College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology

Name: ______________________________________ Course& Year: ______________

Module 1 : Functions
Course Title : Differential Calculus
Course Number : Math 111
Course Description : An introductory course covering the core concepts of limit,
continuity and differentiability of functions involving one or
more variables. This also includes the application of
differential calculations in solving on optimization, rate of
change, related rates, tangents and normal, and
approximations; partial differentiation and transcendental
curve tracing. .
Total Learning Time : 4 units (4 hours lecture per week)
Pre-requisites : N/A
(if there’s any)

Overview:

In this chapter, our attention will be confined almost entirely to the study of function
defined by equations. Such function occur often in mathematics and in physical
applications, and they furnish illuminating examples of the power of the tools to be
developed throughout the present course of study.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, the student should be able to:
1. Work with functions represented in a variety of ways: graphical, numerical,
analytical, or verbal. They should understand the connections among these
representations.
2. Understand the meaning of the derivative in terms of a rate of change and local linear
approximation and should be able to use derivatives to solve a variety of problems.
3. Calculate problems involving relationships between changing quantities, (e.g. related
rates problems)

Indicative Content:
This module discusses at least the following topics: Functions, graph of functions,
dependent and independent variables, Algebraic and Transcendental Functions, Single-
valued and many-valued Functions, notation of function, inverse function Implicit and
Explicit.

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 1

College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology
Name: ____________________________________ Date Submitted: __________
Course & Year: _____________________________ Rating: __________

Pre-Assessment:

Find the domain and range of the given functions.

1. y = -2x
2. y = x2 + 2x -2
3. y =x3 – 1
1
4. y = 𝑥2
5. y = √𝑥 + 2

Perform the indicated operations in each exercise.

1. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 5, find 𝑓(0), 𝑓(3), 𝑓(−5), 𝑓(−3𝑥) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓(𝑥 + 1)

2. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 9 + 𝑥 2 , find 𝑓(−2), 𝑓(2), 𝑓(−𝑦), 𝑓(4𝑦) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓(𝑦 + 1)
3. If 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑦 + cos 𝑦, find 𝑓(𝜋), 𝑓(0), 𝑓(2𝜋), 𝑓(−𝑦) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓(𝜋 + 𝑥)

For the given functions, sketch the graph of the curves and determine whether the
functions are even, odd or neither.

1. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 1
2. 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 5
3. 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 2

Discussion:

Functions

Variables and Constants

A quantity which may assume an unlimited number of values is called a variable.

A quantity whose value is unchanged is called a constant.
For example, in the equation of the circle,

x2 + y2 = a2

x and y are variables, but a is a constant. For as the point whose coordinates are x,
y, moves along the curve, the values of x and y are continually changing, while the value
of the radius a remains unchanged.
Constants are usually denoted by the first letters of the alphabet, a,b,c, α, β, γ, etc.
Variables are usually denoted by the last letters of the alphabet, x, y, z, ϕ, ψ

Definition of a Function

When one variable quantity so depends upon another that the value of the latter
determines that of the former, the former is said to be a function of the latter.
For example, the area of a square is a function of its side ; the volume of a sphere
is a function of its radius ; the sine, cosine, and tangent are functions of the angle ; the
expressions,

𝑥 2 , log(𝑥 2 + 1), √𝑥(𝑥 + 1),

are functions of x.

A quantity may be a function of two or more variables. For

example, the area of a rectangle is a function of two adjacent sides; either side of a right
triangle is a function of the two other sides; the volume of a rectangular parallelopiped is
a function of its three dimensions.
The expressions,

𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 , log(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ) 𝑎 𝑥+𝑦 ,

are functions of x and y.

The expressions,
𝑥+𝑦
𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦𝑧 + 𝑧𝑥, √ , log(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 − 𝑧)
𝑧
are functions of x, y, and z.

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 3

Graphs of Functions

In this section, we will discuss functions from a geometric or graphic

perspective. The graph of a function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)consists of all points,(𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥)), where
𝑥 is the directed distance from the 􀝕-axis and 􀝕(􀝕) is the directed distance from the
𝑥 -axis.

Odd and Even Functions

The function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is even if

𝑓(−𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥)
The function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is odd if
𝑓(−𝑥) = −𝑓(𝑥)

Dependent and Independent Variables.

