COURSE MATERIAL

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

This module has been designed to….
• Understand the definition of function and domain
• find a function and its domain based on the equation of a curve
• define range of given functions;
• recognize and represent relationships between varying quantities through functions; and
• use patterns patterns, tables, graphs, and rules to solve real-life mathematical problems

FUNCTIONS
This section introduces concepts on functions, their notations,
and graphs. This discusses in detail the several types of function
such as the linear, quadratic and piecewise function. This also
tackles how to sketch the graph.

The definitions of related terms such as relation and function,

domain and range are well stated to help you understand clearly
the topics in this chapter. Algebraic manipulations are also
integrated in the topics on evaluation of function to equip you
with the skills needed in mathematical modeling.

A rich variety of illustrative examples with a step by step solution are also provided especially in
sketching the graphs of different types of functions.

At the end of this module, you are expected to construct mathematical models of real-life situations
using pattern based thinking.

Relations and Functions

A relation is a mapping from one set of values to a second set of values.

The set containing all the values of the first set is called the domain of the relation. The elements of the
domain can be imagined as input to a machine that applies a rule to these inputs to generate one or more
outputs.

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The second set is called the range of the relation. The elements of the range can be considered as the
output of the machine.
Example:
The first set contains the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 while the second set contains 1, 4, 9, 16, and
25. Define the relation between the two sets where two numbers are related when the second
number is the square of the first set.

1 1
2 4
3 9
4 16
5 25

This representation of a relation is called a mapping

diagram. This arrow represents which element is related to
the other A relation is also defined as a set of ordered pairs
(x; y) where x is an element of the domain while y is from
the range.

Using the example earlier, it can also be represented as ordered

pairs. Say that the relation earlier is defined as relation R where

Ordered Pair {(1,1), (2,4), (3,9), (4,16), (5,25)}

Domain {1,2,3,4,5}
Range {1,4,9,16,25}

Relation has three different types: One-to-one relationship, One-to-many

relationship and Many-to- one relationship.

Situation 1:

Say we have a vending machine which each product or

food item has a designated code for the customer to
choose and press.
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1. One-to-one relationship

Figure 1. Relationship between the code and food items.

In the example, you will notice that there is a

relationship between the codes and then the food that the
vending machine dispenses. There is only one
corresponding code to each food item.
The codes shown on the left side of the mapping
diagram are the x- values or domain, while the food items
on the right side are the y- values of the range.

Here is a table showing the ordered pair, domain, and range from figure 1.

Ordered Pairs { (A1,French Fries), (C4, Popcorn),(D2,

Lemon Juice), (A3,Burger), (C3, Fruit
Salad), (D4, Water)}
Domain {A1, C4, D2, A3, D4}
Range { French Fries, Popcorn, Lemon Juice,
Burger, Fruit Salad, Water}

Situation 2:

Two students named Gemille and Jasmine go to the vending machine to buy for their morning
break. Gemille buys French fries, popcorn, lemon juice while Jasmine buys burger, fruit salad, and
water.

2. One-to-many relationship
Figure 2. Relationship between the student and their food for
morning break
Here, Gemille and Jasmine are the x-values or the domain
while the lists of foods next to them are the y-values or the
range. This example gives us a one-to-many relationship
wherein you have one x-value, but it has two or more y-
values.

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 Try it! List down the ordered pairs, domain and range.

Ordered
Pairs
Domain

Range

Situation 3:
Let us say there are two slots right next to each other in the
vending machine that both hold burgers. You can choose
either A3 or E3 and both codes will let you buy a burger.

3. Many–to-one relationship

Figure 3. Relationship between the codes and the burger.

rd situation? How

Can you determine the ordered pair in the 3 about the domain and range? Try it!
Ordered Pairs

Domain

Range

A vending machine is a special case of relation called a

function. You enter a code that dispenses something to eat
or drink. There is an input (the code you type in) and an
output (the food or drink the machine drops at the bottom for
you).

Determining whether a relation represents a function:

A function is a relation where each element in the domain is related to only one value in the range by
some rule.

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 The elements of the domain can be imagined as input to a machine that applies a rule so that each
input corresponds to only one output.

In terms of ordered pairs, A function is a set of ordered pairs (x; y) such that no two ordered pairs
have the same xvalue but different y-values.

Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3 on the left show the different

kinds of relation. Which one of them is a function?
Figure 1
Figure 1 is a function. In this case, each element in the
domain is associated with a single output on the range. Each
code is assigned with one food item.

Figure 2 is also a function. In this case, although two inputs

share one output, each input is still associated with a single
output.

