BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

College of Engineering and Technology

Calculus 1 [CALC001]

Module 1: Functions

OVERVIEW

Often in practical applications the value of one quantity depends on

the value of another. A person’s salary may depend on the number of
machines used; the distance traveled by an object may depend on the
number of machines used; the resistance of an electrical cable of fixed length
depends on its diameter; and so forth. A relationship between such quantities
is often given by means of a function. In calculus, the quantities in the
relationship are real numbers.
This module serves as a review of the basic concepts of functions. This
particular topic is needed because they are fundamental in calculus and
serve as a unifying concept throughout the text.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Determine the domain and range of a function including piecewise
functions; and
2. Evaluate operations of functions
3. Represents real life situations using functions

LEARNING CONTENT:

Definition of a Function

A function can be thought of as a correspondence from a set X of real numbers x

to a set Y of real numbers y, where the number y is unique for a specific value of x.

Stating the concept of a function another

way, we intuitively consider the real number
y in set Y to be a function of the real number
x in the set X; if there is some rule by which a
unique value of y is assigned to a value of x.

MODULE 1: Functions
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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Engineering and Technology
Calculus 1 [CALC001]

“Working Definition” of Function

A function is an equation for which any x that can be plugged into the
equation will yield exactly one y out of the equation.

Function Notation
We normally write functions as: f(x) and read this as "function f of x".

We can use other letters for functions, like g(x) or y(x).

When we are solving real problems, we use meaningful letters like

• P(t) for power at time t,

• F(t) for force at time t,

• h(x) for height of an object, x horizontal units from a fixed point.

Domain and Range of a Function

The domain of a function is the set of numbers to which the function can be
applied, that is, the complete set of possible values of the independent
variable.

When finding the domain, remember:

• The denominator (bottom) of a fraction cannot be zero
• The number under a square root sign must be positive

The range of a function is the set of numbers that the function associates with
the numbers in the domain.

MODULE 1: Functions
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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Engineering and Technology
Calculus 1 [CALC001]

Here is the graph of 𝒚𝒚 = √𝒙𝒙 + 𝟒𝟒 :

The domain of this function is 𝑥𝑥 ≥ −4,

since x cannot be less than -4. To see
why, try out some numbers less than -
4 (like -5 or -10) and some more than
-4 like(-2 or 8) in your calculator. The
only ones that “work” and give us an
answer are the ones greater than or
equal to -4. This will make the number
under the square root positive.

How to find the domain

In general, we determine the domain of each function by looking for those

values of the independent variable (usually x) which we are allowed to use.
(Usually, we have to avoid 0 on the bottom of a fraction, or negative values
under the square root sign).

Range

The range of a function is the complete set of all possible resulting values of the
dependent variable (y, usually), after we have substituted the domain.

The range is the resulting y-values we get after the substituting all the possible
x-values.

How to find the range

• The range of a function is the possible y-values (minimum y-value to

maximum y-value)
• Substitute different x-values into the expression for y to see what is
happening. (Ask yourself: Is y always positive? Always negative? Or
maybe not equal to certain values?)
• Make sure you look for the minimum and maximum values of y.
• Draw a sketch if you cannot figure out the values of y.

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College of Engineering and Technology
Calculus 1 [CALC001]

Let us return to the example above, 𝒚𝒚 = √𝒙𝒙 + 𝟒𝟒.

We notice the curve is either on or

above the horizontal axis. No
matter what value of x we try, we
will always get a zero or positive
value of y. We say the range in this
case is 𝑦𝑦 ≥ 0.

The curve goes on forever

vertically, beyond what is shown
on the graph, so the range is all
non-negative values of y.

Here’s another graph that represents the curve y=sin x, which shows the range
to be between -1 and 1.

The domain of y=sin x is “all values of x”, since there are no restrictions on the
values for x. (Put any number into the “sin” function in your calculator. Any
number should work, and will give you a final answer between -1 and 1.

From observing the curve, we can see the range is y between -1 and 1. We
could write this as −1 ≤ 𝑦𝑦 ≤ 1.

