Introduction

• This chapter focuses on functions

• You will learn how to answer

questions involving single and
multiple functions

• You will also see how to decide

whether an expression is a function
or not
 Functions
Add 3 onto the set {-3, 1, 4, 6, x)

Mapping Diagrams Set A Set B

-3 0
A mapping diagram transforms
1 4
one set of numbers into a
different set of numbers. It can 4 7

be described in words or using 6 9

algebra. They can also be x x+3

represented by a Cartesian
graph. y y=x+3

8
The original numbers (Set A, or
‘x’) are known as the domain. 6

The results (Set B, or ‘y’) are 2

known as the range (ie range of
answers) x
-2 2 4 6

2A
 Functions
Square the set {-1, 1, -2, 2, x)

Mapping Diagrams Set A Set B

-1
A mapping diagram transforms 1
1
one set of numbers into a
different set of numbers. It can -2
4

be described in words or using 2

algebra. They can also be x x2

represented by a Cartesian
graph. y y = x2

8
The original numbers (Set A, or
‘x’) are known as the domain. 6

The results (Set B, or ‘y’) are 2

known as the range (ie range of
answers) x
-2 2 4 6

2A
 Functions
One-to-one Function
Functions Set A Set B
A function is a mapping eg) f(x) = x + 5
whereby every element
in the domain is mapped eg) f(x) = 3x - 2

to only 1 element in the

range.
Many-to-one Function
ie) Whatever number
you start with, there is Set A Set B

only 1 possible answer eg) f(x) = x2 + 1

to the operation
performed on it. eg) f(x) = 6 - 3x2

An example of a Not a function

mapping which is not a
function would be Set A Set B

square rooting, where

the starting number eg) f(x) = √x

may result in no answer, eg) f(x) = 1/

or 2 answers. x
2B
 Functions
One-to-one Function
Functions
A function is a mapping ‘A value in the domain (x)

whereby every element gets mapped to one value in

in the domain is the range’

mapped to only 1
element in the range.
Many-to-one Function
ie) Whatever number
you start with, there is ‘Multiple values in the domain

only 1 possible answer (x) get mapped to the same

to the operation value in the range’

performed on it.

An example of a Not a function

mapping which is not a ‘A value in the range can be
function would be
square rooting, where mapped to none, one or more

the starting number values in the range’

may result in no
answer, or 2 answers. 2B
 Functions
g(x) = 2x2 + 3
Example Question
Given that the function a) g(3) = 2(3)2 + 3

g(x) = 2x2 + 3, find;

= 2(9) + 3

a) the value of g(3) = 21

b) g(a) = 35
b) the value(s) of a such
that g(a) = 35 2a2 + 3 = 35

2a2 = 32

a2 = 16

a =±4

2B
 Functions y = 2x2 + 3

g(x)

Example Question You can get any

Given that the functionvalue bigger than, or 8

g(x) = 2x2 + 3, find; including 3…

6

a) the value of g(3) 4

b) the value(s) of a such

that g(a) = 35 x
-2 -1 1 2

c) the range of the

To work out the range of the function;
function
- Sketch it first

 g(x) ≥ 3 - the range is the set of answers you get (ie the ‘y’ values – now

labelled as g(x)…)

- Use an Inequality if there is a continuous set of values

2B
 g(x)

Functions
x

An important bit of
notation to remember…

x can be any ‘real number’

 This is for the domain

g(x) can be any ‘real number’

 This is for the range

Real Number: A number which has a place on a normal number line.

Includes positives, negatives, roots, pi etc…

 Does not include imaginary numbers – eg √-1

2B
 Real Number: A number which has a place on a

normal number line. Includes positives, negatives,

Functions
roots, pi etc…

Domain changes

A mapping which is not a

function, can be made into one
by changing/restricting the
domain (the starting values)
x

eg) y = +√x
 x  R, x 0
This will not be a function as some values in the domain (x) will

not give an answer in the range (y). For example, -2 f ( x)  x

If we restrict the domain to x is greater

The function x is real
x ≥ 0, then all values in the than 0
domain will map to one value numbers

in the range.

 It now therefore meets the

criteria for being a function!

