I.

FUNCTIONS
DEFINITION: Is a “well-behaved” relation, a set of inputs (x-values) to a set of
outputs (y-values) where each input is related to exactly one output.
DISCUSSION:
If A= {(1, 2), (3, 4), (5,6), (7,8)} Then A is a function, because the inputs (x-
values) did not repeat the same values. On the other hand, if
B= {(2,5), (5,6), (7,8), (2,4)} Then B is not a function

THIS IS A FUNCTION

THIS IS NOT A FUNCTION

 A. ORDERED PAIRS
Let us determine which of the following set of ordered pairs are functions.
1. A= {(1, 2), (2, 3), (3, 4), (4, 5)}
First, let’s look at the x-values.
A= {(1, 2), (2, 3), (3, 4), (4, 5)} since there is no repeating value, therefore
Set A is a function.
Reference: Next Century Mathematics: General Mathematics, Fernando B. Orines, p.5, letter (a)

2. B = {(7, 0), (4, 1), (4, 3), (3, 2)}

First, let’s look at the x-values.
B = {(7, 0), (4, 1), (4, 3), (3, 2)} since the abscissa (x-value) 4 corresponds
to two different ordinates (y-value) 1 and 3, therefore, not unique for a single
value of x. Set B is not a function.
Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.14, letter (a)

3. G= {(-1, -5), (0, 3), (-3, -1), (4, 5)}

First, let’s look at the x-values.
G= {(-1, -5), (0, 3), (-3, -1), (4, 5)} since the given set G has no distinct
ordered pairs that have the same first number. Set G is a function.
Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.14, no.(ii)

4. I= {(0, 3), (√𝟓, 2), (-3, 2), (3, 0)}

Clearly, set I is a function because if we look at the x-values even if there is a
radical number it only corresponds to one y-value.
Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.14, letter (c)

5. F= {(11, 3), (11, -3), (6, 2), (27, -5)} not a function.
Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.14, letter (b)
 B. FUNCTIONS THROUGH ILLUSTRATIONS

DISCUSSION: Functions can also be represented by using arrow diagrams that

show the relation of the input and output values.

Now, let us answer some examples!

1.
x y
0 0
1 2 FUNCTION
-1
3 18

As you can see clearly, this illustrates a function because the domain (x-values) are
mapped to the range (y-values), and the domains that were corresponded to the
ranges are unique, meaning there must be exactly one arrow of the “x” value for it
to be considered as a function even if both x-values have the same y-values still, it
is a function.
Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.14, ex. (iii)
 2.
X Y
6 2
11 -3
NOT A FUNCTION
27 3
-5

This is not a function because 3 and -3 shared the same x-value 11.
Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.14, letter x
(ex. iii)

3.
X Y
3 a
0 b FUNCTION
1 c
4 d
2 e

Observe that there is only one and only arrow emanating from each element of X.
Each arrow terminates at an element of Y. Is this a function even if there is no x-
value that is corresponded to the y-value “d”? The answer is yes, because:
a. Every x-value is mated to some y-value in Y. That is, for every x there is an
f(x).
b. For no x-value in X do there exist two choices for f(x).
Reference: Precalculus: Elementary Functions and Relations, Donald R. Horner, p.23, ex. 1.1.1.
 4. X Y
3 a
0 b NEITHER A
1 c FUNCTION NOR
A RELATION
4
2

Look closely, the x-value 2 is not being paired with any y-value. Every domain (x-
value) must have correspondence to the range (y-value). The answer is neither a
function nor a relation.
Reference: Precalculus: Elementary Functions and Relations, Donald R. Horner, p.23, ex. 1.1.2.

5.
X Y
Head Cap FUNCTION
Hands Gloves
Feet socks

Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.23, A No.3
 C. VERTICAL LINE TEST
If any vertical line intersects the graph no more than one point, then it is a
function.
1. 𝑦

NOT A FUNCTION
𝑥

First, in order to know whether the graph is a function we need to draw a

vertical line to see if it intersects the graph no more than one point.
𝑦

Now you can see clearly that the vertical line intersects the graph twice, therefore
the graph is not a function.
Reference: Modern Algebra and Trigonometry Third Edition, Vance, p.105, No. 2

2. 𝑦

FUNCTION

𝑥
 𝑦

The vertical line intersects the graph at exactly one point, therefore, it is a
function.
Reference: Modern Algebra and Trigonometry Third Edition, Vance, p.105, No. 3