MODULE 1: Functions
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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Engineering and Technology
Calculus 1 [CALC001]

Piecewise Function

A piecewise function is a function where

more than one formula is used to define
the output. Each formula has its own
domain, and the domain of the function
is the union of all of these smaller
domains. We notate the idea like this:

𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 1 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑥𝑥 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1

𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = �𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 2 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑥𝑥 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2
𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 3 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑥𝑥 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 3

Domain and range of piecewise functions

Example 1:

Determine the domain and range of f, and sketch its graph.

Let f be the function defined by

𝒙𝒙 − 𝟏𝟏 𝒊𝒊𝒊𝒊 𝒙𝒙 < 𝟑𝟑
𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) = � 𝟓𝟓 𝒊𝒊𝒊𝒊 𝒙𝒙 = 𝟑𝟑
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 + 𝟏𝟏 𝒊𝒊𝒊𝒊 𝟑𝟑 < 𝒙𝒙

The domain of f is (−∞, +∞). It

consists of the portion of the
line y=x-1 for which x<3, the
point (3,5), and the portion of
the line y=2x+2 for which 3<x.
The function values are either
numbers less than 2, the
number 5, or numbers
greater than 7. Therefore, the
range of f is the number 5
and those numbers in
(−∞, 2) ∪ (7, +∞).

MODULE 1: Functions
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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Engineering and Technology
Calculus 1 [CALC001]

Example 2

Determine the domain and range of g, and sketch its graph.

Let g be the function defined by

3𝑥𝑥 − 2 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑥𝑥 < 1

𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = � 2
𝑥𝑥 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 1 ≤ 𝑥𝑥

The domain of g is (−∞, ∞). The graph contains the portion of the line y=3x-2 for
which x<1 and the portion of the parabola 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 2 for which 1 ≤ 𝑥𝑥. The graph of
the said function is sketched below. The range is (−∞, +∞).

Example 3

Determine the domain and range of the function H and sketch its graph.

𝒙𝒙 + 𝟑𝟑 𝒊𝒊𝒊𝒊 𝒙𝒙 ≠ 𝟑𝟑
𝑯𝑯(𝒙𝒙) = �
𝟐𝟐 𝒊𝒊𝒊𝒊 𝒙𝒙 = 𝟑𝟑

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College of Engineering and Technology
Calculus 1 [CALC001]

Because H is defined for all x, its domain is (−∞, ∞). The graph of H is sketched
below. The range is the set of all numbers except 6, or in interval notation, that
is (−∞, 6) ∪ (6, +∞).

Finding the domain and range without graphing

It is always a lot easier to work out the domain and range when reading it off
the graph (but we must make sure we zoom in and out of the graph to make
see everything we need to see). However, we don't always have access to
graphing software, and sketching a graph usually requires knowing about
discontinuities and so on first anyway.

As mentioned earlier, the key things to check for are:

1. There are no negative values under a square root sign

2. There are no zero values in the denominator (bottom) of a fraction

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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Engineering and Technology
Calculus 1 [CALC001]

Illustrative examples:

1. Find the domain and range of 𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) = 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 + 𝟏𝟏.

If you are given a linear function, the domain will always be the set of all real
numbers.

The domain can be expressed in set notation as:

𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫: {𝒙𝒙|𝒙𝒙 ∈ ℝ}

In interval notation, the domain is:

(−∞, ∞)

The range of a linear function is always the set of real numbers.

Hence:

𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹: {𝒚𝒚|𝒚𝒚 ∈ ℝ} or (−∞, ∞)

𝟑𝟑
2. Find the domain and range of 𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) = 𝒙𝒙−𝟐𝟐.

To find the domain, you have to set the denominator not equal to 0.

𝒙𝒙 − 𝟐𝟐 ≠ 𝟎𝟎

𝒙𝒙 ≠ 𝟐𝟐

𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫: {𝒙𝒙|𝒙𝒙 ∈ ℝ, 𝒙𝒙 ≠ 𝟐𝟐 }

In interval notation, the domain is expressed as:

(−∞, 𝟐𝟐) ∪ (𝟐𝟐, ∞)

To find the range of a rational function, we find the domain of the inverse
function. First, change f(x) to y, then replace every x with y and every y with x.

