Relations and Functions - (Revision Notes)

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📝 Relation & Function: JEE Mains Revision Notes

Relations and Types of Functions �
1. Cartesian Product and Relations
A. Cartesian Product (A × B)
The Cartesian product of two non-empty sets A and B is the set of all ordered
pairs (a, b) such that a ∈ A and b ∈ B.

If n(A) = p and n(B) = q, then the total number of ordered pairs in A × B is

n(A × B) = pq.

Example: If A = {1, 2} and B = {a, b}, then A × B = {(1, a), (1, b), (2, a), (2, b)}.

B. Relation (R)
A relation R from a non-empty set A to a non-empty set B is any subset of the
Cartesian product A × B.

The total number of relations from A to B is 2 n(A×B)

= 2
pq
.
Domain: The set of all first elements of the ordered pairs in R.
Range: The set of all second elements of the ordered pairs in R.

Example: If A = {1, 2, 3, 4} and R is a relation on A defined by

R = {(x, y) : y = 2x, x, y ∈ A}. Then R = {(1, 2), (2, 4)}.

Domain: {1, 2}
 Range: {2, 4}

2. Types of Relations on a Set A

A relation R on a non-empty set A (i.e., R ⊆ A × A) is defined as:

Type of Definition (For all JEE Trap/Note

Relation a,b,c∈A)
Reflexive (a, a) ∈ R All elements must be related to
themselves. Common Mistake:
Checking only one pair.
Symmetric If (a, b) ∈ R, then If the relation is empty, it is always
(b, a) ∈ R symmetric.
Transitive If (a, b) ∈ R and If there are no pairs (a, b) and (b, c)
(b, c) ∈ R, then simultaneously, the relation is
(a, c) ∈ R vacuously Transitive.
Equivalence R is Reflexive, Equivalence relations partition the set
Symmetric, AND into disjoint subsets (Equivalence
Transitive. Classes).

JEE-Style Example
Let L be the set of all lines in a plane and R be a relation on L defined by
R = {(L 1 , L 2 ) : L 1 is perpendicular to L 2 } . Check if R is Reflexive, Symmetric, or
Transitive.

Solution:

Reflexive: L cannot be perpendicular to itself, so (L

1 1, . NOT
L1 ) ∉ R

Reflexive.
Symmetric: If L 1 ⊥ L2 , then L 2 ⊥ L1 . So, if (L 1, L2 ) ∈ R , then (L 2, .
L1 ) ∈ R

Symmetric.
Transitive: If L 1 ⊥ L2 and L 2 ⊥ L3 , then L must be parallel to L . So,
1 3

. NOT Transitive.
(L 1 , L 3 ) ∉ R

3. Types of Functions (JEE Mains Concepts)

A function f : A → B is a relation where every element of set A (the Domain) is
associated with exactly one element of set B (the Co-domain).
A. One-one or Injective Function
Definition: Different elements in A have different images in B.

Test: If f (x 1) = f (x 2 ) ⟹ x1 = x2 .

Horizontal Line Test: Any horizontal line cuts the graph at most once.

B. Many-one Function
Definition: Two or more elements in A have the same image in B.

Test: f (x 1) = f (x 2 ) is possible even when x 1 ≠ x2 .

 Horizontal Line Test: A horizontal line cuts the graph more than once.

C. Onto or Surjective Function

Definition: Every element in the Co-domain (B) is the image of at least one
element in the Domain (A).

Test: Range = Co-domain. You must solve for x in terms of y and check if x is
valid for all y ∈ B.

D. Into Function
Definition: The Range is a proper subset of the Co-domain. There is at least
one element in B that is not the image of any element in A.

Test: Range ≠ Co-domain.

JEE Trap: Bijective Function

A function that is both One-one (Injective) AND Onto (Surjective) is called a
Bijective function. This is important because only Bijective functions have an
inverse.

Summary Points for Part 1

Relation is any subset of the Cartesian Product. Total relations is 2 n(A)n(B)
.
Equivalence Relation requires a check for all three properties: Reflexive,
Symmetric, Transitive.
One-one (Injective) means distinct inputs have distinct outputs.
Onto (Surjective) means Range = Co-domain.