2C
 Functions
Find the range of the following
function, and state if it is one-to-
one or many-to-one.

f(x) = 3x – 2, domain {x = 1, 2,
No inequality used as there are
3, 4} only certain values (discrete)

f(x) = 3x – 2, {x = 1, 2, 3, 4}
Domain Range

1 1
Range of f(x): {1, 4, 7, 10}
2 4

3 7 Description: One to One

4 10

2C
 Functions g(x) = x2
g(x)

Find the range of the following

function, and state if it is one-to- 20

one or many-to-one.
15

Range
g(x) = x2, domain {x є R, -5 ≤ x 10

≤ 5} 5

x
g(x)Inequality,
= x so, you
{-5
2
≤ x ≤ 5}
will have to sketch the graph
-4 -2 2 4

Range of g(x): 0 ≤ g(x) ≤ 25 Inequality used as the data is

continuous
Description: Many to one

2C
 Functions
h(x)

Find the range of the following

function, and state if it is one-to- 8

one or many-to-one.
6

Range
h(x) = 1/x, domain {x є R, 0 < x 4

≤ 3} 2
h(x) = 1/
x
x
h(x)Inequality,
= 1/xso, you
{xwillєhaveR,to sketch
0 <thexgraph
≤ 3} -3 -2 -1 1 2 3

Range of h(x): h(x) ≥ 1/ In this domain, the smallest value is

3
1/
Description: One to One 3
As we get close to 0, values will get infinitely

high
2C
 Functions
f(x) = x2 + 3
f(x) = 5 – 2x f(x)

You will need to be able to plot

more than one function on the 8

same set of axes, possibly for

different domains. 6

The function f(x) is defined by:

2

{
5 – 2x x<1
f(x) =
x
x2 + 3 x≥1
-3 -2 -1 1 2 3

a) Sketch f(x) stating its range

f(x) > 3  Sketch both graphs on the same axes

b) Find the values of a such  Make sure you use the correct domain for each

that f(a) = 19
 The lowest value plotted is 3.
 Careful though as for 5 – 2x, x cannot include 1. Therefore f(x) > 3
(not including 3)

2C
 Functions
f(x) = x2 + 3
f(x) = 5 – 2x y

You will need to be able to plot

more than one function on the 8
same set of axes, possibly for
different domains. 6

The function f(x) is defined by: 4

{
5 – 2x x<1
f(x) =
x2 + 3 x≥1 x

a) Sketch f(x) stating its range -3 -2 -1 1 2 3

f(x) > 3
Linear Equation Quadratic
b) Find the values of a such
Equation
that f(a) = 19
 Solve both equations 5 – 2x = 19 x2 + 3 = 19

separately! – 2x = 14 x2 = 16
 Remember that the answers (Has to be greater
x = -7 x = ±4
must be within the domain than 1)

given, or they cannot be x=4

included 2C
 Functions
Combining Functions It helps to write what you
f(x) = x2 g(x) = x + 1
would do to x for each function

‘Square x’ ‘Add 1 to x’
Two or more functions can be
combined to make a more
complex function.

a) fg(x) means g acts first, followed by f.

Given:

f(x) = x2 fg(x)
Replace g(x) with the function
g(x) = x + 1
f(x + 1)
f(x) means ‘square x’, so
Find: square g(x)

(x + 1)2
a) fg(x) Multiply out and simplify

b) gf(x) fg(x) = x2 + 2x + 1

2D
 Functions
Combining Functions It helps to write what you
f(x) = x2 g(x) = x + 1
would do to x for each function

‘Square x’ ‘Add 1 to x’
Two or more functions can be
combined to make a more
complex function.

b) gf(x) means f acts first, followed by g.

Given:

f(x) = x2 gf(x)
Replace f(x) with the function
g(x) = x + 1
g(x2) g(x) means ‘add one to x’, so

Find: add 1 to f(x)

(x2) + 1
a) fg(x) = x + 2x + 1
2
Simplify

b) gf(x) gf(x) = x2 + 1

2D
 Functions
Combining Functions It helps to write what you
f(x) = 3x + 2 g(x) = x2 + 4
would do to x for each function

‘Multiply by 3, then ‘Square x then add

Two or more functions can be add 2’ 4’
combined to make a more
complex function.

a) fg(x) means g acts first, followed by f.

