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DP IB Maths: AI HL Your notes

2.2 Further Functions & Graphs

Contents
2.2.1 Functions
2.2.2 Graphing Functions
2.2.3 Properties of Graphs

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2.2.1 Functions
Your notes
Language of Functions
What is a mapping?
A mapping transforms one set of values (inputs) into another set of values (outputs)
Mappings can be:
One-to-one
Each input gets mapped to exactly one unique output
No two inputs are mapped to the same output
For example: A mapping that cubes the input
Many-to-one
Each input gets mapped to exactly one output
Multiple inputs can be mapped to the same output
For example: A mapping that squares the input
One-to-many
An input can be mapped to more than one output
No two inputs are mapped to the same output
For example: A mapping that gives the numbers which when squared equal the input
Many-to-many
An input can be mapped to more than one output
Multiple inputs can be mapped to the same output
For example: A mapping that gives the factors of the input

What is a function?

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A function is a mapping between two sets of numbers where each input gets mapped to exactly one
output
The output does not need to be unique Your notes
One-to-one and many-to-one mappings are functions
A mapping is a function if its graph passes the vertical line test
Any vertical line will intersect with the graph at most once

What notation is used for functions?

Functions are denoted using letters (such as f , v , g , etc)
A function is followed by a variable in a bracket
This shows the input for the function
The letter f is used most commonly for functions and will be used for the remainder of this revision
note
f (x ) represents an expression for the value of the function f when evaluated for the variable x
Function notation gets rid of the need for words which makes it universal
f = 5 when x = 2 can simply be written as f (2) = 5
What are the domain and range of a function?
The domain of a function is the set of values that are used as inputs
A domain should be stated with a function
If a domain is not stated then it is assumed the domain is all the real values which would work as
inputs for the function
Domains are expressed in terms of the input
x ≤2
The range of a function is the set of values that are given as outputs
The range depends on the domain
Ranges are expressed in terms of the output
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f (x ) ≥ 0
To graph a function we use the inputs as the x-coordinates and the outputs as the y-coordinates
Your notes
f (2) = 5 corresponds to the coordinates (2, 5)
Graphing the function can help you visualise the range
Common sets of numbers have special symbols:
ℝ represents all the real numbers that can be placed on a number line
x ∈ℝ means x is a real number
a
ℚ represents all the rational numbers where a and b are integers and b ≠ 0
b
ℤ represents all the integers (positive, negative and zero)
ℤ + represents positive integers
ℕ represents the natural numbers (0,1,2,3...)

Examiner Tip
Questions may refer to "the largest possible domain"
This would usually be unless natural numbers, integers or quotients has already been
stated
There are usually some exceptions
e.g. for functions involving a square root (so the function can be 1-to-1 and have
an inverse)
e.g. for a reciprocal function with denominator x-2

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Worked example
Your notes
For the function f (x ) = x 3 + 1, 2 ≤ x ≤ 10:
a) write down the value of f (7) .

b) find the range of f (x ) .

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Piecewise Functions
What are piecewise functions? Your notes
Piecewise functions are defined by different functions depending on which interval the input is in
⎧⎪ x + 1 x ≤5
E.g. f (x ) = ⎪⎨⎪
⎪⎩ 2x − 4 5 < x < 10
The region for the individual functions cannot overlap
To evaluate a piecewise function for a particular value x = k
Find which interval includes k
Substitute x = k into the corresponding function

Worked example
For the piecewise function
⎧⎪ 2x − 5 −10 ≤ x ≤ 10
f (x ) = ⎪⎨⎪ ,
⎪⎩ 3x + 1 x > 10
a) find the values of f (0) , f (10) , f (20) .

b) state the domain.

