Head to [Link].

com for more awesome resources

Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Your notes

Additional Maths
Functions
Contents
Language of Functions
Inverse Functions
Composite Functions

Page 1 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

Language of Functions
Your notes
Introduction to Functions
What is a mapping?
A mapping takes an 'input' from one set of values to an 'output' in another

Mappings can be
'many-one' (many 'input' values map to one 'output' value)
'one-one' (one 'input' value maps to one 'output' value)
You may also come across 'many-many' and 'one-many' functions

What is a function?
A function is a mapping where every 'input' value maps to a single 'output'
Therefore only many-one and one-one mappings are functions

What notation is used for functions?

Functions are denoted by f (x ) , g(x ) , etc

Page 2 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

e.g. f (x ) = x 2 − 3x + 2

These would be pronounced as 'f of x', 'g of x', etc Your notes
There is an alternative notation

e.g. f: x ↦ x 2 − 3x + 2

Which may be pronounced 'the function f maps x to x-squared minus three x plus two'
How does a function work?
A function has an input (x ) and output (f (x ) or y)
Whatever goes in the bracket (instead of x ) with f, replaces the x on the other side

This is the input

If the input is known, the output can be calculated

For example, given the function f (x ) = 2x + 1

f (3) = 2 × 3 + 1 = 7
f ( − 4) = 2 × ( − 4) + 1 = − 7
f (a) = 2a + 1
If the output is known, an equation can be formed and solved to find the input

For example, given the function f (x ) = 2x + 1

If f (x ) = 15, the equation 2x + 1 = 15 can be formed

Solving this equation gives an input of 7

Worked Example
A function is defined as f (x ) = 3x 2 − 2x + 1 .

a) Find f (7) .

The input is x = 7 , so substitute 7 into the expression everywhere you see an x .

Page 3 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

f (7) = 3(7) 2 − 2(7) + 1

Your notes
Calculate.

f (7) = 3( 49) − 14 + 1
= 147 − 14 + 1

f 7 = 134
( )

b) Find f (x + 3) .

The input is x = x + 3 so substitute x + 3 into the expression everywhere you see an x .

f (x + 3) = 3(x + 3) 2 − 2(x + 3) + 1
Expand the brackets and simplify.

f (x + 3) = 3(x 2 + 6x + 9) − 2(x + 3) + 1
= 3x 2 + 18x + 27 − 2x − 6 + 1
= 3x 2 + 16x + 22

f x + 3 = 3 x 2 + 16 x + 22
( )

A second function is defined g : x ↦ 3x – 4 .

c) Find the value of x for which g : x ↦ − 16 .
Form an equation by setting the function equal to -16.

3x − 4 = − 16

Solve the equation by first adding 4 to both sides, then dividing by 3.

Page 4 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

3x − 4 = − 16
3x = − 12 Your notes
12
x= −
3

x = −4
Domain & Range
What is the domain of a function?
The domain of a function is the set of values that are allowed to be the ‘input’
A function is only fully defined once its domain has been stated
If a domain is not stated then it is assumed that the domain is the largest set of possible values

e.g. the largest set of possible values for the function f (x ) = x would be x ≥ 0
Restrictions on a domain can turn many-one functions into one-one functions

Page 5 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

What is the range of a function?

The range of a function is the set of values of all possible ‘outputs’ Your notes
The type of values in the range depend on the domain

How do I find a range from a given domain?

The domain of a function is the set of values that are used as inputs
The range of a function is the set of values that are given as outputs
Finding the range of a function involves determining all possible output values from a given domain
This may need to be done by calculating each output value individually by applying the function to
each input value
Or by considering the shape or pattern of the function
To graph a function we use the inputs as the x-coordinates and the outputs as the y-coordinates

f (2) = 5 corresponds to the coordinates (2, 5)

Page 6 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

Graphing the function can help you visualise the range

For example the range of the function f (x ) = x 2 for a domain of all real values of x will be Your notes
f (x ) ≥ 0 as the y-coordinates on the graph are all greater than or equal to zero

Worked Example
The many-one function, f (x ) , is given by

f (x ) = (x − 3) 2
for all values of x .

a) State the range of f (x ) .

The 'output' from the function f is a squared value and so will be positive, or zero.

f≥0
b) The domain of f (x ) is changed to x > 5 . Write down the changed range of f (x ) .

As x > 5 , f (x ) > (5 − 3) 2

∴ f >4
The Modulus Function
What is the modulus function?
The modulus function makes any 'input' positive
This is sometimes called the absolute value (of the input)
The modulus function is indicated by a pair of vertical lines being written around the input
Similar to how brackets are used

e.g. |7 | = 7, | − 7 | = 7

What is the relationship between a function and its modulus?