Given:

f(x) = 3x + 2 fg(x)
Replace g(x) with the function
g(x) = x2 + 4
f(x2 + 4)
f(x) means ‘multiply by 3, then
Find: add 2’

3(x2 + 4) + 2
a) fg(x) Multiply out and simplify

b) gf(x) fg(x) = 3x2 + 12 + 2

c) f2(x)
d) The values of b so that fg(b) fg(x) = 3x2 + 14
= 62
2D
 Functions
Combining Functions It helps to write what you
f(x) = 3x + 2 g(x) = x2 + 4
would do to x for each function

‘Multiply by 3, then ‘Square x then add

Two or more functions can be add 2’ 4’
combined to make a more
complex function.

b) gf(x) means f acts first, followed by g.

Given:

f(x) = 3x + 2 gf(x)
Replace f(x) with the function
g(x) = x2 + 4
g(3x + 2)
g(x) means ‘square then add 4’
Find:
(3x + 2)2 + 4
a) fg(x) = 3x + 14
2
Multiply out and simplify

b) gf(x) gf(x) = 9x2 + 12x + 4 + 4

c) f2(x)
d) The values of b so that fg(b) gf(x) = 9x2 + 12x + 8
= 62
2D
 Functions
Combining Functions It helps to write what you
f(x) = 3x + 2 g(x) = x2 + 4
would do to x for each function

‘Multiply by 3, then ‘Square x then add

Two or more functions can be add 2’ 4’
combined to make a more
complex function.

c) f2(x) means f acts again on itself

Given:

f(x) = 3x + 2 f2(x)
Replace f(x) with the function
g(x) = x2 + 4
f(3x + 2)
f(x) means ‘multiply by 3, then
Find: add 2’

3(3x + 2) + 2
a) fg(x) = 3x + 14
2
Multiply out and simplify

b) gf(x) = 9x2 + 12x + 8 f2(x) = 9x + 6 + 2

c) f2(x)
d) The values of b so that fg(b) f2(x) = 9x + 8
= 62
2D
 Functions
Combining Functions It helps to write what you
f(x) = 3x + 2 g(x) = x2 + 4
would do to x for each function

‘Multiply by 3, then ‘Square x then add

Two or more functions can be add 2’ 4’
combined to make a more
complex function.

d) fg(b) = 62, find b

Given:

f(x) = 3x + 2 fg(b) = 62
Replace fg(b) with the function
g(x) = x2 + 4 fg(x)

3x2 + 14 = 62
Work through and solve the
Find: equation

3x2 = 48
a) fg(x) = 3x + 14
2

b) gf(x) = 9x2 + 12x + 8 x2 = 16

c) f2(x) = 9x + 8 Remember 2 possible values

d) The values of b so that fg(b) x=±4

= 62
2D
 Functions
You need to work out what order of m, n and p will give the result when they are

Combining Functions combined.

The best way is to do some ‘trial and error’ mentally. Looking at what is in the
Two or more functions can be
equation helps speed this up.
combined to make a more
complex function.

Given: 1/  2/ m(x) has been doubled

x x
 n(x) is the only function that
m(x) = /x1
contains doubling

n(x) = 2x + 4
p(x) = x2 – 2  so we need m(x) to begin with,

followed by n(x)

Find in terms of m, n and p, the

function: nm(x)
Replace m(x)

n(1/ )
a) 2/x + 4 x n(x) doubles and adds 4

2(1/ ) + 4
x
Multiply out and simplify
2/ + 4
x 2D
 Functions
You need to work out what order of m, n and p will give the result when they are

Combining Functions combined.

The best way is to do some ‘trial and error’ mentally. Looking at what is in the
Two or more functions can be
equation helps speed this up.
combined to make a more
complex function.