4. Practice Questions (JEE Mains Level)

Q. No. Question Answer

Q1 (Basic) A relation R on the set Z Answer: Yes. (Reflexive:
(integers) is defined by x − x = 0, an integer;

R = {(x, y) : x − y is an integer} . Symmetric: If x − y is

Is R an Equivalence Relation? integer, y − x = −(x − y) is
integer; Transitive: If x − y
and y − z are integers,
x − z = (x − y) + (y − z) is

an integer).
Q2 (Moderate) Let f : R → R be defined by Answer: Yes, it is Bijective
− 3. Is f One-one and (Both One-one and Onto).
3
f (x) = x

Onto? (Monotonically increasing

functions like x are always
3

One-one. The range of

x − 3 is R, which equals
3

the co-domain, so it's Onto).

Q3 Let f : [0, ∞) → [0, ∞) be Answer: It is One-one but
(Tough/Tricky) defined by f (x) = . Check if f not Onto. (Range is [0, 1),
x

1+x

is One-one or Onto. which is a proper subset of

the co-domain [0, ∞)).
: Composite Functions, Inverse, and Domain/Range
�
1. Composition of Functions (g ∘ f )
The composite function (g ∘ f )(x) means applying f first, then applying g to the
result.

If f : A → B and g : B → C , then (g ∘ f ) : A → C .
Formula: (g ∘ f )(x) = g(f (x))
Condition: The Range of f must be a subset of the Domain of g.

Smart Trick: Properties of Composite Functions

1. Associativity: Composition is generally associative: h ∘ (g ∘ f ) = (h ∘ g) ∘ f .
2. Commutativity: Composition is generally NOT commutative: (g ∘ f ) ≠ (f ∘ g)
.
3. Invertibility: If f and g are both bijective, then (g ∘ f ) is also bijective.

JEE-Style Example
If f (x) = x and g(x) = 2x + 1, find (f ∘ g)(x) and (g ∘ f )(x).
2

Solution:
2 2
(f ∘ g)(x) = f (g(x)) = f (2x + 1) = (2x + 1) = 4x + 4x + 1

2 2 2
(g ∘ f )(x) = g(f (x)) = g(x ) = 2(x ) + 1 = 2x + 1

2. Inverse of a Function (f −1
)
The inverse function f −1
reverses the action of f .

Condition: An inverse f −1
exists if and only if the function f is Bijective
(One-one and Onto).
If f (x) = y, then f −1
(y) = x .
Property: (f ∘ f −1
)(x) = x and (f −1
∘ f )(x) = x .
Steps to find f −1
(x) :
1. Set y = f (x).
2. Swap x and y: x = f (y).
3. Solve the equation for y in terms of x. The resulting expression is f −1
.
(x)

Common Mistake: Notation

f
−1
(x) is the inverse function, NOT 1

f (x)
.

3. Domain and Range Determination

Finding the domain and range of a function is a high-frequency JEE Mains topic.

A. Domain (The set of all possible input values x):

Restrict x such that:

1. Denominator ≠ 0: The denominator of a fraction cannot be zero.

Example: For f (x) = 1

x−3
, Domain is x ≠ 3.
2. Square Root Argument ≥ 0: The term inside an even root (like √) must be
non-negative.
Example: For f (x) = √x − 2, Domain is x ≥ 2.
3. Logarithm Argument > 0: The argument of log must be positive.
Example: For f (x) = log(x + 5), Domain is x > −5.

B. Range (The set of all possible output values f (x) or y):

1. Method 1: Find Inverse: If f is bijective, finding the domain of f −1
gives the
range of f .
2. Method 2: Graphical/Quadratic: Use knowledge of standard function graphs
(e.g., e , sin x) or complete the square for quadratic expressions.
x

3. Method 3: Cross Multiplication: For functions like f (x) = , set y = f (x)ax+b

cx+d

and solve for x in terms of y. Check for values of y that make the denominator
of the x expression zero.