Figure 2
Figure 3 gives us a combination of one-to-one relationship
and one-to-many relationship. There is an arrow drawn from
C3 to fruit salad. That means when you enter C3, you get a
cup of fruit salad. That is fine. There are two arrows drawn
from D4 to a water bottle and an Orange. You will never have
a function that has two arrows coming from the same input
Figure 3 value. A function must give only one output value for each
input value. Hence, it is not a function.

EXAMPLE:
Which of the following relations describe y as a function of x?
a. 𝑅 = {(−2,1),(1,3),(1,4),(3,−1)}
b. 𝑆 = {(−2,1),(1,3),(2,3),(3,−1)}
Solution
A quick scan of the points in R reveals that the x- coordinate 1 is matched with two different y-
coordinates: namely 3 and 4. Hence, R is not a function of x.

On the other hand, every x-coordinate in S occurs only once

which means each x-coordinate has only one corresponding y-
coordinate. So, S does represent y as a function of x.

Note that S contains two different x - coordinate with the same y-

coordinates, namely (1,3) and (2,3). Remember, to say y is a
function of x, we just need to ensure the same x- coordinate is not
used in more than one point.

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 To see what the function concept means geometrically, we
may graph R and S in the plane.

Graph of S
Graph of R

The fact that the x-coordinate 1 is matched with two different y

coordinates in R presents itself graphically as the points (1,3)
and (1,4) lying on the same vertical line, 𝑥 = 1. If we turn our
attention to the graph of S, we see that no two points of the
relation lie on the same vertical line. We can use the concept
of vertical line test.

Vertical Line Test

A set of points in the plane represents a function if and only if no two points lie on the same vertical
line.
The vertical line test is a method that is used to determine whether a given relation is a function or
not. The approach is rather simple. Draw a vertical line cutting through the graph of the relation, and
then observe the points of intersection.

If the vertical line intersects the graph more than once, this suggests that a single x-value is being
associated with more than one value of y. This condition causes the relation to be “disqualified” or not
considered as a function.

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Function Notation

Functions are often denoted by any letter in the English alphabet of Greek character. Most used are
𝑓, 𝑔, ℎ, 𝐹, 𝐺, 𝐻, 𝜙, 𝜃.
Functions are written as
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦

where 𝑓 is the function, 𝑥 is the independent variable and 𝑦 is the dependent variable. Usually, 𝑦 is
expressed as an equation that represents the relation of the independent variable to the dependent
variable.

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DOMAIN AND RANGE OF A FUNCTIONS

A relation is any set of ordered pairs (x, y). The set of all first components of ordered pairs called
the domain of the relation and set of all second components is called range.

Example 1. Find the domain and range of the following functions in ordered pair notation.
1. 𝑓 = {(1,3), (2,4), (5, 7), (6, 8)}
Solution:
Domain: {1, 2, 5, 6}
Range: {3, 4, 7, 8}
2. 𝑔 = {(−2,4), (−1,1), (−2, 0), (1, 5), (2, −2)}
Solution:
Domain: {−2, −1, −2, 1, 2}
Range: {4, 1, 0, 5, −2}
Examples:

Find the domain and range of the following functions in ordered pairs.
1. 𝑓 = {(1,3), (3,7), (5,11), (7,15)}
Domain:
Range:
2. 𝑔 = {(3,5), (4,7), (5,9), (6,11), (7,13)}
Domain:
Range:

Some Basic Type of Functions

Constant function is a function of zero-degree that are of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎,𝑎 ≠ 0.
Domain: ℝ Range: {𝑎}

Linear function is a function of first-degree polynomial that are of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 , where
𝑎,𝑏,𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 ≠ 0.
Domain: ℝ Range: ℝ

Quadratic function is a function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where 𝑎 ≠ 0.

Domain: ℝ Range: {𝑦|𝑦 ≥ 𝑓( −𝑏 2𝑎 )}𝑖𝑓𝑎 > 0 {𝑦|𝑦 ≤ 𝑓( −𝑏 2𝑎 )}𝑖𝑓𝑎 < 0

Polynomial function is any function 𝑓(𝑥) of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐𝑛𝑥𝑛 + 𝑐𝑛−1𝑥𝑛−1 + ⋯+ 𝑐1𝑥 + 𝑐0.
Domain: ℝ Range: ℝ

Piecewise Function
A piecewise function is a function in which more than one formula is used to define the output. Each
formula has its own domain, and the domain of the function is the union of all these smaller domains.

A piecewise defined function is a function defined by at least two equations ("pieces"), each of which
applies to a different part of the domain. Piecewise defined functions can take on a variety of forms.
Their "pieces" may be all linear, or a combination of functional forms (such as constant, linear,
quadratic, cubic, square root, cube root, exponential, etc.).
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Guide in writing Piecewise Function
Identify the intervals for which different rules apply
Determine formulas that describe how to calculate an output from an input in each interval.
Use braces and if-statements to write the functions.