If y is a function of x, as in the equations,

𝑦 = 𝑥 2 , y = tan 4 x, y = 𝑒𝑥 = 1

x is called the independent variable, and y the dependent variable. It is evident

that when y is a function of x, x may be also regarded as a function of y, and the positions
of dependent and independent variables reversed. Thus, from the preceding equations,
1
𝑥 = √𝑦, 𝑥 = 4 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 𝑦, 𝑥 = log 𝑒 (𝑦 − 1)

In equations involving more than two variables, as

𝑧 + 𝑥 − 𝑦 = 0, 𝑤 + 𝑤𝑧 + 𝑧𝑥 + 𝑦 = 0

one must be regarded as the dependent variable, and the others as independent variables.

Algebraic and Transcendental Functions.

An algebraic function is one that involves only a finite number of the operations
of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, involution and evolution with constant
exponents. All other functions are called transcendental functions. Included in this class
are exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric or circular, and inverse trigonometric,
functions.
Note. —The term "hyperbolic functions" is applied to certain forms of exponential
functions.
A more general definition of Algebraic Function is, a function whose relation to
the variable is expressed by an algebraic equation.

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 4

Single-valued and many-valued Functions.

In the equation,

𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥

For every value of x, there is one and only one value of y.

Expressing x in terms of y, we have

𝑥 = 1± √𝑦 + 1

Here each value of y determines two values of x. In the former case, y is a single-
valued function of x. In the latter case, x is a two-valued function of y. A n -valued
function of a variable x is a function that has n values corresponding to each value of x.
The inverse trigonometric function, tan-1 x, has an unlimited number of values for each
value of x.

Notation of Functions

The symbols F(x), f(x),𝜙(𝑥), ψ(𝑥) and the like, are used to denote functions of x.
Thus, instead of “y is a function of x," we may write

𝑦 = f(x) or 𝑦 = 𝜙(𝑥)

A functional symbol occurring more than once in the same problem or discussion is
understood to denote the same function or operation, although applied to different
quantities. Thus if,

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 5
Then

𝑓(𝑦) = 𝑦 2 + 5 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑎2 + 5

𝑓(𝑎 + 1) = (𝑎 + 1)2 + 5 = 𝑎2 + 2𝑎 + 6

𝑓(2) = 22 + 5 = 9, 𝑓(1) = 6
Inverse Function.

If y is a given function of x, represented by

𝑦 = 𝜙(𝑥)

And if from this relation we express x in terms of y, so that

𝑥 = 𝜓(𝑦)

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 5

Then each of the functions 𝜙 and 𝜓 is said to be the inverse of the other.

Explicit and Implicit Functions.

When one quantity is expressed directly in terms of another, the former is said to
be an explicit function of the latter. For example, y is an explicit function of x in the
equations,
𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 𝑦 = √𝑥 2 + 1

When the relation between y and x is given by an equation containing these

quantities, but not solved with reference to y, y is said to be an implicit function of x, as
in the equations,

2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑥 2 + 1 𝑦 + log 𝑦 = 𝑥

Sometimes, as in the first of these equations, we can solve the equation with
reference to y, and thus change the function from implicit to explicit. Thus, we find from
this equation,

𝑦 = −𝑥 ± √2𝑥 2 + 1

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 6

Exercises/Drills:

1. From the following equations, identify which define functional relationships

between the variables x and y.
a. 𝑥 + 𝑦 2 = 3 c. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 = 1
b. 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2 d. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 5

Solution:
To determine if an equation defines a functional relationship between its
variables, isolate the dependent variable on the left side and the independent variable on
the right side.
Considering y as the dependent variable and x as the independent variable, we
have,
For ( a),
𝑦 = ±√3 − 𝑥, this is not a function since there are two values of y for some
values of x.
For (b),
𝑦 = 2 − 𝑥, this is a function since there is only one value for y for every values of
x.
For (c),
𝑦 = 1 − 𝑥 2 , this is a function.
For (d),
𝑦 = ±√5 − 𝑥 2 , this is not a function.

Considering 􀝕 as the dependent variable and 􀝕 as the independent variable, we have,

For (a),
𝑥 = 3 − 𝑦 2 , this is a function.
For (b),
𝑥 = 2 − 𝑦, this is a function.
For (c),
𝑥 = ±√1 − 𝑦, this is not a function.
For (d),
𝑥 = ±√5 − 𝑦 2 , this is not a function.

1
2. Determine the domain and range for the function defined by 𝑦 = 𝑥−3.

Solution:
The domain is all real numbers x ≠ 3.
The function has a zero denominator when x = 3, thus, the domain is restricted to all
real numbers except x = 3. The range is all real numbers, y ≠ 0.