JEE Trap: Quadratic Functions

For a quadratic f (x) = ax 2
+ bx + c , the range starts or ends at the vertex y-
coordinate: or − .
2
4ac−b D

4a 4a
**Summary Points
Composite function (g ∘ f )(x) requires Range of f ⊆ Domain of g.
Inverse function f −1
exists IFF f is Bijective.
Determine Domain by avoiding zero denominators, negative square root
arguments, and non-positive log arguments.
Determine Range by analyzing the function's extreme values or finding the
domain of its inverse.

4. Practice Questions
Q. No. Question Answer
Q4 (Basic) If f (x) = , find
x−1

x+1
Answer: Domain is R − {−1}.
the domain of f (x). (Denominator x + 1 ≠ 0).
Q5 (Moderate) If f (x) = 2x + 3 and Answer: 48. (f (2) = 2(2) + 3 = 7.
g(x) = x − 1, find g(7) = 7 − 1 = 49 − 1 = 48).
2 2

the value of g(f (2)).

Q6 Find the range of Answer: [ , 3]. (Set y = f (x), solve for
1

(Tough/Tricky) f (x) = x as a quadratic in x, and use D ≥ 0 to

2

. x −x+1
2
x +x+1

find the valid range of y).

15 JEE Mains Practice Questions

📝 JEE Mains Practice: Relations and Functions (15

Questions)
1. Types of Relations (Counting)
Question 1 : Let A = {1, 2, 3}. A relation R on A is defined by
R = {(1, 1), (2, 2), (3, 3), (1, 2), (2, 1), (2, 3), (3, 2)}. Then R is:

A. Reflexive and Symmetric but not Transitive

B. Reflexive and Transitive but not Symmetric

C. An Equivalence Relation

D. Neither Symmetric nor Transitive

Answer: A. Reflexive and Symmetric but not Transitive

Detailed Rationale :

1. Reflexive: Since (1, 1), (2, 2), (3, 3) ∈ R, R is Reflexive.

2. Symmetric: For every (a, b) ∈ R, (b, a) ∈ R. E.g., (1, 2) ∈ R ⟹ (2, 1) ∈ R,
and (2, 3) ∈ R ⟹ (3, 2) ∈ R. Symmetric.
3. Transitive: Check for (1, 2) ∈ R and (2, 3) ∈ R. For transitivity, we require
(1, 3) ∈ R. Since (1, 3) ∉ R, the relation is NOT Transitive.

2: Types of Relations (Divisibility)

Question 2 : Let S = {1, 2, 3, 4} . A relation R on S is defined by
is divisible by 3}. Then, R is:
2 2
R = {(a, b) ∈ S × S : a − b

A. reflexive and symmetric

B. an Equivalence Relation

C. symmetric and transitive but not reflexive

D. only transitive

Answer: B. an Equivalence Relation

Detailed Rationale :

The relation R is defined by a 2

≡ b
2
.
(mod 3)

1. Reflexive: a 2
− a
2
= 0 . Since 0 is divisible by 3, (a, a) ∈ R. Reflexive.
2. Symmetric: If a 2
− b
2
is divisible by 3, then a 2
− b
2
= 3k . Then
b
2
− a
2
= −(a
2 2
− b ) = 3(−k) . Since −k is an integer, b 2
− a
2
is divisible by 3.
Symmetric.
3. Transitive: If a 2
− b
2
is divisible by 3 (i.e., a 2
≡ b
2
) and b 2
− c
2
is divisible by 3
(i.e., b 2
≡ c ), then by adding the congruences (or differences),
2

= (a − b ) + (b − c ) is also divisible by 3. Transitive.

2 2 2 2 2 2
a − c

Since R is Reflexive, Symmetric, and Transitive, it is an Equivalence Relation.

3. Types of Functions
Question 3: Let f : R → R be defined by f (x) = x 4
+ 2x
2
+ 1 . Then, f is:

A. one-one and onto

B. many-one and onto

C. one-one and into

D. many-one and into

Answer: D. many-one and into

Detailed Rationale:

1. One-one/Many-one (Injectivity): f (x) = (x 2

. Since
+ 1)
2

+ 1 = f (x), f (1) = 4 and f (−1) = 4.

4 2 4 2
f (−x) = (−x) + 2(−x) + 1 = x + 2x

Different inputs (1 and -1) give the same output, so it is many-one.