Examples: Read each problem carefully. Write a function relation to each problem and solve for x if
possible.

a. An air conditioning salesperson receives a base salary of P18,850 per month plus a commission.
The commission is 2% of the sales up to and including P100,000 for the month and 5% of the sales
over P100,000 for the month. Write a piecewise function that relates the salesperson's total
monthly income based on the sales of the month.
Determine the salesperson's monthly income if his sales were P143,000.00 for the month.

• Write a piecewise function that relates the salesperson's total monthly income based on the
sales of the month.
• Determine the salesperson monthly income if his sales were P143,000.00 for the month.

Solution:
Write a piecewise function that relates the salesperson's total monthly income based on the sales of
the month.
Identify the intervals for which different rules apply.
1. If the sales per month is less than or equal to P100,000.00
2. If the sales per month is greater than P100,000.00

Determine formulas that describe how to calculate an output from an input in each interval.

1.If the sales per month is less than or equal to P100,000.00 a salesperson will receive.
✔ the base salary P18,850.00
✔ 2% of the commission (multiply 2% to the total sales) Then,
𝑓1(𝑥) = 𝑃18,850 + 2%(𝑥) (add the base pay and commission)
𝑓1(𝑥) = 𝑃18,50𝟎 + 0.02𝑥 (2% = 0.02)
2. If the sales per month is greater than P100,000.00, a salesperson will receive;
✔ the base salary P18,850.00 plus
✔ 2% of the sales up to and including P100,000 for the month
✔ 5% of the sales over P100,000 for the month. Then
𝑓2(𝑥) = 𝑃18,850 + 2%(𝑃100,000.00) + 5%(𝑥
− 𝑃100,000.00)
𝑓2(𝑥) = 𝑃18,850 + 𝑃2,000.00 + 0.05𝑥 – 𝑃5,000.00
𝑓2(𝑥) = 𝑃18,850 + 𝑃2,000.00 + 0.05𝑥 – 𝑃5,000.00
𝑓2(𝑥) = 𝑷𝟏𝟓, 𝟖𝟓𝟎 + 𝟎. 𝟎𝟓𝒙

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 Use braces and if-statements to write the functions.
f x1( )
f x( )
f2( )x

P18,850 0.02x P, 100,000 x 0

f x( )
P15,850 0.05x, x P100,000

Determine the salesperson monthly income if his sales were P143,000.00 for the month.
Since sales is more than P100,000.00, we will use the 2nd formula.

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑃15,850 + 0.05𝑥

𝑓(𝑃143,000.00) = 𝑃15,850 + 0.05(𝑃143,000.00)
𝑓(𝑃143,000.00) = 𝑃15,850 + 𝑃7,150.00
𝑓(𝑃143,000.00) = 𝑃23,000.00

A salesperson will receive P23,000.00 income if he will be able to acquire P143,000 total sales in a
month.
b. A museum charges P50.00 per person for a guided tour with a group of 1-9 people or a fixed
P500.00 fee for a group of 10 or more people.
• Write a function relating the number of people, 𝑛, to the cost C.
• How much would it cost if a group of 8 people entered the museum?
Solution:
Write a function relating the number of people, 𝒏, to the cost C.
Identify the intervals for which different rules apply.
1. If a group of 1-9 people enters the museum
2. If a group of 10 or more people

Determine formulas that describe how to calculate an output from an input in each interval.
1. If a group of 1 – 9 people enters the museum, they will play
P50.00 each
Then,
𝑓1(𝑥) = 𝑃50.00𝑥
2. If a group of 10 or more people.
Then
𝑓2(𝑥) = 𝑃500.00
Use braces and if-statements to write the functions.
f x1( )
f x( )
f2( )x

P50.00x where, 1 x 9 f x()

P500.00,where x 10
How much would it cost if a group of 8 people entered the museum?
Since 𝑥 < 9, we will use the 1st formula
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𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑃50.00(𝑥)
𝑓(8) = 𝑃50.00(8)
𝑓(8) = 𝑃400.00
It would cost P400.00 for a group of 8 people if they entered the museum.

Graphing Piecewise Function

• Indicate on the x-axis the boundaries defined by the intervals on each piece of the domain
• For each piece of the domain, graph on that interval using the corresponding equation
pertaining to that piece. Do not graph two functions over one interval because if would violate the
criteria of a function.
Example:
The transportation fair of PUJ is P8.00 for the first 4 kilometers. When you exceeds to 4km, you will
add P1.50 per kilometer. The piecewise function below shows the amount you will pay for the PUJ.
P8.00 , 0 x 4km f x( )
P8.00 P1.50(x 4) , x 4km
Solution:
Indicate on the x-axis the boundaries defined by the intervals on each piece of the domain.