𝟑𝟑
𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) =
𝒙𝒙 − 𝟐𝟐
𝟑𝟑
𝒚𝒚 =
𝒙𝒙 − 𝟐𝟐
𝟑𝟑
𝒙𝒙 =
𝒚𝒚 − 𝟐𝟐

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Calculus 1 [CALC001]

𝟑𝟑
(𝒚𝒚 − 𝟐𝟐)(𝒙𝒙) = (𝒚𝒚 − 𝟐𝟐)
𝒚𝒚 − 𝟐𝟐

𝒙𝒙𝒙𝒙 − 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 = 𝟑𝟑

Solve for the new y:

𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 3

𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 + 𝟑𝟑
𝒚𝒚 =
𝒙𝒙

The inverse function is:

𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 + 𝟑𝟑
𝑓𝑓 −1 𝑥𝑥 =
𝒙𝒙

The domain of the inverse function is:

𝒙𝒙 ≠ 𝟎𝟎

Hence, the range of the function is the set of all real numbers except 0.

𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹: {𝒚𝒚|𝒚𝒚 ∈ ℝ, 𝒚𝒚 ≠ 𝟎𝟎}

In interval notation, the range is:

(−∞, 𝟎𝟎) ∪ (𝟎𝟎, ∞)

𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑+𝟐𝟐
3. Find the domain and the range of 𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) = 𝒙𝒙+𝟓𝟓
.

To find the domain, set the denominator not equal to zero.

𝒙𝒙 + 𝟓𝟓 ≠ 𝟎𝟎

𝒙𝒙 ≠ −𝟓𝟓

To find the range of a rational function, we find the domain of the inverse
function. Change f(x) to y first, then replace every y with x and every x with y.

𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 + 𝟐𝟐
𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) =
𝒙𝒙 + 𝟓𝟓
𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 + 𝟐𝟐
𝒚𝒚 =
𝒙𝒙 + 𝟓𝟓

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Calculus 1 [CALC001]

𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 + 𝟐𝟐
𝒙𝒙 =
𝒚𝒚 + 𝟓𝟓

𝒙𝒙(𝒚𝒚 + 𝟓𝟓) = 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 + 𝟐𝟐

𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 5𝑥𝑥 = 3𝑦𝑦 + 2

𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 − 3𝑦𝑦 = 2 − 5𝑥𝑥

𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥 − 3) = 2 − 5𝑥𝑥

−5𝑥𝑥 + 2
𝑦𝑦 =
𝑥𝑥 − 3
−5𝑥𝑥 + 2
𝑓𝑓 −1 𝑥𝑥 =
𝑥𝑥 − 3

The domain of the inverse function is:

𝑥𝑥 − 3 ≠ 𝟎𝟎

𝒙𝒙 ≠ 𝟑𝟑

Hence, the range of the function is the set of all real numbers except 0.

𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹: {𝒚𝒚|𝒚𝒚 ∈ ℝ, 𝒚𝒚 ≠ 𝟑𝟑}

In interval notation, the range is:

(−∞, 𝟑𝟑) ∪ (𝟑𝟑, ∞)

𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒
4. Find the domain and range of 𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) = 𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐 −𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐−𝟑𝟑.

When looking for the domain of a rational function, you need to set the
denominator not equal to zero.

𝑥𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑥 − 3 ≠ 0

(𝑥𝑥 − 3)(𝑥𝑥 + 1) ≠ 0

𝑥𝑥 ≠ 3 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑥𝑥 ≠ −1

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College of Engineering and Technology
Calculus 1 [CALC001]

So, the domain can be expressed as:

𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫: {𝒙𝒙 | 𝒙𝒙 ∈ ℝ, 𝒙𝒙 ≠ −𝟏𝟏, 𝒙𝒙 ≠ 𝟑𝟑}

or

(−∞, −𝟏𝟏) ∪ (−𝟏𝟏, 𝟑𝟑) ∪ (𝟑𝟑, ∞)

In finding the range of the given rational function, let us use the concept of
horizontal asymptote.

