use the second subfunction because the condition is greater
than or equal to 2
f (45)= 7x - 6
Substitute the value of the variable.
= 7(45) -6
= 315 - 6
= 309
REVIEW MATERIAL
IN GENERAL
MATHEMATICS