2. Onto/Into (Surjectivity): The co-domain is R. The range is determined by
f (x) = (x + 1) . Since x ≥ 0, x + 1 ≥ 1, so f (x) ≥ 1 = 1. The Range is
2 2 2 2 2

[1, ∞) . Since Range ≠ Co-domain (R), the function is into.

4. Domain of a Function
Question 4: The domain of the function f (x) = log 10
(√ x − 4 + √ 6 − x) is:

A. [4, 6]

B. (4, 6)

C. [4, ∞)

D. [6, ∞)

Answer: A. [4, 6]

Detailed Rationale:

1. Square Root 1: √x − 4 requires x − 4 ≥ 0 ⟹ x ≥ 4.

2. Square Root 2: √6 − x requires 6 − x ≥ 0 ⟹ x ≤ 6.
3. Logarithm Argument: The argument √x − 4 + √6 − x must be > 0.
The intersection of (1) and (2) is x ∈ [4, 6].
In this interval, both √x − 4 ≥ 0 and √6 − x ≥ 0. Their sum is zero only if
both are zero simultaneously, which is impossible (requires x = 4 and
x = 6).
At x = 4, the argument is 0 + √2 = √2 > 0.
At x = 6, the argument is √2 + 0 = √2 > 0.
argument is always positive on [4, 6], the domain is [4, 6].
5. Range of a Function (Rational)
2

Question 5: The range of the function f (x) = x +x+1

2
x −x+1
is:

A. [1/3, 3]

B. [1, 3]

C. [1/3, ∞)

D. [0, 3]

Answer: A. [1/3, 3]

Detailed Rationale:

1. Set y = f (x): y = .
2
x +x+1
2
x −x+1

2. Cross-Multiply and Rearrange: y(x 2

− x + 1) = x
2
.
+ x + 1

(y − 1)x
2
− (y + 1)x + (y − 1) = 0 .
3. Condition for Real x: For x to be real, the discriminant D of the quadratic
equation must be non-negative: D ≥ 0.
2
D = (−(y + 1)) − 4(y − 1)(y − 1) ≥ 0

2 2
(y + 1) − 4(y − 1) ≥ 0

2 2
y + 2y + 1 − 4(y − 2y + 1) ≥ 0

2 2
y + 2y + 1 − 4y + 8y − 4 ≥ 0

2 2
−3y + 10y − 3 ≥ 0 ⟹ 3y − 10y + 3 ≤ 0

4. Solve Quadratic Inequality: (3y − 1)(y − 3) ≤ 0. This inequality holds when y is

between the roots, which are 1/3 and 3.

The range is [1/3, 3].

6. Types of Functions (Piecewise)

Question 6: Let f : R → R be defined as f (x) = 2x + |x|. The function f (x) is:

A. one-one and onto

B. one-one but not onto

C. many-one and onto

D. many-one and into

Answer: A. one-one and onto

Detailed Rationale:

1. Piecewise Definition:
For x ≥ 0: f (x) = 2x + x = 3x. (Slope is 3)
For x < 0: f (x) = 2x − x = x. (Slope is 1)
2. Injectivity (One-one): Since the function is continuous and strictly increasing
over its entire domain (R) (slope 3 for x ≥ 0 and slope 1 for x < 0, both
positive), it is one-one.
3. Surjectivity (Onto): As x → ∞, f (x) → ∞. As x → −∞, f (x) → −∞. Since
the function is continuous, its Range is (−∞, ∞) = R, which equals the co-
domain. Thus, it is onto.

7. Composite Function Domain

Question 7: If f (x) = x 3
− 4 and g(x) = 3
1

√ x+4
, then the domain of (g ∘ f )(x) is:

A. [0, ∞)

B. R ∖ {0}

C. R

D. (−4, ∞)

Answer: B. R ∖ {0}

Detailed Rationale:

1. Find (g ∘ f )(x): (g ∘ f )(x) = g(f (x)) = g(x 3

− 4) .
2. Substitute into g(x): (g ∘ f )(x) = 3
√ (x 3 −4)+4
1
= 3
√x 3
1
=
1

x
.

3. Domain of the Result: The function 1

x
is defined for all real numbers except
where the denominator is zero.