Where n is the degree of the numerator; and m is the degree of the

denominator; and a refers to the coefficient of the numerator and b refers to
the coefficient of the denominator.

Change f(x) to y:

𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒
𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) =
𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐 − 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 − 𝟑𝟑
𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒
𝒚𝒚 =
𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐 − 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 − 𝟑𝟑

Since the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the numerator
(n<m where n=1 and m=2), hence, the horizontal asymptote is y=0. However,
since we are looking for the range of the rational function, the range must be
𝑦𝑦 ≠ 0.

𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅: {𝑦𝑦|𝑦𝑦 ≠ 0}

MODULE 1: Functions
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College of Engineering and Technology
Calculus 1 [CALC001]

5. Find the domain and range of 𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) = √𝒙𝒙 − 𝟑𝟑.

If the index of a radical function is odd, the domain is the set of all real numbers.
However, in radicals with even index numbers, you have to set the radicand
to greater than or equal to 0, (𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 ≥ 0). In this example, the index of the
radical function is 2, since it is a square root function.

So, we need to set 𝒙𝒙 − 𝟑𝟑 to greater than or equal to 0:

𝒙𝒙 − 𝟑𝟑 ≥ 0

𝒙𝒙 ≥ 3

To represent that in a number line, we put a shaded circle at 3 so it could be

greater than or equal to 3. Thus, we need to shade the number line to the right
going to positive infinity.

−∞ –10–9 –8 –7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ∞
𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫: {𝒙𝒙| 𝒙𝒙 ≥ 𝟑𝟑 }

To express that in interval notation, since 3 is included, we need to use a

bracket in this case. Note that: The use of a square bracket indicates that it is
part of the solution, while an open bracket (parenthesis) denotes that it’s not.

Thus:

𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝒊𝒊𝒏𝒏: [𝟑𝟑, ∞)

The range of a square root function is always:

𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹: {𝒚𝒚|𝒚𝒚 ≥ 𝟎𝟎}

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College of Engineering and Technology
Calculus 1 [CALC001]

6. Find the domain and range of √𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐 + 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 − 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐.

𝑥𝑥 2 + 3𝑥𝑥 − 28 ≥ 0

(𝑥𝑥 + 7)(𝑥𝑥 − 4) ≥ 0

𝑥𝑥 = −7 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑥𝑥 = 4

Interval 1 Interval 2 Interval 3

−∞ –10–9 –8 –7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ∞

Now, use the zeros to separate or partition the number line into intervals. The
zeros of the denominator are known as the critical numbers. In this case, the
two critical numbers divide the number line into three distinct intervals.

The next step is to pick or select a number in every interval and evaluate it
back into the denominator; to determine if it is a true or false statement. A true
statement means that an interval is part of the solution, otherwise, it is not.

Intervals Test points 𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐 + 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 − 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐 + 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 − 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 ≥ 𝟎𝟎

(−∞, −7) -8 (−8)2 + 3(−8) – 28 12 ≥ 0
= 64 − 24 − 28 = 12 TRUE
(−7, 4) 1 (1)2 + 3(1) − 28 = 1 + 3 − 28 = −24 −24 ≥ 0
FALSE
2
(4, ∞) 5 (5) + 3(5) − 28 = 25 + 15 − 28 12 ≥ 0
= 12 TRUE

The intervals that satisfy the statement 𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐 + 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 − 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 ≥ 𝟎𝟎 are (−∞, −𝟕𝟕) 𝒂𝒂𝒂𝒂𝒂𝒂 (𝟒𝟒, ∞).

The domain of the function expressed in interval notation is:

(−∞, −𝟕𝟕] ∪ [𝟒𝟒, ∞)

The range of a square root function is:

𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹: {𝒚𝒚|𝒚𝒚 ≥ 𝟎𝟎}

MODULE 1: Functions
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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Engineering and Technology
Calculus 1 [CALC001]

Operations on Functions and Types of Functions

New functions may be formed from given functions by adding, subtracting,

multiplying, and dividing function values. Accordingly, these new functions are
known as the sum, difference, product, and quotient of the original functions.

