Language of Functions (DP IB Maths: AA HL)

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Dan

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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

Language of Functions Notes Diagram 2

What is a function?

  • 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

  • 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

Language of Functions Notes Diagram 4

What notation is used for functions?

  • Functions are denoted using letters (such as space f comma space v comma space g comma etc)
    • A function is followed by a variable in a bracket
    • This shows the input for the function
    • The letterspace f is used most commonly for functions and will be used for the remainder of this revision note
  • space f left parenthesis x right parenthesis represents an expression for the value of the function space f when evaluated for the variable x
  • Function notation gets rid of the need for words which makes it universal
    • space f equals 5 whenspace x equals 2 can simply be written as space f left parenthesis 2 right parenthesis equals 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
      • space x less or equal than 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
      • space f stretchy left parenthesis x right parenthesis greater or equal than 0
  • To graph a function we use the inputs as the x-coordinates and the outputs as the y-coordinates
    • space f left parenthesis 2 right parenthesis equals 5 corresponds to the coordinates (2, 5)
  • Graphing the function can help you visualise the range
  • Common sets of numbers have special symbols:
    • straight real numbers represents all the real numbers that can be placed on a number line
      • x element of straight real numbers means xis a real number
    • straight rational numbers represents all the rational numbers a over bwhere and are integers and ≠ 0
    • straight integer numbers represents all the integers (positive, negative and zero)
      • straight integer numbers to the power of plus represents positive integers
    • straight natural numbers represents the natural numbers (0,1,2,3...)

2-3-1-sets-of-numbers-diagram

What are piecewise functions?

  • Piecewise functions are defined by different functions depending on which interval the input is in
    • E.g. space f open parentheses x close parentheses equals open curly brackets table row cell x plus 1 end cell row cell 2 x minus 4 end cell row cell x squared end cell end table blank table row cell x less or equal than 5 end cell row cell 5 less than x less than 10 end cell row cell 10 less or equal than x less or equal than 20 end cell end table close
  • The region for the individual functions cannot overlap
  • To evaluate a piecewise function for a particular value space x equals k
    • Find which interval includes space k
    • Substitute space x equals k into the corresponding function
  • The function may or may not be continuous at the ends of the intervals
    • In the example above the function is
      • continuous at x equals 5 as 5 plus 1 equals 2 left parenthesis 5 right parenthesis minus 4
      • not continuous at x equals 10 as 2 left parenthesis 10 right parenthesis minus 4 not equal to 10 squared

Examiner Tip

  • Questions may refer to "the largest possible domain"
    • This would usually be  x element of straight real numbers  unless straight natural numbers, straight integer numbers or straight rational numbers has already been stated
    • There are usualy some exceptions
      • e.g.  square roots;  x greater or equal than 0  for a function involving  square root of x
      • e.g.  reciprocal functions;  x not equal to 2  for a function with denominator  left parenthesis x minus 2 right parenthesis  

Worked example

For the function space f open parentheses x close parentheses equals x cubed plus 1 comma blank 2 less or equal than x less or equal than 10:

a)
write down the value of space f left parenthesis 7 right parenthesis.

2-2-1-ib-ai-sl-language-of-functions-a-we-solution

b)
find the range of space f left parenthesis x right parenthesis.

2-2-1-ib-ai-sl-language-of-functions-b-we-solution

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Dan

Author: Dan

Expertise: Maths

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.