Domain is x ≠ 0, or R ∖ {0}.

8. Inverse of a Linear Function

Question 8: Let f : R → R be a function defined by f (x) = 3x − 4. If g is the
inverse function of f , then g(x) is equal to:

A. 3x + 4

B. x−4

C. x+4

D. 1

3x−4

Answer: C. x+4

Detailed Rationale:

1. Set y = f (x): y = 3x − 4.
2. Swap x and y: x = 3y − 4.
3. Solve for y: x + 4 = 3y ⟹ y =
x+4

3
.
4. Inverse Function: g(x) = f −1
(x) =
x+4

3
.

9. Domain with Absolute Value

Question 9: The domain of f (x) = √4 − |x| is:

A. [4, ∞)

B. [−4, 4]

C. [−4, 0] ∪ [0, 4]

D. [0, 4]

Answer: B. [−4, 4]

Detailed Rationale:

1. Domain Condition: The argument of the square root must be non-negative:

4 − |x| ≥ 0.

2. Solve Inequality: |x| ≤ 4.

3. Absolute Value Rule: The inequality |x| ≤ a is equivalent to −a ≤ x ≤ a.
4. Final Domain: −4 ≤ x ≤ 4, or [−4, 4].

10. Composite Function Self-Inverse

Question 10: Let f (x) = αx

x+1
, x ≠ −1 . For what value of α is f (f (x)) = x?

A. −√2

B. −1

C. 1

D. 2

Answer: B. −1

Detailed Rationale:

1. Find f (f (x)):
2
αx α x
α( ) 2
αx x+1 x+1 α x
f (f (x)) = f ( ) = = =
αx αx+(x+1)
x + 1 ( ) + 1 (α + 1)x + 1
x+1
x+1

2. Set f (f (x)) = x:
2
α x
= x
(α + 1)x + 1

2
α x = x[(α + 1)x + 1]

2 2
α x = (α + 1)x + x

3. Condition for Identity: Since this must be true for all x in the domain, we
compare the coefficients of the polynomial in x:
Coefficient of x : α + 1 = 0
2
⟹ α = −1 .
Coefficient of x: α 2
= 1 .
4. Final Value: Both conditions are satisfied only when α = −1.

11. Range of a Function (Logarithmic)

Question 11: The range of the function f (x) = log e
2
(2x − x ) is:

A. (0, 1]

B. [1, ∞)

C. [−∞, 0]

D. [−1, 1]
Answer: C. [−∞, 0]

Detailed Rationale:

(See Question 11 Rationale above for the full derivation.)

The range of the argument g(x) = 2x − x is (0, 1]. Since f (x) = log
2
e
(g(x)) , the
range is (lim log (g), log (1)] = (−∞, 0].
g→0
+
e e

12. Inverse of an Exponential Function

Question 12: Let f be a function defined by f (x) = . Then f is:
x −x
e −e −1
: R → R (x)
2

A. log e
2
(x + √ x − 1)

B. log e
2
(x + √ x + 1)

C. 2 log e
(x + 1)

D. log e
(2x − 1)

Answer: B. log e
2
(x + √ x + 1)

Detailed Rationale:

(See Question 12 Rationale above for the full derivation.)

Solving y = for e yields e . Therefore,

x −x
e −e x x 2
= y + √y + 1
2

2
x = log e (y + √ y + 1) , and the inverse is f −1
(x) = log e (x + √ x + 1)
2
.

13. Counting Bijective Functions

Question 13: The number of bijective functions from set A to set B where n(A) = 4
and n(B) = 5 is:

A. 4!

B. 5!

C. 5 4

D. 0

Answer: D. 0

Detailed Rationale:
A function f : A → B is bijective if and only if n(A) = n(B). Since n(A) = 4 and
n(B) = 5, no bijective function can exist. The function cannot be onto (surjective)
because there are more elements in the co-domain (B) than in the domain (A).

14. Domain with Trigonometric Function

Question 14: The domain of the function f (x) = √sin x is:

A. [0, π]

B. ⋃ n∈Z
[2nπ, (2n + 1)π]

C. ⋃ n∈Z
[2nπ, (2n + 2)π]

D. (−∞, ∞)

Answer: B. ⋃ n∈Z
[2nπ, (2n + 1)π]

Detailed Rationale:

The domain requires the term under the square root to be non-negative: sin x ≥ 0.