Definitions of the Sum, Difference, Product, and Quotient of Two Functions

Given the two functions f and g:
(i) Their sum, denoted by 𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔, is the functioned defined by
(𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔)(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) + 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)
(ii) Their difference, denoted by 𝑓𝑓 − 𝑔𝑔, is the functioned defined by
(𝑓𝑓 − 𝑔𝑔)(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) − 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)
(iii) Their product, denoted by 𝑓𝑓 ∙ 𝑔𝑔, is the function defined by
(𝑓𝑓 ∙ 𝑔𝑔)(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) ∙ 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)
(iv) Their quotient, denoted by 𝑓𝑓/𝑔𝑔, is the function defined by
(𝑓𝑓/𝑔𝑔)(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) / 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) where 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) ≠ 0

Example 1:

Given f (x) = 3x + 2 and g(x) = 4 – 5x, find the following:

a. (f + g)(x), b. (f – g)(x), c. (f ∙ g)(x), and d. (f / g)(x).

Solution:

a. (f + g)(x) = f (x) + g(x) b. f – g)(x) = f (x) – g(x)

= [3x + 2] – [4 – 5x]
= (3x + 2) + (4 – 5x)
= 3x + 2 – 4 + 5x
= 3x + 2 + 4 – 5x
= 3x + 5x + 2 – 4
= 3x – 5x + 2 + 4
= 8x-2
= –2x + 6

f (x)
d. (f / g)(x) = 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)
c. (f ∙g)(x) = [f (x)][g(x)]
𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 + 𝟐𝟐
= (3x + 2)(4 – 5x) =
𝟒𝟒 − 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓

= 12x + 8 – 15x2 – 10x

= −𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟐𝟐 + 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 + 𝟖𝟖 MODULE 1: Functions

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Definition of a Composite Function

Given the two functions f and g, the composite function, denoted by 𝑓𝑓 ∘ 𝑔𝑔
is defined by
(𝒇𝒇 ∘ 𝒈𝒈)(𝒙𝒙) = 𝒇𝒇(𝒈𝒈(𝒙𝒙))

and the domain of 𝑓𝑓 ∘ 𝑔𝑔 is the set of all numbers x in the domain of g such
that g(x) is in the domain of f.

Example 2:

Given

5
𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 2𝑥𝑥 + 1
𝑥𝑥 − 2

Compute (𝑓𝑓 ∘ 𝑔𝑔)(3) by two methods: a) Find g(3) and use that number to find
f(g(3)); b) (𝑓𝑓 ∘ 𝑔𝑔)(𝑥𝑥) and use that value to find (𝑓𝑓 ∘ 𝑔𝑔)(3).

First method Second method

𝑔𝑔(3) = 2(3) + 1 (𝑓𝑓 ∘ 𝑔𝑔)(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑓𝑓(𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥))

𝑔𝑔(3) = 7 = 𝑓𝑓(2𝑥𝑥 + 1)

Thus, 5
= (2𝑥𝑥+1)−2
𝑓𝑓�𝑔𝑔(3)� = 𝑓𝑓(7)
5
= 2𝑥𝑥−1
5
=
7−2 Therefore,
= 1 5
(𝑓𝑓 ∘ 𝑔𝑔)(3) = =1
2(3) − 1

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Calculus 1 [CALC001]

Functions as Mathematical Models

In applications of calculus, we need to express a real-world situation in terms

of a functional relationship, called mathematical model of the situation. This
section is designed to give you practice in obtaining functions as
mathematical model.

The most important part of obtaining the function is to read and understand
the problem. Once the problem is understood, and it is clear what is to be
found, there are three steps to determining the function.

Step1
Draw a diagram (if appropriate). Label all quantities, known and
unknown, that are relevant.

Step2
Write an equation representing the quantity to be expressed as a
function. This quantity will usually be represented in terms of two or more
variables.

Step3
Use any constraints specified in the problem to eliminate all but one
independent variable. A constraint defines a relationship between variables
in the problem. The procedure is not complete until only one independent
variable remains.

Example 1:

The sum of two numbers is 40. Express their product as a function of one of the
numbers.

Step I

In most number problems a diagram is not called for. We label the numbers
using the variables x and y.