For an 'output' such that f (x ) ≥ 0 , then | f (x ) | = f (x )

Both the function and its modulus are positive

Page 7 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

For an 'output' such that f (x ) < 0 , then | f (x ) | = − f (x )

The function value is negative, but its modulus is positive Your notes

Page 8 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

Inverse Functions
Your notes
Inverse Functions
What is an inverse function?
An inverse function does the exact opposite of the function it came from
For example, if the function “doubles the number and adds 1” then its inverse is
“subtract 1 and halve the result”
It is the inverse operations in the reverse order

How do I write inverse functions?

An inverse function f-1 can be written as f −1 (x ) = … or f −1 : x ↦…
For example, if f (x ) = 2x + 1 its inverse can be written as

(x – 1) (x – 1)
f −1 (x ) = or f −1: x ↦
2 2

How do I find an inverse function?

The easiest way to find an inverse function is to 'cheat' and swap the x and y variables

Note that this is a useful method but you MUST remember not to do this in any other circumstances
in maths

STEP 1 Write the function in the form y = … e.g. y = 2x + 1

STEP 2 Swap the x 's and y 's to get x = … e.g. x = 2y + 1

STEP 3 Rearrange the expression to make y the subject again

x − 1 = 2y
x−1 x−1
=y → y =
2 2
STEP 4 Rewrite using the correct notation for an inverse function
either as f-1(x) = … or f-1 : x ↦ …

y should not exist in the final answer

Page 9 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

x−1
e.g. f −1 (x ) =
2 Your notes
How does a function relate to its inverse?
If f (3) = 10 then the input of 3 gives an output of 10

The inverse function undoes f(x)

An input of 10 into the inverse function gives an output of 3

If f (3) = 10 then f −1 ( 10) = 3

ff−1 (x ) = f −1 f (x ) = x
If you apply a function to x, then immediately apply its inverse function, you get x
Whatever happened to x gets undone
f and f-1 cancel each other out when applied together

If f (x ) = 2x and you want to solve f −1 (x ) = 5

Finding the inverse function f −1 (x ) in this case is tricky (impossible if you haven't studied
logarithms)

instead, take f of both sides and use that ff−1 cancel each other out:

ff−1 (x ) = f (5)
x = f (5)
x = 25 = 32

Worked Example
Find the inverse of the function f (x ) = 5 − 3x .

Write the function in the form y = 5 − 3x and then swap the x and y .

y = 5 − 3x
x = 5 − 3y
Rearrange the expression to make y the subject again.

Page 10 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

x = 5 − 3y
x + 3y = 5 Your notes
3y = 5 − x
5−x
y=
3
Rewrite using the correct notation for an inverse function.

f −1 x = 5 −3 x
( )

Domain & Range of Inverse Functions

How do I find the domain and range of inverse functions?

The range of a function will be the domain of its inverse function

The domain of a function will be the range of its inverse function

Worked Example
3
A function is defined as f (x) = 3x − 2 , x > .
2

Page 11 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

Write down the domain and range of f −1 (x) .

The domain of an inverse function is the range of the function. Your notes
The range of f (x ) is

f >0
∴ The domain of f −1 x is x > 0
( )

The range of an inverse function is the domain of the function.

∴ The range of f −1 x is f −1 > 32

( )

Graphs of Inverse Functions

How are the graphs of a function and its inverse related?
The graph of an inverse function, y = f −1 (x ) , is a reflection of the graph of the function, y = f (x ) ,
in the line y = x

Key features of the graph of y = f (x ) will be reflected, such as

x and y axes intercepts

turning points
asymptotes

How do I sketch the graph of an inverse function?

STEP 1

Sketch the line y = x , and if need be, the graph of y = f (x )

STEP 2

Reflect the graph of y = f (x ) in the line y = x

Remember it is a sketch, but the graphs together should look like reflections

Consider points where the reflected graph will intersect the x and y axes

e.g. The point (4, 0) will be reflected to the point (0, 4)

Page 12 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

Consider any asymptotes on the graph of y = f (x ) - these will also be need reflecting

e.g. The asymptote (line) x = − 2 will be reflected to the line y = − 2 Your notes

Consider any restrictions on the domain and range of f (x )

e.g. If the domain is x > 0 only sketch the graph for positive values of x
STEP 3

Label key points on the sketch of y = f −1 (x ) and state the equations of any asymptotes

This process works the other way round - the graph of y = f (x ) can be sketched from the graph of
y = f −1 (x )

Examiner Tips and Tricks

If not given, sketch the graphs of y = f (x ) and y = x to help sketch the graph of the inverse,
y = f −1 (x )
If the graph of y = f (x ) is given you do not need to know the expression for f (x ) to sketch
y = f −1 (x )
Just reflect whatever is given in the line y = x

Worked Example
4
The diagram below shows the graph of y = f (x ) , where f (x ) = 4 − , x >0.
x

Page 13 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

Your notes

a)On a copy of the diagram, sketch the graph of y = f −1 (x ) . Label the point where the graph
crosses the y -axis and write down the equation of the asymptote.