Sine is non-negative in the first and second quadrants, which is the interval [0, π].
The general solution accounts for the periodicity of 2π by adding 2nπ, where n is
any integer (Z).

Thus, the domain is the union of all intervals: ⋃ n∈Z

.
[2nπ, (2n + 1)π]

15. Equivalence Relation (Congruence Modulo)

Question 15: Let R be a relation on the set Z of integers defined by xRy if and only
if x − y is divisible by 5. Then R is:

A. Reflexive and Symmetric but not Transitive

B. Symmetric and Transitive but not Reflexive

C. An Equivalence Relation

D. None of the above

Answer: C. An Equivalence Relation

Detailed Rationale:
The relation R is a congruence modulo 5 relation, which is a classic example of an
Equivalence Relation:

1. Reflexive: x − x = 0, which is divisible by 5.

2. Symmetric: If x − y is divisible by 5, then x − y = 5k. Thus,
y − x = −5k = 5(−k) , which is also divisible by 5.
3. Transitive: If x − y = 5k and y − z = 5k , then
1 2

x − z = (x − y) + (y − z) = 5k 1 + 5k 2 = 5(k 1 + k 2 ) , which is divisible by 5.

💡 Mixed Concept Questions (Relations & Functions)

1. Function & Quadratic Equations (Domain/Range)
Question 1: Find the domain of the function f (x) = log .
2
x −5x+6
e
( 2
)
x +4x+6

A. (−∞, 2) ∪ (3, ∞)

B. (−∞, ∞)

C. (−∞, −3) ∪ (−2, ∞)

D. (2, 3)

Answer: A. (−∞, 2) ∪ (3, ∞)

Detailed Rationale:

1. Function Concept: For f (x) to be defined, the argument of the logarithm

must be positive: .
2
x −5x+6
2
> 0
x +4x+6

2. Quadratic Equation Concept (Numerator): N (x) = x − 5x + 6. Roots are

2

x = 2 and x = 3. Since the coefficient of x is positive, N (x) > 0 when

2

x ∈ (−∞, 2) ∪ (3, ∞) .
3. Quadratic Equation Concept (Denominator): D(x) = x 2
. We check
+ 4x + 6

the discriminant D = b − 4ac = 4 − 4(1)(6) = 16 − 24 = −8. Since D < 0 and

2 2

the leading coefficient (1) is positive, D(x) is always positive for all x ∈ R.
4. Combining Conditions: Since D(x) is always positive, the inequality
N (x)
> 0
D(x)

depends entirely on the numerator: N (x) > 0.

5. Domain: x ∈ (−∞, 2) ∪ (3, ∞).

2. Inverse Function & Quadratic Equations (Domain)

Question 2: If the function f : [2, ∞) → B is defined by f (x) = x 2
− 4x + 5 and is
bijective, find the set B (the co-domain).

A. [1, ∞)

B. [5, ∞)

C. (1, ∞)

D. R

Answer: A. [1, ∞)

Detailed Rationale:

1. Function Concept (Bijective): For a function to be bijective, its co-domain

must be equal to its range.
2. Quadratic Equation Concept (Vertex/Range): The function is a quadratic:
f (x) = x − 4x + 5. We complete the square to find the vertex:
2

f (x) = (x
2
− 4x + 4) + 5 − 4 = (x − 2)
2
.
+ 1

3. Vertex: The vertex is at (h, k) = (2, 1).

4. Range Determination: The given domain is x ∈ [2, ∞).
The function's minimum value occurs at the start of the domain, x = 2,
where f (2) = (2 − 2) + 1 = 1.
2

As x → ∞, f (x) → ∞.
The Range is [1, ∞).
5. Co-domain B: Since f is bijective, B = Range = [1, ∞).

3. Function & Limits (Continuity/Piecewise)

Question 3: Let f : R → R be defined as:
sin(2x)
⎧ , x < 0
x

f (x) = ⎨ax + b, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1
⎩ 2
x −1
, x > 1
x−1

If f (x) is continuous for all x ∈ R, find the value of a + b.