3. 𝑦

NOT A FUNCTION

Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.25, No.2

4. 𝑦

NOT A FUNCTION
𝑥

Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.20, Fig.5
5. 𝑦

NOT A FUNCTION
𝑥

Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.20, Fig.6

6. 𝑦

FUNCTION
𝑥

Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.30, No.4

7. 𝑦

FUNCTION
𝑥

Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.20, Fig.1
8. 𝑦

FUNCTION
𝑥

Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.20, Fig.2

9 𝑦

FUNCTION
𝑥

Reference: Grade 11 Mathematics Siyavula, Mark Horner, p.88, table 11.1

10. 𝑦

NOT A FUNCTION
𝑥

Reference: Pure Mathematics I, Sophie Goldie, p.110, Fig. 4.3 letter c

11. 𝑦

FUNCTION
𝑥

Reference: Grade 11 Mathematics Siyavula, Mark Horner, p.88, table 11.1

12. 𝑦

FUNCTION

Reference: Next Century Mathematics, Fernando B. Orines, p.28, No.54

13. 𝑦

NOT A FUNCTION

The shaded points mean that the value is included, when a vertical line is drawn it
intersects these two points. Therefore, the graph is not a function.
Reference: Next Century Mathematics, Fernando B. Orines, p.28, No.56
 DOMAIN
Definition: The domain of a function is the complete set of possible values of the
independent variable. It is the “set of inputs”. (X-values)
RANGE
Definition: The complete set of all possible resulting values of the dependent
variable “y” after we have substituted the domain.

DISCUSSION
When finding the domain and range we must keep in mind that:
a) The denominator cannot not be zero.
b) The number in a radical must always be positive.
Now let’s find the domain and range with these examples!
1. 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 2 Domain: All Real Numbers
Range: All Real Numbers

To find the domain, we must look at the two things that we should consider:
a) The denominator cannot not be zero.
b) The number in a radical must always be positive.
Since our equation does not contain a fraction nor a radical, we can substitute any
value to our domain. Therefore, the domain is all real numbers.
To find the range, we must transpose the “2” beside the “y”.
𝑦 − 2 = 𝑥 which can also be written as; 𝑥 = 𝑦 − 2
Again, since the equation does not contain a fraction or a radical we can substitute
any values to “y”. Therefore, the range is all real numbers.
Reference: Supporting Australian Mathematics Project: Function I, David Hunt, p.13, ex.1
 2. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 7 Domain: All Real Numbers Range: 𝒚 ≥ −𝟕

Since our equation does not contain a fraction nor a radical, we can substitute any
value to our domain. Therefore, the domain is all real numbers.
Next, to find the range we need to transpose -7 beside “y”.
𝑦 + 7 = 3𝑥 2
Now, we need to cancel the coefficient of 𝑥 2 which is 3. Divide the equation by 3,
the equation will then be:
𝑦 + 7 3𝑥 2
=
3 3
The coefficient of 𝑥 2 will be cancelled now the equation will be:
𝑦+7
= 𝑥2
3
As you can see, the x-value is squared. Therefore, we need to get the square root of
the equation.

𝑦+7
√ = √𝑥 2
3

The equation will then look like this:

𝑦+7
√ =𝑥
3

Now, you can see that there is already a radical sign which means that we need to
consider the rule that if there is a radical, the “y-value” must never be negative
because a negative value inside a radical is an imaginary number.

𝑦+7
√ =𝑥
3

We need to think of a number in which the y-value will give a result of zero so that
it would not have a negative sum.
If y=-7, let us take a look if it will give a sum of 0 we substitute it to the y-value.

(−7) + 7
√ =𝑥
3

As you can see -7 plus 7 is equal to zero.

0=𝑥
Therefore, the range is 𝑦 ≥ −7
Reference: Supporting Australian Mathematics Project: Function I, David Hunt, p.13, ex.2
1
3. 𝑦 = Domain: 𝒙 ≠ 𝟎 Range: 𝒚 ≠ 𝟎
𝑥

Take a look at this equation, we can see that there is a fraction so we must consider
the rule that a fraction must not have a zero denominator because it will be
“undefined”.
The domain (x-value) is in the denominator in this equation. Therefore, the domain
must not be equal to 0.
To find the range, we need to cross multiply.
(𝑥)𝑦 = 1
Now we need to cancel y, divide the equation by y. Then cancel out y.
(𝑥)𝑦 1
=
𝑦 𝑦
The equation will look like this:
1
𝑥=
𝑦
Again, since the y-value is in the denominator it must not be equal to zero.
Therefore, the range is not equal to zero.
Reference: Supporting Australian Mathematics Project: Function I, David Hunt, p.13, ex.5
 4. 2𝑥 2 = 𝑦
Domain: All Real Numbers Range: 𝒚 ≥ 𝟎

To find the range, cancel the coefficient of 𝑥 2 . Divide the equation by 2.

2𝑥 2 𝑦
=
2 2
𝑦
√𝑥 = √
2
Since there is a radical the value of y must be greater than or equal to 0.
Reference: Supporting Australian Mathematics Project: Function I, David Hunt, p.13, ex.4

5. 𝑦 = √𝑥 + 4 Domain: 𝒙 ≥ −𝟒 Range: All Real Numbers

First, let us find the domain:

𝑦 = √𝑥 + 4
If x=-4, let us substitute it to the x-value to know if the sum will not be a negative
number.
𝑦 = √(−4) + 4
𝑦=0
Therefore, the domain is greater than or equal -4.
To find the range, square both sides to cancel the square root.

