EXPERIMENT 2: FUNCTIONS
1. INTRODUCTION
A function is one of the most fundamental concepts in mathematics. It describes a special
relationship between two sets, where every element of the first set (called the domain) is associated
with exactly one element of the second set (called the codomain). Functions are widely used in
mathematics, science, and everyday life to express relations such as distance-time,
cost-production, and temperature-time.
2. DEFINITIONS (BASIC CONCEPTS)
• Function: A relation f from set A to set B is called a function if every element of A is associated
with exactly one element of B. It is denoted as f : A → B.
• Domain: The set of all possible inputs (x-values) of a function.
• Codomain: The set that contains all possible outputs (y-values).
• Range: The set of actual outputs (f(x)) produced by the function.
• Notation: If f(x) = 2x + 3, then f(2) = 2(2) + 3 = 7.
3. TYPES OF FUNCTIONS
1. One-to-One Function (Injective): Each element of the range corresponds to only one element of
the domain.
2. Onto Function (Surjective): Every element of the codomain has a pre-image in the domain.
3. One-to-One and Onto Function (Bijective): Both injective and surjective.
4. Constant Function: The function always gives the same output for any input. Example: f(x) = 5.
5. Identity Function: The output is equal to the input. Example: f(x) = x.
6. Polynomial Function: Example: f(x) = x² + 2x + 1.
7. Even Function: f(-x) = f(x). Example: f(x) = x².
8. Odd Function: f(-x) = -f(x). Example: f(x) = x³.
4. EXAMPLES (EXPLORATION / ACTIVITY QUESTIONS)
Very Short Answer Type (1 mark each):
1. Define the term domain of a function.
2. Find the value of f(3) if f(x) = 2x + 1.
3. State whether f(x) = x² is an even or odd function.
Short Answer Type (2–3 marks each):
1. Determine whether the function f(x) = 3x + 2 is one-to-one.
2. Find the domain and range of f(x) = 1 / (x - 2).
3. Verify whether f(x) = x³ is an odd function.
Long Answer Type (5 marks each):
1. Explain with an example the difference between one-to-one and onto functions.
2. Let f(x) = 2x + 3 and g(x) = x². Find (g ■ f)(x) and (f ■ g)(x).
3. If f(x) = x² - 4x + 3, find the vertex and sketch the graph of the function.
5. GRAPH BASED QUESTIONS
1. Draw the graph of f(x) = x² and identify whether it is even or odd.
2. Plot the graph of f(x) = |x| and describe its key features.
3. Draw the graphs of f(x) = x and f(x) = 2x + 1 on the same axes and compare their slopes.
6. OBSERVATION AND ANALYSIS
• The graph of a linear function f(x) = mx + c is always a straight line, where m represents the slope.
• The graph of a quadratic function f(x) = ax² + bx + c is a parabola.
• Even functions are symmetric about the y-axis.
• Odd functions are symmetric about the origin.
• The domain and range play a key role in understanding how functions behave.
7. CONCLUSION
Functions are essential in mathematics as they describe relationships between varying quantities.
By studying different types of functions and their graphs, we can understand patterns, predict
behaviors, and model real-world situations effectively. Understanding functions lays the foundation
for advanced topics like calculus, algebra, and data analysis.