There is a x2 in the final answer, and no fraction, so most likely n and p are
Given: involved

m(x) = 1/x If we had the x2 part first, it would only get multiplied by 2, not 4. Whereas

if we have ‘2x’ and square it, we get 4x2. Therefore n must come before p.
n(x) = 2x + 4
p(x) = x2 – 2

Find in terms of m, n and p, the

function: pn(x)
Replace n(x)

p(2x + 4)
b) 4x2 + 16x + 14 p(x) squares and subtracts 2

(2x + 4)2 - 2
Multiply out and simplify
4x2 + 16x + 14
2D
 Functions
Inverse Functions Some simple inverses

You need to be able to work out

Function Inverse
the inverse of a given function.
f(x) = x + 4 f-1(x) = x - 4

If f(x) is the function, the inverse

is f-1(x) g(x) = 2x g-1(x) = x/
2

h(x) = 4x + 2 h-1(x) = x – 2/
4

2E
 Functions
Find the inverse of the following function
Inverse Functions

You need to be able to work out

f(x) = 3x2 - 4
the inverse of a given function.

If f(x) is the function, the inverse y = 3x2 - 4

is f-1(x) +4

y + 4 = 3x2
To calculate the inverse of a
÷3
function, you need to make ‘x’
the subject y + 4/
3
= x2
Square root

√(y + 4/ ) = x
3

The inverse is written ‘in terms of x’

f-1(x) = √(x + 4/ )
3
2E
 Functions
Find the inverse of the following function
Inverse Functions

You need to be able to work out

m(x) = 3/
the inverse of a given function. (x – 1)

y = 3/
If f(x) is the function, the inverse (x – 1) Multiply by (x – 1)

is f-1(x)
y(x – 1) = 3
Multiply the bracket
To calculate the inverse of a
function, you need to make ‘x’ yx - y = 3

the subject Add y

yx = 3 + y

Divide by y

x = 3 + y/
y
The inverse is written ‘in terms of x’
m-1(x) = 3 + x/
x
2E
 Functions
Finding f-1(x)
Inverse Functions

f(x) = √(x – 2)
You need to be able to work out
the inverse of a given function.
y = √(x – 2)
Square
If f(x) is the function, the inverse
is f-1(x) y2 = x - 2

Add 2

‘The function f(x) is defined by y2 + 2 = x

f(x) = √(x – 2), x ε R, x ≥ 2’

f-1(x) = x2 + 2
‘Find f-1(x), stating its domain.
Sketch the graphs and describe
the link between them.
The inverse is written ‘in terms of x’

2E
 Functions
Finding the domain of f-1(x)
Inverse Functions

‘The domain and range of a function switch around for its

You need to be able to work out the
inverse of a given function. inverse’

f(x)
If f(x) is the function, the inverse is f -

1
(x)
f(x) = √(x – 2)

‘The function f(x) is defined by f(x) =

√(x – 2), x ε R, x ≥ 2’
x

‘Find f-1(x), stating its domain. Sketch

the graphs and describe the link
between them.

f-1(x) = x2 + 2
Range for f(x)  f(x) ≥ 0

Domain for f-1(x)  x≥0

2E
 Functions
Sketching the graph of f-1(x)
Inverse Functions
Domain is x ≥ 0, so we can draw the graph for any

You need to be able to work out the values of x in this range

inverse of a given function.

f-1(x) = x2 + 2
If f(x) is the function, the inverse is f-
f(x)
1
(x)

‘The function f(x) is defined by f(x) =

√(x – 2), x ε R, x ≥ 2’
f(x) = √(x – 2)
‘Find f (x), stating its domain. Sketch
-1
x
the graphs and describe the link
between them.

f-1(x) = x2 + 2, {x ε R, x ≥ 0}

The link is that f(x) is reflected in the line y =

x 2E
 Functions
Inverse Functions
g(x) = 2x - 4 g-1(x) = x + 4/
2

You need to be able to work out Domain  x ≥ 0 Domain  x ≥ -4

the inverse of a given function. Range  g(x) ≥ -4 Range  g-1(x) ≥ 0

If f(x) is the function, the inverse

is f-1(x) f(x)
g(x)

g-1(x)
If g(x) is defined as:

g(x) = 2x – 4, {x ε R, x ≥ 0},
x

Calculate and sketch g(x) and g-

1
(x), stating the domain of g-1(x).
 Summary
• We have learnt about functions

• We have seen what is a function, and

what isn’t

• We have also learnt how to calculate

more complex functions, as well as
the inverse function