(𝑦)2 = (√𝑥 + 4)2

𝑦2 = 𝑥 + 4
Transpose 4 beside 𝑦 2 , the equation will look like this:
𝑦2 − 4 = 𝑥
Therefore, the range is all real numbers.
Reference: Functions: the domain and range TUS, Jackie Nicholas et. Al, p.3 letter (a).
 6. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 2 Domain: All Real Numbers
Range: All Real Numbers
To find range:
𝑦 + 2 3𝑥
=
3 3
The equation will look like this:
𝑦+2
=𝑥
3
Therefore, the range is all real numbers.
Reference: Pure Mathematics I, Sophie Goldie, p.109, ex. 4.1

7. 3𝑥 − 𝑥𝑦 = 2
Domain: 𝒙 ≠ 𝟑
First, solve 3𝑥 − 𝑥𝑦 = 2 in terms of x.
Range: 𝒙 ≠ 𝟎
3𝑥 − 𝑥𝑦 = 2
𝑦(3 − 𝑥) = 2
2
𝑦=
3−𝑥
The denominator 3 − 𝑥 cannot be equal to 0. Therefore, the domain must no be
equal to 3.
Next, solve 3𝑥 − 𝑥𝑦 = 2 for x in terms of y.
3𝑦 − 𝑥𝑦 = 2
−𝑥𝑦 = −3𝑦 + 2
𝑥𝑦 = 3𝑦 − 2
3𝑦 − 2
𝑥=
𝑦
The denominator must not be 0. Therefore, the range is not equal to 0.
Reference: Next Century Mathematics: General Mathematics, Fernando B. Orines, p.13, letter c
 8. 𝑦 2 = 𝑥 + 1 Domain: 𝒙 ≥ −𝟏 Range: All Real Numbers
To find the domain:

√𝑦 2 = √𝑥 + 1

𝑦 = √𝑥 + 1
Since there is a radical, the x-value plus 1 must give a positive sum.
If x=-1 let us substitute this to the equation:

𝑦 = √(−1) + 1
𝑦=0
Therefore, the domain must be greater than or equal to -1.
To find the range:
𝑦2 − 1 = 𝑥
Since there is no fraction or radicals in this equation then, we can substitute all real
numbers to the range. Therefore, the range is all real numbers.
Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.31, no.10
letter (a)
2
9. 𝑦 = Domain: 𝒙 ≥ −𝟏 Range: y≠ 𝟎
𝑥+1

To find the domain:

2
𝑦=
(−1) + 1
𝑦=0
The denominator must not be 0. 𝑥 must be greater than or equal to -1.
To find the range:
Simply cross multiply.
𝑦(𝑥 + 1) = 2
𝑦(𝑥 + 1) 2
=
𝑦 𝑦
Then the equation will look like this:
2
𝑥= −1
𝑦
Therefore, the range must not be equal to 0.
Reference: MAT 206 Precalculus, Margaret Dean, p. 1.2.15, example 1.2.8

10. 𝑦 = 2 √𝑥 + 4
Domain: 𝒙 ≥ −𝟒
Range: All Real Numbers
To find the domain:

𝑦 = 2√(−4) + 4
𝑦=0
To find the range:
2
(𝑦)2 = (2√𝑥 + 4)
𝑦 2 = 4(𝑥 + 4)
𝑦 2 = 4𝑥 + 16
𝑦 2 − 16 = 4𝑥
𝑦 2 − 16 4𝑥
=
4 4
𝑦 2 − 16
=𝑥
4
The range is all real numbers.
Reference: MAT 206 Precalculus, Margaret Dean, p. 1.2.15, example 1.2.9
 EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONCS
DEFINITION
 The functional notation 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) allow us to obtain a specific value of the
dependent variable y for every value of the independent variable x.
 The symbol 𝑓(𝑥) means “The value of function 𝑓 at 𝑥” not “𝑓 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑥”.
DISCUSSION
For example, 𝑓(3) represents the value of the function 𝑓 at 𝑥 = 3, while 𝑓(𝑥 + 2)
represents the value of the function of the variable when the independent variable
has value equal to 2.
In layman’s term, just substitute
the given 𝑓(𝑥) value to the
Now let us answer some examples: equation then, simplify.
1. Given the function 𝒌(𝒕) = 𝒕𝟐 + 𝟐
a) 𝑘(2)
b) Solve 𝑘(𝑡) = 1

a) To evaluate 𝑘(2), we plug in the value 2 into the formula wherever we see
the variable 𝑡, then we simplify.
𝑘(2) = (2)2 + 2
𝑘(2) = 8 + 2
𝒌(𝟐) = 𝟏𝟎
b) To solve 𝑘(𝑡) = 1, we set the formula for 𝑘(𝑡) equal to 1, and solve for the
value:
𝑘(𝑡) = 1
𝑡3 + 2 = 1 Substitute the
original formula
𝑡3 = 1 − 2
𝑘(𝑡) = 𝑡 2 + 2
𝑡 3 = −1
𝒕 = −𝟏