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2.2.2 Graphing Functions

Your notes
Graphing Functions
How do I graph the function y = f(x)?
A point ( a , b ) lies on the graph y = f (x ) if f ( a ) = b
The horizontal axis is used for the domain
The vertical axis is used for the range
You will be able to graph some functions by hand
For some functions you will need to use your GDC
You might be asked to graph the sum or difference of two functions
Use your GDC to graph y = f (x ) + g (x ) or y = f (x ) − g (x )
Just type the functions into the graphing mode
What is the difference between “draw” and “sketch”?
If asked to sketch you should:
Show the general shape
Label any key points such as the intersections with the axes
Label the axes
If asked to draw you should:
Use a pencil and ruler
Draw to scale
Plot any points accurately
Join points with a straight line or smooth curve
Label any key points such as the intersections with the axes
Label the axes
How can my GDC help me sketch/draw a graph?
You use your GDC to plot the graph
Check the scales on the graph to make sure you see the full shape
Use your GDC to find any key points
Use your GDC to check specific points to help you plot the graph

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Key Features of Graphs

What are the key features of graphs? Your notes
You should be familiar with the following key features and know how to use your GDC to find them
Local minimums/maximums
These are points where the graph has a minimum/maximum for a small region
They are also called turning points
This is where the graph changes its direction between upwards and downwards directions
A graph can have multiple local minimums/maximums
A local minimum/maximum is not necessarily the minimum/maximum of the whole graph
This would be called the global minimum/maximum
For quadratic graphs the minimum/maximum is called the vertex
Intercepts
y­­– intercepts are where the graph crosses the y-axis
At these points x = 0
x – intercepts are where the graph crosses the x-axis
At these points y = 0
These points are also called the zeros of the function or roots of the equation
Symmetry
Some graphs have lines of symmetry
A quadratic will have a vertical line of symmetry
Asymptotes
These are lines which the graph will get closer to but not cross
These can be horizontal or vertical
Exponential graphs have horizontal asymptotes
Graphs of variables which vary inversely can have vertical and horizontal asymptotes

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Your notes

Examiner Tip
Most GDC makes/models will not plot/show asymptotes just from inputting a function
Add the asymptotes as additional graphs for your GDC to plot
You can then check the equations of your asymptotes visually
You may have to zoom in or change the viewing window options to confirm an asymptote
Even if using your GDC to plot graphs and solve problems sketching them as part of your working
is good exam technique
Label the key features of the graph and anything else relevant to the question on your sketch

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Worked example
Your notes
Two functions are defined by

1
f (x ) = x 2 − 4x − 5 and g (x ) = 2 + .
x +1
a) Draw the graph y = f (x ) .

b) Sketch the graph y = g (x ) .

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Your notes

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Intersecting Graphs
How do I find where two graphs intersect? Your notes
Plot both graphs on your GDC
Use the intersect function to find the intersections
Check if there is more than one point of intersection

How can I use graphs to solve equations?

One method to solve equations is to use graphs
To solve f (x ) = a
Plot the two graphs y = f (x ) and y = a on your GDC
Find the points of intersections
The x-coordinates are the solutions of the equation
To solve f (x ) = g (x )

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Plot the two graphs y = f (x ) and y = g (x ) on your GDC

Find the points of intersections
The x-coordinates are the solutions of the equation Your notes
Using graphs makes it easier to see how many solutions an equation will have

Examiner Tip
You can use graphs to solve equations
Questions will not necessarily ask for a drawing/sketch or make reference to graphs
Use your GDC to plot the equations and find the intersections between the graphs

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Worked example
Your notes
Two functions are defined by

4
f (x ) = x 3 − x and g (x ) = .
x
a) Sketch the graph y = f (x ) .

b) Write down the number of real solutions to the equation x 3 − x = 2.

c) Find the coordinates of the points where y = f (x ) and y = g (x ) intersect.

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Your notes

d) 4
Write down the solutions to the equation x3 − x = .
x

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2.2.3 Properties of Graphs

Your notes
Quadratic Functions & Graphs
What are the key features of quadratic graphs?
A quadratic graph is of the form y = ax 2 + bx + c where a ≠ 0 .
The value of a affects the shape of the curve
If a is positive the shape is ∪
If a is negative the shape is ∩
The y-intercept is at the point (0, c)
The zeros or roots are the solutions to ax 2 + bx + c = 0
These can be found using your GDC or the quadratic formula
These are also called the x-intercepts
There can be 0, 1 or 2 x-intercepts
b
There is an axis of symmetry at x=−
2a
This is given in your formula booklet
If there are two x-intercepts then the axis of symmetry goes through the midpoint of them
The vertex lies on the axis of symmetry
b
The x-coordinate is −
2a
b
The y-coordinate can be found using the GDC or by calculating y when x=−
2a
If a is positive then the vertex is the minimum point
If a is negative then the vertex is the maximum point

