Individual Research Project
Title:
Exploring Relations and Functions in Depth: Definitions, Representations, and Applications
🎯 Project Objectives:
By the end of this project, you should be able to:
• Understand and distinguish between relations and functions.
• Use mapping diagrams, tables, equations, and graphs to represent and analyze
functions.
• Evaluate, compose, and find inverses of functions.
• Analyze real-life situations using algebraic and graphical models.
• Explore various types of functions and their properties.
🧭 Project Guidelines & Research Sections
SECTION 1: Relations
1.1 Definition and Examples
• Define a relation in mathematics.
• Give 3 examples of relations (ordered pairs, mapping, arrow diagrams).
1.2 Mapping Diagrams
• Use mapping diagrams to represent each of your examples.
• Label inputs and outputs clearly.
1.3 Domain, Codomain, and Range
• Define domain, codomain, and range of a relation.
• Use your mapping diagrams to identify and label the domain, codomain, and range.
1.4 Types of Relations
• Research and describe the following types of relations with examples and diagrams:
• one to one relations
• one to many relations
• many to one relations
• many to many relations
SECTION 2: Functions
2.1 Definition and Examples
• Define a function.
• Give 3 examples of functions and 3 examples of relations that are not functions.
• Use mapping diagrams and tables to explain your examples.
2.2 Functional Notation
• Explain how functions are represented using symbols:
For example, f(x) = 2x + 1
• Show how to read and interpret this notation.
2.3 Evaluation of Functions
• Demonstrate how to evaluate functions for specific input values.
• Solve 2 real-life application questions involving function evaluation.
• Example: Cost = 5x + 10, where x is number of items.
• Interpret your results in context.
2.4 Types of Functions
• Define and give examples of:
• Linear
• Quadratic
• Polynomial
• Exponential
• Rational
• Piecewise
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2.5 Piecewise Functions
• Define a piecewise function.
• Show how to evaluate them for specific values.
• Include at least 2 examples.
2.6 Properties of Functions
• Define and give examples of:
• Surjective (onto)
• Injective (one-to-one)
• Bijective (one-to-one and onto)
2.7 Domain, Range, and Zeros of Functions
• Explain how to find:
• The domain of a function (values allowed for input).
• The range of a function (possible outputs).
• The zeros of a function (where f(x) = 0 ).
2.8 Inverse Functions
• Define the inverse of a function.
• Use diagrams and algebra to find the inverse of at least 3 different functions.
• Show how to verify if two functions are inverses.
2.9 Composite Functions
• Define composite functions: fog(x) = f(g(x))
• Give 2 examples with step-by-step evaluation.
• Explain the properties of composite functions.
SECTION 3: Representations of Functions
3.1 Tabular Representation
• Present at least two tables showing:
• Function values for given x-values.
• Differences in types (linear vs. quadratic).
3.2 Graphical Representation
• Use graph sheet or software (e.g. Desmos) to draw:
• Linear function and label its properties (slope, intercept).
• Quadratic function and label its vertex and axis of symmetry.
3.3 Function Graph Analysis
• Show how to obtain information from a function graph:
• Domain and range
• Intercepts
• Maxima and minima
• Increasing/decreasing intervals
3.4 Function or Not?
• Use the Vertical Line Test to determine whether a graph represents a function.
Determine if an equation represents a function or not
SECTION 4: Special Graphs and Applications
4.1 Linear Functions
• Explore the graph of a linear function f(x) = mx + c
• Identify:
• Slope (gradient)
• Intercept
• Real-life application (e.g. taxi fare, salary structure)
4.2 Area Under a Graph
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• Find the area enclosed under a straight-line graph on a given interval using geometry.
4.3 Modeling with Linear Equations
• Choose a real-life situation and model it with a linear function.
• Example: Mobile phone usage, electricity billing.
4.4 Quadratic Equations and Functions
• Use the completing of squares method and the quadratic formula to solve for roots of a
quadratic equation.
• Interpret roots graphically.
• Sketch two quadratic graphs( one minimum graph and one maximum graph) and label:
• Roots
• Vertex
• Axis of symmetry
SECTION 5: Polynomial and Rational Functions
5.1 Division of Polynomial Functions
• Divide a cubic function by a;
linear function using long division.
quadratic function using long division
5.2 Factor and Remainder Theorems
• State and use both theorems to:
• Test if a value is a root.
• Find the remainder when divided.
5.3 Zeros of Polynomial Functions
• Use factoring and synthetic division to find zeros.
5.4 Rational Functions and Partial Fractions
• Define a rational function.
• Break down rational expressions into partial fractions (consider the four types)
find the domain, range, and zeros of:
linear functions
Quadratic functions
Square root functions
Rational functions
Exponential functions
Logarithmic functions
5.5 solve at least 3 application problems involving functions
📝 Presentation and Submission Requirements:
• Submit as a typed report or neatly written manuscript.
• Include diagrams, graphs, tables, and worked examples.
• Add a reflection on:
• What you learned.
• How functions are important in everyday life.
• What was most challenging.