Mathematics Project
Topic: Relation and Functions
Name: [Your Name]
Class: XI
Session: 2024–25
Subject: Mathematics
School Name: [Your School Name]
1. Definition of Set, Relation, and Function
A. Set
A set is a well-defined collection of objects or elements. The objects in a set are distinct and
are enclosed in curly brackets {}. Each object in the set is called an element or member.
Sets can be:
- Finite: Having a limited number of elements.
- Infinite: Having an unlimited number of elements.
- Empty (null) set: Contains no elements, denoted by φ or {}.
- Singleton set: Contains only one element.
Example:
A = {2, 4, 6, 8} → Set of even numbers less than 10
B. Relation
A relation is a connection between elements of two sets. If we have two sets, A and B, then a
relation R from A to B is a subset of the Cartesian product A × B.
Example:
Let A = {1, 2} and B = {3, 4}
Then A × B = {(1, 3), (1, 4), (2, 3), (2, 4)}
A relation R could be: R = {(1, 3), (2, 4)}
C. Function
A function is a special type of relation in which each element of the domain is paired with
exactly one element in the codomain.
Example:
f(x) = x²
Then for input values: f(2) = 4, f(3) = 9, f(−2) = 4
2. Properties and Operations of Sets, Relations, and Functions
A. Set Operations and Their Properties
- Union (A ∪ B): All elements from both sets, without repetition.
- Intersection (A ∩ B): Only common elements in both sets.
- Difference (A − B): Elements in A that are not in B.
- Complement (A′): All elements not in A with respect to a universal set U.
Example:
A = {1, 2, 3}, B = {2, 3, 4}
A ∪ B = {1, 2, 3, 4}
A ∩ B = {2, 3}
A − B = {1}
B. Properties of Relations
- Reflexive: Every element is related to itself.
- Symmetric: If (a, b) ∈ R, then (b, a) ∈ R.
- Transitive: If (a, b) ∈ R and (b, c) ∈ R, then (a, c) ∈ R.
- Equivalence Relation: A relation that is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive.
C. Properties of Functions
- One-One (Injective): Different inputs have different outputs.
- Onto (Surjective): Every element of codomain is mapped.
- Bijective: Function is both one-one and onto.
3. Types of Functions
1. Identity Function
Definition: f(x) = x
Every input maps to itself.
2. Constant Function
Definition: f(x) = c (where c is a constant)
All inputs give the same output.
3. Modulus Function
Definition: f(x) = |x|
Returns the absolute value of x.
4. Floor Function
Definition: f(x) = ⌊x⌋
Returns the greatest integer less than or equal to x.
5. Polynomial Function
Includes functions like f(x) = ax² + bx + c
6. Exponential Function
Definition: f(x) = a^x, a > 0
Used in population modeling, compound interest, etc.
4. Real-Life Applications of Functions and Relations
1. In Physics:
Equations like s = ut + ½at² show motion as a function of time.
2. In Economics and Business:
Cost, revenue, and profit are modeled using functions.
3. In Computer Science:
Hash functions, machine learning algorithms use functional logic.
4. In Biology and Medicine:
Population and virus spread modeled using exponential functions.
5. In Banking and Finance:
Compound interest and loan calculations use exponential functions.
5. Conclusion
Sets, relations, and functions are foundational concepts in mathematics. They are essential
tools in modeling, analysis, and problem-solving across various fields. Their applications in
real life—from science and finance to computing—make them indispensable in both
academics and practical life.
