FUNCTION AND MAPPING

A function is defined as a relation between a set of inputs having one output each. In simple
words, a function is a relationship between inputs where each input is related to exactly one
output. A function is generally denoted by f(x) where x is the input. The general representation
of a function is y = f(x).
A mapping shows how the elements are paired. Its like a flow chart for a function, showing
the input and output values
A relation is a rule that “relates” an element from one set to another. A function is a special
kind of relation.
Definition: A relation F is said to be a function if each element in set A is associated
with exactly one element in set B.
To understand the difference between relations and functions with the help of an
example.

Every function has a domain and codomain or range.

Domain
The set of all possible values which qualify as inputs to a function is known as the domain of
the function, or it can also be defined as the entire set of values possible for independent
variables.

How to Find the Domain of a function

• To find the domain, we need to look at the values of the independent variables which
are allowed to use as explained above, i.e. no zero at the bottom of the fraction and no
negative sign inside the square root.
• In general, the set of all real numbers (R) is considered as the domain of a function
subject to some restrictions. They are:
When the given function is of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 5 or 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 – 2, the
domain will be “the set of all real numbers.
1
When the given function is of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = , the domain will be the set of all
𝑥−1
real numbers except 1.
• In some cases, the interval be specified along with the function such as 𝑓(𝑥) =
3𝑥 + 4, 2 < 𝑥 < 12. Here, x can take the values between 2 and 12 as input (i.e.
domain).
• Domain restrictions refer to the values for which the given function cannot be defined.

Range
The set of all the outputs of a function is known as the range of the function or after
substituting the domain, the entire set of all values possible as outcomes of the dependent
variable.

How to Find the Range of a Function

Consider a function y = f(x).

• The spread of all the y values from minimum to maximum is the range of the
function.
• In the given expression of y, substitute all the values of x to check whether it is
positive, negative or equal to other values.
• Find the minimum and maximum values for y. Then define the set.

Codomain
In relations and functions, the codomain is the set of all possible outcomes of the given
relation or function. Sometimes, the codomain is also equal to the range of the function.
However, the range is the subset of the codomain.
An interesting point about the range and codomain is that “it is possible to restrict the range
(i.e. the output of a function) by redefining the codomain of that function”. For example, the
codomain of f(x) must be the set of all positive integers or negative real numbers and so on.
Here, the output of the function must be a positive integer and the domain will also be
restricted accordingly in this case.
Summary:

• The domain is defined as the entire set of values possible for independent variables.
• The Range is found after substituting the possible x- values to find the y-values.
Note:
If f is a function from set A to B and (a,b) ∈ f, then f(a) = b. b is called the image
of a under f and a is called the preimage of b under f.

Solved Examples
Example 1:
Find the domain and range of a function f(x) = 3x2 – 5.
Solution:
Given function:
f(x) = 3x2 – 5
We know that the domain of a function is the set of input values for f, in which the function is
real and defined.
The given function has no undefined values of x.
Thus, for the given function, the domain is the set of all real numbers.
Domain = [-∞, ∞]
Also, the range of a function comprises the set of values of a dependent variable for which
the given function is defined.
Let
𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 – 5
3𝑥 2 = 𝑦 + 5
𝑥 2 = (𝑦 + 5)/3

𝑥 = √[(𝑦 + 5)/3]
Square root function will be defined for non-negative values.
So,

√[(𝑦 + 5)/3] ≥ 0
This is possible when y is greater than 𝑦 ≥ −5.
Hence, the range of f(x) is [−5, ∞).
Example 2:
2𝑥 – 1
Find the domain and range of a function 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥+4

Solution:
Given function is:
2𝑥 – 1
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥+4
We know that the domain of a function is the set of input values for f, in which the function is
real and defined.
The given function is not defined when 𝑥 + 4 = 0, i.e. 𝑥 = −4
So, the domain of given function is the set of all real number except -4.
i.e. Domain = (−∞, −4) 𝑈 (−4, ∞)
Also, the range of a function comprises the set of values of a dependent variable for which
the given function is defined.
Let
2𝑥 – 1
𝑦 =
𝑥+4
𝑥𝑦 + 4𝑦 = 2𝑥 – 1
2𝑥 – 𝑥𝑦 = 4𝑦 + 1
𝑥(2 – 𝑦) = 4𝑦 + 1
4𝑦 + 1
𝑥 =
2−𝑦
This is defined only when y is not equal to 2.
Hence, the range of the given function is (−∞, 2) 𝑈 (2, ∞).

Practice Problems

1. Find the domain and range of the function f(x) = 1/x.

2. Write the domain set for this function f(x) = 1/(x3 − 3x2 − 6x − 8).
3. What is the domain, codomain and range of the function f(x) = 4/√(x – 1).