Let x be the first number

y be the second number

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Step 2

We wish to express the product P as a function, so P = xy.

Step 3

Since 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 = 40, 𝑦𝑦 = 40 − 𝑥𝑥. We substitute into the equation involving P

obtained in step 2 and express using function notation.

𝑃𝑃(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥(40 − 𝑥𝑥)

𝑃𝑃(𝑥𝑥) = 40 − 𝑥𝑥 2

Example 2:

A farmer has 1500 feet of fencing in his barn. He wishes to enclose a

rectangular pen, subdivided into two regions by a section of fence down the
middle, parallel to one side of the rectangle. Express the area enclosed by the
pen as a function of its width x. What is the domain of the function?

Step I

We draw a simple diagram, labeling the dimensions of the rectangle.

Step 2

We express the area of the rectangle in terms of the variables x and y. Observe
that the area of the pen is determined by its outer dimensions only; the inner
section has no effect on the area.

𝐴𝐴 = 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥

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Step 3

We use the constraint of 1500 feet of fence to obtain a relationship between

x and y.

3𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦 = 1500

Next, we solve for y in terms of x.

2𝑦𝑦 = 1500 − 3𝑥𝑥

3
𝑦𝑦 = 750 − 𝑥𝑥
2

Finally, we substitute this expression for y into the area equation obtained in
step 2.

𝐴𝐴 = 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥

3
𝐴𝐴 = 𝑥𝑥 �750 − 𝑥𝑥�
2
3 2
𝐴𝐴(𝑥𝑥) = 750𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥
2

Mathematically, the domain of A(x) is the set of all real numbers. However, in
this problem, as with all geometry problems, negative dimensions are
unrealistic. Although x = 0 may appear to be unrealistic as well, we generally
allow a rectangle of zero width or length with the understanding that its area
is 0. Such a rectangle is called a degenerate rectangle. Since the perimeter is
fixed, y gets smaller as x gets larger so the largest value of x occurs when y = 0.

3𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦 = 1500

3𝑥𝑥 = 1500 (y=0)

𝑥𝑥 = 500

The function describing the area of the farmer's pen is

3 2
𝐴𝐴(𝑥𝑥) = 750𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 (0 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 500)
2

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Example 3:

A piece of wire 12 inches long is to be used to form a square and a circle.

Determine a function that expresses the combined area of both figures. What
is its domain?

Step 1

Let x be the side of the square and r the radius of the circle. We shall express
the are as a function of x.

Step 2

𝐴𝐴 = 𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 2

Step 3

Since the combined perimeter of the two figures must be 12 inches, we have

4𝑥𝑥 + 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 = 12

It follows that

2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 = 12 − 4𝑥𝑥

12 − 4𝑥𝑥 6 − 2𝑥𝑥
𝑟𝑟 = =
2𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋

Replacing r in terms of x in step 2 gives the area as a function of x.

6 − 2𝑥𝑥 2
𝐴𝐴(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝜋𝜋 � �
𝜋𝜋

2
(6 − 2𝑥𝑥)2
= 𝑥𝑥 +
𝜋𝜋

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If all the wire is used to form the circle, x=0. If all the wire is used for the square,
4x=12 and x=3. Our function is:

2
(6 − 2𝑥𝑥)2
𝐴𝐴(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 + (0 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 3)
𝜋𝜋

Example 4:

A cylindrical container with a circular base has a surface area of 64 𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝟐𝟐 . Express
its volume as a function of its radius.

Step 1

Step 2

𝑉𝑉 = 𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 2 ℎ

Step 3

The surface area of the cylinder is 64 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 2 . We solve for h in terms of r.

Note that the surface area of the cylinder is: 𝑺𝑺 = 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 + 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝒓𝒓𝟐𝟐

Since S = 64 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 2 .

