SCH 2100: Calculus I
First-Class Notes – Functions
Introduction to Functions
A function is a rule that assigns to each element in a set called the domain exactly one
element in another set called the codomain. Functions describe relationships where each
input has a unique output. Notation: f(x) = y. Here, x is the independent variable (input),
and y is the dependent variable (output).
Domain and Range
- Domain: the set of all permissible input values (x-values) of a function. - Range: the set of
possible output values (y-values). Example: For f(x) = √x, the domain is x ≥ 0, range is y ≥
0.
Types of Functions
1. **Linear Functions**: f(x) = mx + c (straight line, slope m, intercept c). 2. **Quadratic
Functions**: f(x) = ax² + bx + c, parabola shape. 3. **Polynomial Functions**: f(x) = a■ +
a■x + a■x² + … + anx■. 4. **Rational Functions**: f(x) = P(x)/Q(x), Q(x) ≠ 0. 5.
**Exponential Functions**: f(x) = a■, a > 0, a ≠ 1. 6. **Logarithmic Functions**: f(x) =
log■(x), domain x > 0. 7. **Trigonometric Functions**: sin(x), cos(x), tan(x) etc. 8.
**Absolute Value Functions**: f(x) = |x|, always non-negative. 9. **Piecewise Functions**:
defined by different formulas for different intervals.
Composition of Functions
If f and g are functions, then (f■g)(x) = f(g(x)). Example: f(x) = 2x + 3, g(x) = x². Then
(f■g)(x) = 2x² + 3.
Inverse of a Function
If f maps x → y, then f■¹ maps y → x. Example: f(x) = 2x + 3. Solve y = 2x + 3 → x = (y -
3)/2. So, f■¹(y) = (y - 3)/2.
Graphs of Functions
Graphing helps visualize domain, range, intercepts, asymptotes, and behavior at infinity. -
Linear: straight line - Quadratic: parabola - Rational: may have vertical/horizontal
asymptotes - Exponential: grows rapidly for large x - Logarithmic: increases slowly
Worked Examples
1. Find domain of f(x) = 1/(x-2). Solution: Denominator ≠ 0, so domain: x ≠ 2. 2. Find range
of f(x) = x². Solution: Output is always ≥ 0, so range = [0, ∞). 3. If f(x) = 2x + 5 and g(x) =
x², find (f■g)(x). Solution: f(g(x)) = f(x²) = 2x² + 5.
Exercises (Practice)
1. Find the domain and range of f(x) = √(x-4). 2. Sketch the graph of f(x) = |x-2|. 3. If f(x) =
3x - 1, find f■¹(x). 4. Determine the asymptotes of f(x) = (x² - 1)/(x-1). 5. Find (f■g)(x) for
f(x) = x+1, g(x) = √x.