Function

In mathematics whenever we put a number

into an equation and end up with a result, we
are using a function.

Informally a function is a rule.

 Function
The variable x (or input number) is called the
independent variable.

AND

The variable y (or output number) is called the

dependent variable because it depends on x.
 Function
The function is almost always an equation,
possibly with a restriction.

For example:

‘The function y = 100 + 40x, where x is a

whole
number.’
 Function
For example:
A function is defined by the rule f (x) = x2 + 5x.
Find f (3), f (0) and f (-3).
 Function
For example:
If f (x) = x2 + 5, find and simplify f (a), f (a+1)
and f (a+h).
 Function
Many functions have natural restrictions on the
variables. These restrictions are part of the
function.
 Function
For example:

Sadie the snail is crawling at a steady 10 cm per

minute vertically up a wall 3 metres high,
starting at the bottom. Write down the height y
metres as a function of the time x minutes of
climbing, adding the restriction on x.
 Function
More formally …..

A function is a set of ordered points (x,y)

in which no two ordered pairs have the
same x-coordinate.
 Domain and Range
The DOMAIN of a function is the set of all
possible x-coordinates.

The RANGE of the function is the set of all

possible y-coordinates.
 Function
For example:
 The Natural Domain
If no restriction is given, the domain is all
x-values that can validly be substituted into the
equation. This is called the natural domain.

Find the natural domain of each function.

a. b. y =
 The Natural Domain
For example:
Find the natural domain of each function.
a. b. y =
 Relations
A relation is any set of ordered pairs.
• Like a function, a relation has a graph.
• Like a function, a relation has a domain and
a range.
• Unlike a function, a relation may have two or
more points with the same x-coordinate.
 Relations
For example:
Relations
Relations
The vertical line test
 Function
• Complete Ex 3A