Reference: Functions and Graphs, Lippman & Rasmussen, p.9 example 12

 2. Given the function 𝒉(𝒑) = 𝒑𝟐 + 𝟐𝒑
Evaluate:
a) ℎ(4)
b) Solve ℎ(𝑝) = 3

a) To evaluate ℎ(4) we substitute the value 4 for the variable 𝑝 in the given
function.
ℎ(4) = (4)2 + 2(4)
ℎ(4) = 16 + 8
𝒉(𝟒) = 𝟐𝟒
b) To solve ℎ(𝑝) = 3, substitute the original function ℎ(𝑝) = 𝑝2 + 2𝑝

ℎ(𝑝) = 3

𝑝2 + 2𝑝 = 3
Apply
2 factoring!
𝑝 + 2𝑝 − 3 = 0
(𝑝 + 3)(𝑝 − 1) = 0
By the zero-factor theorem, since (𝑝 + 3)(𝑝 − 1) = 0, either:
(𝑝 + 3) = 0

𝒑 = −𝟑
OR
(𝑝 − 1) = 0

𝒑=𝟏
This gives us the solution: ℎ(𝑝) =3 when 𝑝 = 1 or 𝑝 = −3.
We found two solutions in this case. Therefore, this function is not one-to-one.
Reference: Functions and Graphs, Lippman & Rasmussen, p.9 example 13
 3. Given 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟑 − 𝟐𝒙
Evaluate the following:
a) 𝑓(−1)
𝑓(−1) = 3 − 2(−1)
𝑓(−1) = 3 + 2
𝒇(−𝟏) = 𝟓
b) 𝑓(0)
𝑓(0) = 3 − 2(0)
𝑓(0) = 3 − 0
𝒇(𝟎) = 𝟑

c) 𝑓(2)
𝑓(2) = 3 − 2(2)
𝑓(2) = 3 − 4
𝒇(𝟐) = −𝟏
Reference: Precalculus 7th Edition, Larson & Hostetler, p.42, checkpoint 1.5

4. Let 𝒈(𝒙) = −𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟏. Find each function value.

a) 𝑔(2)
𝑔(2) = −(2)2 + 4(2) + 1
𝑔(2) = −4 + 8 + 1
𝒈(𝟐) = 𝟓
b) 𝑔(𝑥 + 2)
𝑔(𝑥 + 2) = −(𝑥 + 2)2 + 4(𝑥 + 2) + 1
𝑔(𝑥 + 2) = −(𝑥 2 + +4𝑥 + 4) + 4𝑥 + 8 + 1
𝑔(𝑥 + 2) = −𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 4 + 4𝑥 + 8 + 1
𝒈(𝒙 + 𝟐) = −𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓

Reference: Precalculus 7th Edition, Larson & Hostetler, p.43, example 3

 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏, x<0
5. 𝒇(𝒙) = {
𝒙 − 𝟏, 𝒙 ≥ 𝟎
Evaluate the following:
a) 𝑓(−1)
To evaluate 𝑓(−1) we need to look at the conditions, since -1 < 0, we will use the
first equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1 to obtain the value of 𝑓(−1).
𝑓(−1) = (−1)2 + 1

𝑓(−1) = 1 + 1

𝒇(−𝟏) = 𝟐

b) 𝑓(0)

To solve for 𝑓(0), use the second equation. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1

𝑓(0) = (0) − 1
𝒇(𝟎) = −𝟏
c) 𝑓(1)

Based on the given conditions, we will use the second equation since 1 > 0.
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1
𝑓(1) = (1) − 1

𝒇(𝟏) = 𝟎

Reference: Precalculus 7th Edition, Larson & Hostetler, p.43, example 4

 6. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒

Evaluate:

a) 𝑓(3)

𝑓(3) = (3)2 + 4
𝑓(3) = 9 + 4
𝒇(𝟑) = 𝟏𝟑
b) 𝑓(−2)
𝑓(−2) = (−2)2 + 4
𝑓(−2) = 4 + 4
𝒇(−𝟐) = 𝟖

c) 𝑓(√5)
2
𝑓(√5) = (√5) + 4 Square root
2 gets cancelled
𝑓(√5) = (√5) + 4 when it is
squared!
𝑓(√5) = 5 + 4
𝒇(√𝟓) = 𝟗
Reference: Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, James Stewart et al., p.144, example 1

7. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 − 𝟓

Evaluate each function value:

a) 𝑓(0)
𝑓(0) = 3(0)2 + (0) − 5
𝒇(𝟎) = −𝟓

b) 𝑓(4)
𝑓(4) = 3(4)2 + (4) − 5
𝒇(𝟒) = 𝟒𝟕
 1
c) 𝑓 ( )
2
1 1 1
𝑓 ( ) = 3( )2 + ( ) − 5
2 2 2
1 1 1
𝑓 ( ) = 3( ) + ( ) − 5
2 4 2
1 3 1 Get the
𝑓( ) = +( )−5
2 4 2 LCD then
1 3 −9 simplify!
𝑓( ) = +
2 4 2
𝟏 −𝟏𝟓
𝒇( ) =
𝟐 𝟒