2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ + 2𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 2 = 64

2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 64 − 2𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 2

64 − 2𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 2
ℎ=
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
32 − 𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 2
ℎ=
𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋

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Substituting into the result of step 2, we get

32 − 𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 2
𝑉𝑉(𝑟𝑟) = 𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 2 � �
𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋

= 𝑟𝑟(32 − 𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 2 )

𝑉𝑉(𝑟𝑟) = 32𝑟𝑟 − 𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 3

Example 5:

A machine can produce 12 clay figures per hour. It costs $750 to set up the
machine and $6 per hour to run the machine. Each clay figure requires $2 of
material (clay) to pro­ duce. If each clay figure will sell for $10, express the
revenue, cost and profit in producing x clay figures as a function of time.
Note that: Revenue is the amount of money taken in by a company when selling a product, cost is the
money paid out by the company for wages, material, rent, and so forth, and profit is the difference
between revenue and cost. Negative profit indicates a loss.

Step 1

Let x represent the number of clay figures produced and let t represent the
number of hours needed to produce them. Let R,C, and P represent the
revenue, cost, and profit, respectively.

Step 2

Since each figure sells for $10,

R=10x

The cost consists of three parts. Fixed cost is $750, the cost of running the
machine for t hours is 6t dollars, and the cost of material to produce x figures is
2x dollars. Thus

C=750 + 6t +2x

Since Profit= Revenue – Cost

P=R–C

=10x – (750 +6t + 2x)

P=8x – 6t -750

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Step 3

Since 12 clay figures are produced per hour, x =12t. Substituting into the
results of step 2,

R=10x=10(12t)

R(t)=120 t

C=750 + 6t +2x

=750+ 6t +2(12t)

=750 + 6t +24 t

C(t) = 750 +30t

Hence:

P=8x - 6t – 750

=8(12t) -6t – 750

=96t -6t -750

P(t)= 90t - 750

References:

1. Leithold, Louis. The calculus 7. New York: Harper Collins College

Publishing, c1996.
2. Eugene, D & Benay, D. How To Solve Word Problems in Calculus.
McGraw Hill, c2001.

Prepared by: Engr. Axel M. Gayondato, LPT

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Calculus 1 [CALC001]

PART 2: SUPPLEMENTARY RESOURCES

 You may want to visit the following YouTube videos to supplement your
learnings:

YouTube Video Title YouTube Video URL

How To Find The Domain of a https://www.youtube.com/watc
Function - Radicals, Fractions & h?v=djT6-YamHaA&t=304s
Square Roots - Interval Notation
How to Find the Domain of Any https://www.youtube.com/watc
Function (NancyPi) h?v=GQGFMUfr10M
https://www.youtube.com/watc
How to find the range of a function
h?v=Si2vmzUWfJE
Domain and Range of a Function https://www.youtube.com/watc
from a Graph h?v=KirGQOwjBVI
https://www.youtube.com/watc
Graphing Piecewise Functions
h?v=Uzw9tsGq2Pw

You may want to visit this site: shorturl.at/fpLZ2

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/ivytech-collegealgebra/chapter/find-the-domain-of-a-function-
defined-by-an-equation/

TRY THIS!

Solve it on your own and check whether you got the correct answers.

MODULE 1: Functions
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Calculus 1 [CALC001]

Answer keys:

MODULE 1: Functions
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Calculus 1 [CALC001]

Part 2 Piecewise Functions

Sketch the graph of each piecewise function.

Answer keys:

MODULE 1: Functions
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Calculus 1 [CALC001]

Part 3 Operations of Functions

Answer keys:

1. -7
2. -59
3. -6
4. 11/2
5. -16
6. 135

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Calculus 1 [CALC001]

Practice Problems:

Try answering these problems.

1. The difference of two numbers is 15. Express their product as a function

of the smaller number, x.
2. Caren wants to fence in a rectangular garden and subdivide it into three
regions by using two additional sections of fence parallel to one side x,
of the rectangle. The total enclosed area is to be 1000 ft2. Express the
total length of fencing as a function of x.
3. An open box has a square base. If its surface area is 200 cm2, express its
volume as a function of its base dimension x.
4. If 500 apple trees are planted in an orchard, each tree will produce 800
apples. For each additional tree planted, the number of apples
produced per tree diminishes by 20. Find a function that represents the
total number of apples produced in the orchard.
Answer Keys:

1.

2.

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Calculus 1 [CALC001]

3.

4.

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