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Your notes

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Examiner Tip
Your notes
Use your GDC to find the roots and the turning point of a quadratic function
You do not need to factorise or complete the square
It is good exam technique to sketch the graph from your GDC as part of your working

Worked example
a) Write down the equation of the axis of symmetry for the graph y = 4x 2 − 4x − 3 .

b) Sketch the graph y = 4x 2 − 4x − 3 .

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Cubic Functions & Graphs

What are the key features of cubic graphs? Your notes
A cubic graph is of the form y = ax 3 + bx 2 + cx + d where a ≠ 0 .
The value of a affects the shape of the curve
If a is positive the graph goes from bottom left to top right
If a is negative the graph goes from top left to bottom right
The y-intercept is at the point (0, d)
The zeros or roots are the solutions to ax 3 + bx 2 + cx + d = 0
These can be found using your GDC
These are also called the x-intercepts
There can be 1, 2 or 3 x-intercepts
There is always at least 1
There are either 0 or 2 local minimums/maximums
If there are 0 then the curve is monotonic (always increasing or always decreasing)
If there are 2 then one is a local minimum and one is a local maximum

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Examiner Tip
Your notes
Use your GDC to find the roots, the local maximum and local minimum of a cubic function
When drawing/sketching the graph of a cubic function be sure to label all the key features
and axes intercepts
the local maximum point
the local minimum point

Worked example

Sketch the graph y = 2x 3 − 6x 2 + x − 3 .

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Exponential Functions & Graphs

What are the key features of exponential graphs? Your notes
An exponential graph is of the form
y = ka x + c or y = ka −x + c where a > 0
y = k erx + c
Where e is the mathematical constant 2.718…
The y-intercept is at the point (0, k + c)
There is a horizontal asymptote at y = c
The value of k determines whether the graph is above or below the asymptote
If k is positive the graph is above the asymptote
So the range is y > c
If k is negative the graph is below the asymptote
So the range is y < c
The coefficient of x and the constant k determine whether the graph is increasing or decreasing
If the coefficient of x and k have the same sign then graph is increasing
If the coefficient of x and k have different signs then the graph is decreasing
There is at most 1 root
It can be found using your GDC

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Examiner Tip
Your notes
You may have to change the viewing window settings on your GDC to make asymptotes clear
A small scale can make it look as though the curve and an asymptote intercept
Be careful about how two exponential graphs drawn on the same axes look
Particularly which one is "on top" either side of the -axis

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Worked example
Your notes
a) On the same set of axes sketch the graphs y = 2x and y = 3x . Clearly label each graph.

b) Sketch the graph y = 2e−3x + 1 .

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Sinusoidal Functions & Graphs

What are the key features of sinusoidal graphs? Your notes
A sinusoidal graph is of the form
y = asin(b (x − c ) ) + d
y = a cos(b (x − c ) ) + d
The y-intercept is at the point where x = 0
(0, -asin(bc) + d) for y = a sin(b (x − c ) ) + d
(0, acos(bc) + d) for y = a cos(b (x − c ) ) + d
The period of the graph is the length of the interval of a full cycle
360° 2π
This is (in degrees) or
b b
The maximum value is y = a + d
The minimum value is y = -a + d
The principal axis is the horizontal line halfway between the maximum and minimum values
This is y = d
The amplitude is the vertical distance from the principal axis to the maximum value
This is a
The phase shift is the horizontal distance from its usual position
This is c

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Examiner Tip
Your notes
Make sure your angle setting is in the correct mode (degrees or radians) at the start of a question
involving sinusoidal functions
Pay careful attention to the angles between which you are required to use or draw/sketch a
sinusoidal graph
e.g. 0° ≤ x ≤ 360°

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Worked example
Your notes
a) Sketch the graph y = 3sin(2(x °− 15°) ) + 1 for the values 0 ≤ x ≤ 360 .

b) State the equation of the principal axis of the curve.

c) State the period and amplitude.

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