Reference: Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, James Stewart et al., p.144, example 2

8. A cellphone plan costs 39 dollars a month. The plan includes 400 free minutes
and charges 20 cents for each additional minute of usage. The monthly
charges are a function of the number of minutes used, given by:
𝟑𝟗 𝒊𝒇 𝟎 ≤ 𝒙 ≤ 𝟒𝟎𝟎
𝒄(𝒙) = {
𝟑𝟗 + 𝟎. 𝟐𝟎(𝒙 − 𝟒𝟎𝟎) 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 > 𝟒𝟎𝟎
Find:
a) 𝑐(100)
Since 100 < 400, 𝑤𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝒄(𝟏𝟎𝟎) = 𝟑𝟗
b) 𝑐(400)
Since 400 = 400, we have 𝒄(𝟏𝟎𝟎) = 𝟑𝟗
c) 𝑐(480)
Since 480 > 400, we have
𝑐(𝑥) = 39 + 0.20[(480) − 400]
𝑐(𝑥) = 39 + 0.20(80)
𝑐(𝑥) = 39 + 0.16
𝒄(𝒙) = 𝟓𝟓
Reference: Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, James Stewart et al., p.145, example 3
 9. If 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟏
Evaluate the following:
a) 𝑓(𝑎)
𝑓(𝑎) = 2(𝑎)2 + 3(𝑎) − 1
𝒇(𝒂) = 𝟐𝒂𝟐 + 𝟑𝒂 − 𝟏

b) 𝑓(−𝑎)
𝑓(−𝑎) = 2(−𝑎)2 + 3(−𝑎) − 1
𝒇(−𝒂) = −𝟐𝒂𝟐 − 𝟑𝒂 − 𝟏

c) 𝑓(𝑎 + ℎ)
𝑓(𝑎 + ℎ) = 2(𝑎 + ℎ)2 + 3(𝑎 + ℎ) − 1
𝑓(𝑎 + ℎ) = 2(𝑎2 + 2𝑎ℎ + ℎ2 ) + 3(𝑎 + ℎ) − 1
𝒇(𝒂 + 𝒉) = 𝟐𝒂𝟐 + 𝟒𝒂𝒉 + 𝟐𝒉𝟐 + 𝟑𝒂 + 𝒉 − 𝟏

𝑓(𝑎+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑎)
d) 𝑓 ( ),ℎ ≠ 0
ℎ

To solve this, we just need to substitute all the values that we get from a, b, and c.
𝟐 𝟐
𝑓(𝑎 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑎) 𝟐𝒂𝟐 + 𝟒𝒂𝒉 + 𝟐𝒉 + 𝟑𝒂 + 𝒉 − 𝟏 − (−𝟐𝒂 − 𝟑𝒂 − 𝟏)
𝑓( ) = 𝑓( )
ℎ ℎ

f(a+h)−f(a) 4ah+2h2 +3h

𝑓( )=
h h

𝐟(𝐚 + 𝐡) − 𝐟(𝐚)
𝒇( ) = 𝟒𝐚 + 𝟐𝐡 + 𝟑
𝐡

Reference: Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, James Stewart et al., p.145, example 4
 10. If an astronaut weighs 130 pounds on the surface of the earth, then her
weight when she is 𝒉 miles above the earth is given by the function:
3960 2
𝑤(ℎ) = 130 ( )
3960 + ℎ

a) What is her weight when she is 100 miles above the earth?
2
3960
𝑤(100) = 130 ( )
3960 + 100
3960 2
𝑤(ℎ) = 130 ( )
4060
𝑤(ℎ) ≈ 123.67

Reference: Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, James Stewart et al., p.146, example 5
 OPERATIONS ON FUNCTIONS
DISCUSSION
Two functions 𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔 can be combined to form new functions in a manner similar
to the way we add, subtract, multiply, and divide real numbers. For example, we
define the function 𝑓 + 𝑔 by:
(𝒇 + 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) + 𝒈(𝒙)
The new function 𝑓 + 𝑔 is called the sum of the functions 𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔; its value at 𝑥
is 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥). Here is a table of the algebra of functions, take a look:

Now, let us answer some examples!

𝟏
1. Let 𝒇(𝒙) = and 𝒈(𝒙) = √𝒙
𝒙−𝟐

Find the following:

a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(4)
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)
1
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = + √𝑥
𝑥−2
b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(4)
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)
1
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = − √𝑥
𝑥−2
c) (𝑓𝑔)(4)
𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥)
√𝑥
𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) =
𝑥−2
 𝑓
d) ( ) (4)
𝑔

𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
( ) (𝑥) =
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥)
1
𝑓 To divide
( ) (𝑥) = 𝑥 − 2 fractions,
𝑔 √𝑥 reciprocate the
𝑓 1 1 denominator
( ) (𝑥) = ∙ and multiply.
𝑔 𝑥 − 2 √𝑥
𝑓 1
( ) (𝑥) =
𝑔 (𝑥 − 2)√𝑥

Now, we will substitute the value of “4” to the equations.

a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(4)
1
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(4) = + √(4)
(4) − 2
1
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(4) = +2
2
𝟓
(𝒇 + 𝒈)(𝟒) =
𝟐
𝑏) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(4)
1
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(4) = − √(4)
(4) − 2
1
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(4) = −2
2
𝟑
(𝒇 − 𝒈)(𝟒) = −
𝟐
 𝑐) (𝑓𝑔)(4)

√(4)
𝑓(4)𝑔(4) =
(4) − 2
2
𝑓(4)𝑔(4) =
2
𝒇(𝟒)𝒈(𝟒) = 𝟏
𝑓
𝑑) ( ) (4)
𝑔

𝑓 1
( ) (4) =
𝑔 (4 − 2)√4
𝑓 1
( ) (4) =
𝑔 (2)2
𝒇 𝟏
( ) (𝟒) =
𝒈 𝟒
Reference: Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, James Stewart et al., p.191, example 1

𝑥+1
2. Given 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 3 − 1, 𝑔(𝑥 ) =
𝑥−1
Find the following:
a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥)
𝑥+1
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 3 − 1 +
𝑥−1
b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥)
𝒙+𝟏
(𝒇 − 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟑 − 𝟏 −
𝒙−𝟏
c) 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥+1
𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑥3 − 1)
𝑥−1

𝒇(𝒙)𝒈(𝒙) = (𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 + 𝟏)(𝒙 + 𝟏) 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 ≠ 𝟏

 𝑓
d) ( ) (𝑥)
𝑔

𝑓 𝑥3 − 1
( ) (𝑥) =
𝑔 𝑥+1
𝑥−1
𝒇 (𝒙𝟑 − 𝟏)(𝒙 − 𝟏)
( ) (𝒙) =
𝒈 𝒙+𝟏
Reference: Precalculus: Crowell and Slesnick’s Calculus with Analytic Geometry, Peter G.
Doyle, p.28 example 1.3

3. The Functions given by 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1

Find the following:
a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥)
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = (2𝑥 − 3) + (𝑥 2 − 1)
(𝒇 + 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟒
b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥)
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = (2𝑥 − 3) − (𝑥 2 − 1)
(𝒇 + 𝒈)(𝒙) = −𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟐

c) 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 4
𝒇(𝒙)𝒈(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑
𝑓
d) ( ) (𝑥)
𝑔
𝒇 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑
( ) (𝒙) = 𝟐 𝒙 ≠ ±𝟏
𝒈 𝒙 −𝟏
Reference: Precalculus with Limits, Larson & Hostetler, p.84 ex.1.8
 4. The functions given by 𝑓(𝑥) =and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1

Find the following:

a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥)

(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 1) + (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1)
(𝒇 + 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝒙

b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥)

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 1) −(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1)

(𝒇 − 𝒈)(𝒙) = −𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐
c) 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥)

𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 1)( 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1)

𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1
𝒇(𝒙)𝒈(𝒙) = 𝟒𝒙𝟑 + 𝟓𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏
𝑓
d) ( ) (𝑥)
𝑔

𝒇 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟏
( ) (𝒙) = 𝟐
𝒈 𝒙 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏
Reference: Precalculus with Limits, Larson & Hostetler, p.85 ex.2
 5. The functions given by 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 5 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 3𝑥

𝑎) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥)

(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 5) + (3𝑥)
(𝒇 + 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟓
b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥)
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 5) − (3𝑥)
(𝒇 − 𝒈)(𝒙) = −𝟐𝒙 + 𝟓

𝑐) 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥)

𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 5)(3𝑥)

𝒇(𝒙)𝒈(𝒙) = 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏𝟓𝒙

𝑓
𝑑) ( ) (𝑥)
𝑔
𝒇 𝒙+𝟓
( ) (𝒙) =
𝒈 𝟑𝒙
Reference: Precalculus with Limits, Larson & Hostetler, p.85 ex.2

The functions 𝒇, 𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉 are defined by:

1 5 EXAMPLES
𝑓(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 , 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 , ℎ(𝑥 ) = OF COMPOSITION
𝑥 OF FUNCTIONS
Find the following:
1. 𝑓𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓[𝑔(𝑥)]
𝑓𝑔(𝑥) = 2(𝑥 2 )
𝒇𝒈(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙𝟐
2. 𝑔𝑓(𝑥)
𝑔𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔[𝑓(𝑥)]
 𝑔𝑓(𝑥) = (2𝑥)2
𝒈𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟒𝒙𝟐
3. 𝑔ℎ(𝑥)
𝑔ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑔[ℎ(𝑥)]
1
𝑔ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑔 ( )
𝑥
1 2
𝑔ℎ(𝑥) = ( )
𝑥
𝟏
𝒈𝒉(𝒙) =
𝒙𝟐
4. 𝑓 2 (𝑥)
𝑓 2 (𝑥) = 𝑓[𝑓(𝑥)]
𝑓 2 (𝑥) = 𝑓(2𝑥)
𝑓 2 (𝑥) = 2(2𝑥)
𝒇𝟐 (𝒙) = 𝟒𝒙

5. fgh(x)
𝑓𝑔ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓[𝑔ℎ(𝑥)]
1
𝑓𝑔ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓 ( )
𝑥2
1
𝑓𝑔ℎ(𝑥) = 2 ( 2 )
𝑥
𝟐
𝒇𝒈𝒉(𝒙) =
𝒙𝟐
Reference: Pure Mathematic I, Sophie Goldie, p.114 example 4.3
 DEFINITION

A rational equation is an equation containing at least one rational expression.

DISCUSSION

Rational expressions typically contain a variable in the denominator. For this

reason, we will take care to ensure that the denominator is not 0 by making note of
restrictions and checking our solutions.

Solve rational equations by clearing the fractions by multiplying both sides of the
equation by the least common denominator (LCD).

We first make a note that and then multiply both sides by the LCD, 3x

Check your answer by substituting 12 for x to see if you obtain a true statement.
Now, let us answer some examples of rational equations:
2 5 3
1. 𝑥 − =
3 6 4
2 5 3 Multiply each term by LCD 12
( 𝑥 − = )12
3 6 4

2(12) 5(12) 3(12)

𝑥− = Reduce fractions
3 6 4
2(4)𝑥 − 5(2) = 3(3)
8𝑥 − 10 = 9
8𝑥 = 9 + 10 Divide both sides by 8

𝟏𝟗
𝒙=
𝟖
Reference: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Tyler Wallace, p.274 example 366

5𝑥+5 𝑥2
2. + 3𝑥 =
𝑥+2 𝑥+2

5𝑥 + 5 𝑥2
+ 3𝑥 = Multiply each term by LCD (x+2)
𝑥+2 𝑥+2
(5𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 + 2) 𝑥 2 (𝑥 + 2)
+ 3𝑥(𝑥 + 2) = Reduce fractions
𝑥+2 𝑥+2
5𝑥 + 5 + 3𝑥(𝑥 + 2) = 𝑥 2
5𝑥 + 5 + 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 = 𝑥 2
3𝑥 2 + 11𝑥 + 5 = 𝑥 2
2𝑥 2 + 11𝑥 + 5 = 0 Factor out!

(2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 5) = 0
𝟏
𝒙= 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 = −𝟓
𝟐
Reference: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Tyler Wallace, p.275 example 367
 𝑥 1 5
3. + =
𝑥+2 𝑥+1 (𝑥+1)(𝑥+2)

𝑥 1 5
+ =
𝑥 + 2 𝑥 + 1 (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 2)
𝑥(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 2) 1(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 2) 5(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 2)
+ =
𝑥+2 𝑥+1 (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 2)
𝑥(𝑥 + 1) + 1(𝑥 + 2) = 5
𝑥2 + 𝑥 + 𝑥 + 2 = 5
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 2 − 5 = 0
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3 = 0
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 1) = 0
𝒙 = −𝟑 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 = 𝟏
Reference: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Tyler Wallace, p.276 example 368
𝑥 1 11
4. − =
𝑥−1 𝑥−2 (𝑥−1)(𝑥−2)

𝑥 1 11
− =
𝑥 − 1 𝑥 − 2 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2)
𝑥(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2) 1(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2) 11(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2)
− =
𝑥−1 𝑥−2 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2)
𝑥(𝑥 − 2) − 1(𝑥 − 1) = 11
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 𝑥 + 1 = 11
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 10 = 0
(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 2) = 0
𝒙 = 𝟓 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 = −𝟐
Reference: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Tyler Wallace, p.276 example 369
 𝑥−2 𝑥+2 5
5. − =
𝑥−3 𝑥+2 8

𝑥−2 𝑥+2 5
− =
𝑥−3 𝑥+2 8
(𝑥 − 2)8 ∙ (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 2) (−𝑥 + 2)8 ∙ (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 2) 5 ∙ 8(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 2)
+ =
𝑥−3 𝑥+2 8
8(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2) + 8(−𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3) = 5(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 2)
8𝑥 2 − 32 − 8𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 48 = 5𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 30
8𝑥 + 16 = 5𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 30
0 = 5𝑥 2 − 13𝑥 − 46
0 = (5𝑥 − 23)(𝑥 + 2)
𝟐𝟑
𝒙=
𝟓
Cannot be 𝑥 = −2 because 8( − 2 − 3)( − 2 + 2) = 8( − 5)(0) = 0, the result cannot be zero.