The graph of an inverse function is the reflection of the graph of that function in the line y = x .

Draw the line y = x to help sketch the inverse function.

The x -axis intercept (1, 0) becomes the y -axis intercept, (0, 1) .

The (horizontal) asymptote y = 4 will. become the (vertical) asymptote x = 4 .

Page 14 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

Your notes

b) Use your sketch, or otherwise, to write down the value of x such that f (x ) = f −1 (x ) .

This will be the point at which the two graphs meet.

The point will be on the line y = x so there is no need to work out f −1 (x ) .

By sketching the graph in part (a) this point (with coordinates (2, 2) ) should have already been
considered. Only the x value is required.

x =2

Page 15 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

The x value could also be found by solving f (x ) = x .

Your notes

Page 16 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

Composite Functions
Your notes
Composite Functions
What is a composite function?
A composite function is where one function is applied after another function

The ‘output’ of one function will be the ‘input’ of the next one
Sometimes called function-of-a-function
A composite function can be denoted

fg(x )
f (g(x ))
All of these mean “f of g(x ) ”

Page 17 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

How do I work with composite functions? Your notes

Recognise the notation

fg x
( ) means “f of g of x”

The order matters

First apply g to x to get g(x )

Then apply f to g(x ) to get f (g(x ))

Always start with the function closest to the variable

fg(x ) is not usually equal to gf(x )

Special cases
fg(x ) and gf(x ) are generally different but can sometimes be the same
ff(x ) is written as f 2 (x )
Note that trig functions are exceptions to this rule

e.g. sin2 (x ) means (sin(x ) ) 2 not sin(sin(x ) )

For inverse functions, ff−1 (x ) = f −1 f (x ) = x

Page 18 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

Your notes

Worked Example
Two functions, f (x ) and g(x ) are

f (x ) = x 2 + 3x − 2
g(x ) = x + 3
a) Find f (3) and g(3) .

f (3) = (3) 2 + 3(3) − 2

=9+6−2

g(3) = 3 + 3
f 3 = 13 , g 3 = 6
( ) ( )

b) Find, in terms of x , fg(x ) .

g is the first function to be applied ...

Page 19 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

∴ fg(x ) = f ⎡⎢⎣ x + 3 ⎤⎥⎦

= (x + 3) 2 + 3(x + 3) − 2 Your notes
= x 2 + 6x + 9 + 3x + 9 − 2

fg x = x 2 + 9 x + 16
( )

Domain & Range of Composite Functions

How do I find the domain and range of composite functions?
Use logic to determine the domain and range of a composite function

For fg(x ) the first function to be applied will be g

So, at best, the domain of fg(x ) will be the same as the domain of g(x )

However, for this to be the case, the range of g(x ) must be contained within the domain of f (x )

If this is not the case, then restrictions on the domain of fg(x ) will be required

Similarly, at best, the range of fg(x ) will be the same as the range of f (x )

But if the domain of f (x ) has been affected, the range of fg(x ) will also be affected

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Domain and range are important in composite funcitons like fg(x )

the ‘output’ (range) of g must be in the domain of f(x), so fg(x ) could exist, but gf(x ) may
not (or not for some values of x )

Worked Example
Two functions, f (x ) and g(x ) are defined as follows

1
f (x) = , 0 <x <1
x

Page 20 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
 Head to [Link] for more awesome resources

g(x ) = x 2, x > 1
a) Write down the range of f (x ) and the range of g(x ) . Your notes

1
As the domain of f (x ) is 0 < x < 1 , will always be greater than 1,
x
The range of f x is f > 1
( )

The square of any value will be positive or zero, but here, x = 0 is not included in the domain for
g(x ) .
The range of g x is g > 1
( )

b) Use your answers to (a) to help explain why fg(x ) does not exist.

g is the first function to be applied The range of g would need to be contained within the domain
of f But the range of g is g > 1 which is outside the domain of f which is 0 < x < 1 ∴ fg x ( )

does not exist

c) Find the range of gf(x ) ,

f is the first function. The range of f is f > 1 . This is the same as the domain of g (x > 1) .
The range of gf is gf > 1

Page 21 of 21
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers