SH1612

Basic Concepts of Functions

I. Definition of function
A function is a correspondence between two (2) sets of elements such that with each element in the
first set, there corresponds to one and only one element in the second set. The first set is called the
domain and the set of all corresponding elements in the second set is called the range.
Function means that each element in the set A must have corresponding only one element in the
set B. An input must only have one output. However, two (2) inputs can have the same output.
Examples:
a. = 2 + 2
= any real number
Answer: () = 2 + 2
This equation assigns to each domain value
and one (1) range value . For example,
If = 4, then = (4)2 + 2(4) = 24
1 2

If = 3, then = ( 3) + 2 ( 3) =
5

There is only one (1) dependent variable to

any independent variable. Hence, () =
2 + 2 is a function.
b. = 2 4
Answer: () = 2 4

For any real number, the square of is

a unique real number. When you
subtract 4, the
result is again unique. So for any input,
there is exactly one (1) output, and the
equation defines a function.
c. 2 + 2 = 16
Answer: In this case, it will be helpful to
solve the equation for the dependent variable.
2 + 2 = 16
2 = 16 2
= 16 2
For any that provides an output (when 16
2 0), there are two (2) choices for , one
(1) positive and one (1) negative. The
equation has more than one (1) output for
some inputs, so does not define a function.

Vertical Line Test

Drawing a vertical line on the graph is an easy way to determine whether an equation defines a
function or not.
a. = 2 4

01 Handout 1

b. 2 + 2 = 16

*Property of STI
Page 1 of 3

SH1612

Theorem: Vertical Line Test for a Function

An equation defines a function if each vertical line in a rectangular coordinate system passes
through at most one point on the graph of the equation.
If any vertical line passes through two (2) or more points on the graph of an equation, then the
equation does not define a function.
Piece-wise function
Piece-wise functions are functions that behave differently based on the input (x) value.
II. Evaluating Functions
Example:

Evaluate () = 2 + 1 when x = 3.

Evaluate () = 2 3 + 7 when t = -2.

(2) = (2)2 3(2) + 7
=4+6+7
= 17

(3) = 2 3 + 1 = 6 + 1 = 7

Find (6), (), and (6 + ) for

Find (7),() and (7 + ) for

() = 16 + 3 2 .

15

() = 3.

(7) = 16 + 3(7) (7)2

= 16 + 21 49
= 12
() = 16 + 3 2

15
15
(6) =
=
=5
63
3
() =

15
3

(7 + ) = 16 + 3(7 + )
(7 + )2
= 16 + 21 + 3
(49 + 14 + 2 )
= 37 + 3 49 14 2
= 12 11 2

15
15
(6 + ) =
=
(6 + ) 3 3

III. Operations on Functions

A. Addition
Let and be any two (2) functions. Then, ( + )() = () + ().
Example:

() = 2 5 + 6
() =
() = 2
3
Evaluate: ( + )()
Solution: ( + )() = () + () = 2 5 + 6 + 2
( + )() = 2 4 + 4
Evaluate: ( + )()

Solution: ( + )() = () + () = 3 + ( 2)
( + )() =
01 Handout 1

+(2)(3)
3

+( 2 5+6)
3

2 4+6
3

*Property of STI
Page 2 of 3

SH1612

B. Subtraction
Let and be any two (2) functions. Then, ( )() = () ().
Example:
() = 2
() = 2 + 3
() = 2
Evaluate: ( )()
Solution: ( )() = () () = 2 2
Evaluate: ( )()
Solution: ( )() = () () = 2 + 3 ( 2)
( )() = 3 + 5
C. Multiplication
Let and be any two (2) functions. Then, ()()=()().
Example:
() = 2
() = 2 + 3
() = 2
Evaluate: ( )()
Solution:( )() = () () = ( 2)(2 + 3)
( )() = 2 2 6
Evaluate: ( )()
Solution: ( )() = () () = ( 2)( 2 )
( )() = 3 2 2
D. Division

()
Let and be any two (2) functions. Then, () () = () , where () 0.
Example:
() = 2 5 + 6

Evaluate: () ()

()

2 5+6

()

() =

() = 2

Solution:() () = () = 2

( 3)( 2)
( ) () =
=3

( 2)

Evaluate: ( ) ()
Solution:() () = () = 2 5+6

2
1
( ) () =
=

( 3)( 2) 3
Composition of function
Composition of function is a special operation on functions. It is applying one (1)
function to the result of another. It is like the result of f(x) is sent through g(x).
Let and be any two (2) functions. Then, ( )() = (()).
Example:
Consider f(x) = 2x + 3 and g(x) = x2.
( )() = (())
( )() = (()) = (2 + 3)
( )() = (2 + 3)2
( )() = 4 2 + 12 + 9
01 Handout 1

*Property of STI
Page 3 of 3