Reference: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Tyler Wallace, p.277 example 370
1 𝑥 17
6. + =
6 4 12

1 𝑥 17
+ =
6 4 12
1 𝑥 17
( + = ) 12
6 4 12
12 12𝑥
( + = 17)
6 4
2 + 3𝑥 = 17
3𝑥 = 17 − 2
3𝑥 = 15
𝒙=𝟓
Reference: Elementary Algebra, Ellis & Burzynski, p.592 example 8.7.3
 3𝑥 15
7. =
4 2

3𝑥 15
=
4 2
3𝑥 15
( = )4
4 2
3𝑥 = 2 ∙ 15
3𝑥 = 30
𝒙 = 𝟏𝟎
Let’s check!
3(10) 15
=
4 2
30 15
=
4 2
15 15
=
2 2
Reference: Elementary Algebra, Ellis & Burzynski, p.593 example 8.98
32 16
8. =
𝑥 3

32 16
=
𝑥 3
32 16
(𝑥 = 3
) 3x

(3 ∙ 32 = 16𝑥)
96 = 16𝑥
𝒙=𝟔
Reference: Elementary Algebra, Ellis & Burzynski, p.597 example 8.424
 𝑥+1 𝑥−3
9. =
4 2

𝑥+1 𝑥−3
=
4 2
𝑥+1 𝑥−3
( = )4
4 2
𝑥 + 1 = (𝑥 − 3)2
𝑥 + 1 = 2𝑥 − 6
𝒙=𝟕
Let’s check!
(7) + 1 (7) − 3
=
4 2
8 4
=
4 2
1 1
=
2 2

Reference: Elementary Algebra, Ellis & Burzynski, p.597 example 8.424

3𝑎 3𝑎 + 8
10. =
𝑎−1 𝑎+3
3𝑎 3𝑎 + 8
=
𝑎−1 𝑎+3
3𝑎 3𝑎 + 8
( = ) (𝑎 − 1)(𝑎 + 3)
𝑎−1 𝑎+3
3𝑎(𝑎 + 3) = (3𝑎 + 8)(𝑎 − 1)
3𝑎2 + 9𝑎 = 3𝑎2 − 3𝑎 + 8𝑎 − 8
−4𝑎 = −8
𝒂 = −𝟐
Reference: Elementary Algebra, Ellis & Burzynski, p.595 example 8.420
 INVERSE FUNCTIONS
DEFINITION
A relation which undoes the action taken by a function is called the inverse of that
function.
DISCUSSION
To understand what an inverse of a function is, consider the following arrow
diagrams:
X Y
1 2
2 5
3 8
4 11
5 14

To find the inverse of this function, we need to interchange the roles of x and y.
The diagram above describes a function defined by the equation 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 1.

X Y
2 1
5 2
8 3
11 4
14 5
 X Y
𝟐+𝟏
2 1
𝟑
𝟓+𝟏
5 2
𝟑
𝟖+𝟏
8 3
𝟑
11 𝟏𝟏 + 𝟏 4
𝟑
14 𝟏𝟒 + 𝟏 5
𝟑

𝑥+1
Therefore, the relation that defines the mapping is 𝑦 = . Hence, interchanging
3
𝑥+1
𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 in the equation found we get 𝑦 = .
3
𝑥+1
Thus, the inverse of 3𝑥 − 1 is 𝑦 = .
3

CHALLENGE YOURSELF!
1. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟏

The function 𝑓(𝑥) is given by,

𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 1
Interchanging 𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 gives:
𝑥 = 2𝑦 + 1
Rearranging to make y the subject:
𝑥−1 𝒙−𝟏
𝑦= 𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙) =
2 𝟐
Reference: Pure Mathematics I, Sophie Goldie, p.118 ex.4.4
 2. Find 𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙) when 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑

First step is to rewrite the given,

𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 3
Interchange 𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦,
𝑥 = 2𝑦 − 3
Rearrange to make 𝑦 the subject,
𝒙+𝟑
𝑥+3 𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙) =
𝑦= 𝟐
2
Reference: Pure Mathematics I, Sophie Goldie, p.119 ex.4.5
𝟒𝒙+𝟓
3. 𝒈(𝒙) =
𝟐

Let 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑦
4𝑥 + 5
𝑦=
2
Interchange the roles of 𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦, then solve for 𝑦.
4𝑦 + 5
𝑥=
2
2𝑥 = 4𝑦 + 5
4𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 5 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟓
2𝑥 − 5 𝒈−𝟏 (𝒙) =
𝑦= 𝟒
4
Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.201,
Example 3
 4. 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒
ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 4
𝑦 = 𝑥2 + 4
Interchanging 𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦, then solving for 𝑦, we get the following:
𝑥 = 𝑦2 + 4
𝑦2 = 𝑥 − 4

𝑦 = ±√𝑥 − 4 𝒉−𝟏 (𝒙) = ±√𝒙 − 𝟒

Therefore, ℎ−1 (𝑥) = ±√𝑥 − 4. For every value of x, ℎ−1 (𝑥) takes two values: one
positive and the other negative. It can then be classified as a relation not a function.
Reference: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics, Yolanda C. Roberto, p.202, Example

5. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐
First let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦,
𝑦 = 𝑥2 + 2
Interchange 𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦,
𝑥 = 𝑦2 + 2
Can also be written as:
𝑦2 = 𝑥 − 2
Get the square root of both sides,

𝑦 = √𝑥 − 2 𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙) = √𝒙 − 𝟐
Reference: Pure Mathematics I, Sophie Goldie, p.119, Example iii
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