A. 3

B. 1
C. 2

D. 0

Answer: C. 2

Detailed Rationale:

1. Function Concept (Continuity): For f (x) to be continuous, the limits must

match the function value at the transition points, x = 0 and x = 1.
2. Limit at x = 0 (Trigonometric Limit):

sin(2x) sin(2x)
lim f (x) = lim = lim ⋅ 2 = 1 ⋅ 2 = 2
x→0
−
x→0
−
x x→0
−
2x

f (0) = a(0) + b = b

For continuity at x = 0, b = 2.
3. Limit at x = 1 (Algebraic Limit):
2
x − 1 (x − 1)(x + 1)
lim f (x) = lim = lim = lim (x + 1) = 1 + 1 = 2
+ + + +
x→1 x→1 x − 1 x→1 x − 1 x→1

f (1) = a(1) + b = a + b

For continuity at x = 1, a + b = 2.

4. Domain & Trigonometry

Question 4: The domain of the function f (x) = 1

√ sin x+cos x
is:

A. ⋃ n∈Z
(2nπ −
π

4
, 2nπ +
3π

4
)

B. ⋃ n∈Z
(2nπ, (2n + 1)π)

C. ⋃ n∈Z
(2nπ +
π

4
, 2nπ +
5π

4
)

D. R ∖ {x : sin x + cos x = 0}

Answer: A. ⋃ n∈Z
(2nπ −
π

4
, 2nπ +
3π

4
)

Detailed Rationale:

1. Function Condition: For f (x) to be defined, the term under the square root
must be strictly positive (not zero, because of the denominator):
sin x + cos x > 0 .
 2. Trigonometric Identity: Convert the sum to a single trigonometric term:

1 1
sin x + cos x = √ 1 + 1 (
2 2
sin x + cos x)
√2 √2

π π π
= √ 2 (cos sin x + sin cos x) = √ 2 sin (x + )
4 4 4

3. Inequality: The condition becomes √2 sin (x + π

4
) > 0 , or sin (x + π

4
) > 0 .
4. Solving sin θ > 0: The sine function is positive in the interval (0, π).
π
2nπ < x + < 2nπ + π f or n ∈ Z
4

5. Solving for x: Subtract π

4
from all parts:
π π
2nπ − < x < 2nπ + π −
4 4

π 3π
2nπ − < x < 2nπ +
4 4

6. Domain: The domain is the union of these intervals:

⋃
n∈Z
(2nπ −
π

4
, 2nπ +
3π

4
) .

5. Function & Logarithms (Range)

Question 5 (Replacement): Find the range of the function f (x) = sin −1
(log 2 (
x

2
))

A. [− π

2
,
π

2
]

B. [− π

2
, 0]

C. [0, π

2
]

D. [− π

2
, π]

Answer: B. [− π

2
,
π

2
]

Detailed Rationale:

1. Inverse Trigonometric Function Concept: For sin −1

(t) to be defined, the
argument t must be in the interval [−1, 1].
x
−1 ≤ log 2 ( ) ≤ 1
2
 2. Logarithm Concept: Convert the logarithmic inequality to an exponential
inequality: 2 (…)

−1
x 1
1 x
2 ≤ ≤ 2 ⟹ ≤ ≤ 2
2 2 2

3. Domain (Optional but useful): Multiply by 2: 1 ≤ x ≤ 4. Domain is [1, 4].

4. Range Determination: We use the range of the outer function, sin −1
.
(t)

The input t = log 2

(
x

2
) covers the entire interval [−1, 1] on the domain [1, 4].
The minimum value of the range is sin −1
(−1) = −
π

2
.
The maximum value of the range is sin −1
(1) =
π

2
.
5. Range: The range of f (x) is [− π

2
,
π

2
] .

📈 Graph-Based Questions
1. Function Types from Graph (Injective/Surjective)
Question 1: The graph of a function f (x) is defined by the equation f (x) = x 3
− 3x

The domain and co-domain of f (x) are both R (all real numbers).