For each piece of the domain, graph on that interval

using the corresponding equation pertaining to that
piece. Do not graph two functions over one interval
because it would violate the criteria of a function.

y = Fair

x = Kilometers

Notice that when x is between 1 and 4, the value of 𝑓(𝑥) does not change into P8.00. This is
because we used the 1st formula. While in x is more than 4, we used the second formula.

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COURSE MATERIAL
ALGEBRA OF FUNCTIONS
● Evaluating a Function
Evaluating a function means replacing the independent variable in the function with a value from the
domain and computing for the result. To denote that we are evaluating 𝑓 at a for some 𝑎 in the
domain of 𝑓, we write 𝑓(𝑎).
Examples:
I. Evaluate the following functions at 𝑥 = 3.

II. Word Problem Involving Evaluating Functions

A. Laurel is a huge fan of hats, she likes all kinds of hats and recently started collecting them. She
already owns 3 hats. She plans on buying a hat according to the season every month. Let x be how
many months have passed since Laurel started collecting hats. Let y by how many hats Laurel
owns. Write the function in terms of x and y. Compute of the number or hats after 10 months.

Solutions: At the very beginning, when 𝑥 = 0, Laurel has not bought any new hats yet, but she
already owns 3 hats, so 𝑦 = 3. Hence, if 𝑥 = 0, then 𝑦 = 3 or 𝑓(0) = 3.

After the first month, when 𝑥 = 1, Laurel owns 3 hats, plus the 1 hat she just bought. She now owns
𝑦 = 3 + 1 hat or 𝑓 (1) = 3 + 1.

After the second month, when 𝑥 = 2, Laurel owns 3 hats, plus the 2 new hats she bought after she
started collecting hats. She now owns 𝑦 = 3 + 2 hats or 𝑓(2) = 3 + 2.

Notice that the number of months is also the number of hats added to the original number. So based
on the recognized pattern, we have f x x ( ) 3 = + where 𝑥 represents the number of months.

To answer the previous question, how many hats Laurel owns after 10 months, we can use
evaluating a function to give the answer.
If 𝑥 = 10, then 𝑓(10) = 10 + 3 = 13.

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Hence, there will be 13 hats after 10 months.

b. At Joe's pizzeria, a pizza costs P250 with the first topping, and then an additional P75 for each
additional topping. If x represents the number of toppings on a pizza, what function represents the
cost of a pizza with at least one topping? How much would it cost me if will buy a pizza with 5
toppings?
b. At the very beginning, when Joe buys a pizza, it already has 1 topping. It means, when Joe pays
P250.00, 𝑥 = 1. Hence, if 𝑥 = 1, then 𝑦 = 250 or 𝑓(1) = 𝑃250. After an additional topping, when
𝑥 = 2, Joe needs to play P250, plus P75.00 for the additional topping. Hence, if 𝑥 = 2, then 𝑦 = 𝑃250
+ 𝑃75.00 or 𝑓(2) = 𝑃250 + 𝑃75.00.

After 2 additional toppings, when 𝑥 = 3, Joe needs to play P250, plus two P75.00 for the additional
toppings
Hence, if 𝑥 = 3, then 𝑦 = 𝑃250 + (𝑃75.00 ∙ 2) or 𝑓(2) = 𝑃250 + (𝑃75.00 ∙ 2).

If you will add another topping, notice that the multiplier of P75.00 changes based on the number of
additional topping. Now we can write the function.
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦 = 𝑃250 + (𝑃75.00 ∙ 𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔)

Note that x represents the number of toppings, therefore, to compute the number of additional
topping, we need to subtract 1 on the total for the number of additional topping, we need to subtract
1 on the total number.

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦 = 𝑃250 + [𝑃75.00(𝑥 – 1)]

Simplifying it. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦 = 𝑃250 + [𝑃75.00(𝑥 – 1)] 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦 = 𝑃250 + 𝑃75.00𝑥 − 𝑃75.00 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦 =
𝑃75.00𝑥 + 𝑃175.00 where x represents the number of toppings.

To answer the previous question, how much would it cost if Joe will buy a pizza with 3 toppings, we
can use evaluating a function to give the answer. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑃75.00𝑥 + 𝑃175.00 and 𝑥 = 5, then
𝑓(5) = 𝑦 = 𝑃75.00(5) + 𝑃175.00 𝑓(5) = 𝑦 = 𝑃375.00 + 𝑃175.00 𝑓(5) = 𝑦 = 𝑃550.00

Hence, the price of the pizza with 5 toppings is P550.00.

● Operation of Functions
Let f and g be functions in x,

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Examples: I. I. Get the sum of the following.

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 ● Composition of Functions
The composition of two functions 𝑓 and 𝑔 denoted by 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 is defined by (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)).
In this case, the variable 𝑥 in 𝑓 is replaced by the expression for 𝑔.
Examples:

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