The function is:

A. One-one and Onto

B. Many-one and Into

C. One-one and Into

D. Many-one and Onto

Answer: D. Many-one and Onto

Detailed Rationale:

Injectivity (Horizontal Line Test): A horizontal line can intersect the cubic
curve y = x − 3x at three distinct points (for y values between −2 and 2).
3

Since one output corresponds to multiple inputs, it is Many-one.

Surjectivity (Range): Since it is an odd-degree polynomial, the curve extends
from y → −∞ to y → ∞. The Range is R, which equals the Co-domain. Thus,
it is Onto.

2. Inverse Function from Graph

Question 2: The graph of a function y = f (x) is the straight line defined by the
equation f (x) = 2x − 1.

Required Visualization: Sketch the graph of y = 2x − 1 and the line y = x.

Which of the following describes the graph that represents the inverse function
y = f
−1
?
(x)

A. The graph that is a reflection of y = f (x) across the x-axis.

B. The graph that is a reflection of y = f (x) across the y-axis.

C. The graph that is a reflection of y = f (x) across the line y = x.

D. The graph that is translated 1 unit down from y = f (x).

Answer: C. The graph that is a reflection of y = f (x) across the line y = x.

Detailed Rationale:
 The graph of an inverse function, f −1
, is always the mirror image of the
(x)

graph of f (x) reflected across the line y = x. This geometric transformation

corresponds exactly to swapping the x and y coordinates, which is the
algebraic definition of finding the inverse. (For f (x) = 2x − 1, the inverse is
f
−1
(x) = ).
x+1

3. Range from a Bounded Graph

Question 3: The figure represents the graph of the function f (x) = √9 − x for 2

x ∈ [−3, 3].

The range of the function f (x) is:

A. [−3, 3]

B. [0, 3]

C. [−3, 0]

D. (−∞, 3]

Answer: B. [0, 3]

Detailed Rationale:

Geometric Representation: The equation y = √9 − x is equivalent to

2

x + y = 9 with the condition y ≥ 0. This is the upper half of a circle centered

2 2

at the origin with a radius of 3.

Range (Vertical Extent): The graph's lowest y-value is 0 (at x = ±3), and its
highest y-value is 3 (at x = 0).
The range is the closed interval [0, 3].
4. Domain from Graph (Piecewise/Discontinuity)
2

Question 4: The graph of a function f (x) is defined by the equation f (x) = x −4

2
x +3x+2

(Hint: Since the numerator is x − 4 = (x − 2)(x + 2), the factor (x + 2) cancels,

2

indicating a hole at x = −2. The factor (x + 1) remains, indicating a vertical

asymptote at x = −1.)

The domain of f (x) is:

A. R ∖ {−1}

B. R ∖ {−2, 2}

C. R ∖ {−1, −2}

D. (−∞, −2) ∪ (−2, −1) ∪ (−1, ∞)

Answer: C. R ∖ {−1, −2} (or its interval form, D).

Detailed Rationale:

Domain Condition: The domain excludes points where the denominator is

zero. x 2
+ 3x + 2 = 0 ⟹ .
(x + 2)(x + 1) = 0

Exclusions: The points x = −2 (a hole) and x = −1 (a vertical asymptote)

both make the original function undefined.
Conclusion: The domain is R excluding these two points: R ∖ {−1, −2}.

5. Number of Solutions (Function and Line)

Question 5: The number of solutions to the system of equations is given by the
number of intersection points of their graphs.

|x| + |y| = 2

2
y = x

What is the total number of solutions to this system of equations?

A. 1

B. 2

C. 3

D. 4

Answer: B. 2

Detailed Rationale:

Graphical Intersection: The parabola y = x opens upward from the origin.

2

The diamond shape |x| + |y| = 2 confines the solution space.

The parabola intersects the top two sides of the diamond, which are defined by
the line y = 2 − |x|.
Algebraic Verification (First Quadrant, x ≥ 0): Substitute y = x into the line
2

x + y = 2 :
2
x + x − 2 = 0 ⟹ (x + 2)(x − 1) = 0

Since x ≥ 0, the only valid solution is x = 1. This gives the intersection point
(1, 1).
Symmetry: Due to the symmetry of the parabola (y = x is an even function)
2

and the diamond shape, a second intersection point exists at (−1, 1).
 The total number of solutions is 2.

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