3. Determine the domain and range of the equation, 𝑦 = √𝑥 − 1

Solution:
The domain is all real numbers x ≥ 1.

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 7

 The equation𝑦 = √𝑥 − 1 defines y as a function of x. The function has negative
values inside the square root if x ≤ 1, thus, the domain of the function is all real
numbers greater than or equal to 1. The range of the function is never negative,
therefore the range is all real numbers y ≥ 0.

4. Graph the equation of the parabola 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 1.

Solution:
𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 1.
When, x = -2; y = 5
x = -1; y = 2
x = 0; y = 1
x=1y=2
x = 2; y = 5

5. Express the altitude of a right circular cone as a function of the volume with a
fixed radius of 3 inches. Graph the function.

Solution:

From the formula of the volume of a cone,

1
𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ
3
1
𝑉= 𝜋(3)2 ℎ
3
1
ℎ= 𝑉
3𝜋
1
Graphing the function ℎ = 3𝜋 𝑉
When,
V = 0; h = 0

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 8

 V = 1; h = 0.106
V = 2; h = 0.212

6. Determine whether the following functions are even, odd or neither.

a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 +2 c. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 1
b. 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 d. 𝑓(𝑥) = cos 𝑥
Solution:

a. The function is even since,

𝑓(−𝑥) = (−𝑥)2 + 2 = 𝑥 2 + 2 = 𝑓(𝑥)
b. The function is odd since,
𝑔(−𝑥) = (−𝑥)3 − (−𝑥) = −𝑥 3 + 𝑥 = −(𝑥 3 − 𝑥) = −𝑔(𝑥)
c. By substituting −𝑥 for 𝑥 , we have,
𝑓(−𝑥) = (−𝑥)3 − 1 = −𝑥 3 − 1 = −(𝑥 3 + 1)
Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 1 = −𝑓(𝑥) = −(𝑥 3 − 1)
𝑓(−𝑥) ≠ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑓(−𝑥) ≠ −𝑓(𝑥)
Therefore, the function is neither even nor odd.
d. The function is even since from trigonometry 𝑐𝑜𝑠(−𝑥) = cos 𝑥.

The following examples show how to evaluate functional notations.

7. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 7, find 𝑓(−2), 𝑓(0), 𝑓(4), 𝑓(−3𝑥) and 𝑓(2𝑦)

Solution:
For 𝑓(−2)
𝑓(−2) = (−2)2 + 3(−2) − 7 = −9
For 𝑓(0)
𝑓(0) = (0)2 + 3(0) − 7 = −7
For 𝑓(4)
𝑓(4) = (4)2 + 3(4) − 7 = 21
For 𝑓(3𝑥)
𝑓(−3𝑥) = (−3𝑥)2 + 3(−3𝑥) − 7 = 9𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 − 7
For 𝑓(2𝑦)
𝑓(2𝑦) = (2𝑦)2 + 3(2𝑦) − 7 = 4𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 − 7

The values, 𝑓(−2), 𝑓(0), 𝑓(4), 𝑓(−3𝑥) and 𝑓(2𝑦) are called functional values, and they
lie in the range of f. This means that the values, 𝑓(−2), 𝑓(0), 𝑓(4), 𝑓(−3𝑥) and
𝑓(2𝑦)are y-values and thus the points,

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 9

(−2, 𝑓(−2)), (0, 𝑓(0)), (4, 𝑓(4)), (−3𝑥, 𝑓(−3𝑥)) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (2𝑦, 𝑓(2𝑦)) lie on the graph of
𝑓.

𝜋
8. If 𝑔(𝑥) = sin 2𝑥 − cos 𝑥, 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝜋), 𝑔 ( 2 ) , 𝑔(𝜋 + 𝑥), 𝑔(−𝑥) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(0)

Solution:
For 𝑔(𝜋)
𝑔(𝜋) = sin 2𝜋 − cos 𝜋 = 0 − (−1) = 1
𝜋
For 𝑔 ( 2 )
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝑔 ( ) = sin 2 ( ) − cos ( ) = 0 − 0 = 0
2 2 2
For 𝑔(𝜋 + 𝑥)
𝑔(𝜋 + 𝑥) = sin 2(𝜋 + 𝑥) − cos(𝜋 + 𝑥)
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜋𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜋𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝑥 − cos 𝜋 cos 𝑥 − sin 𝜋 sin 𝑥
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜋𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜋𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝑥 − cos 𝜋 cos 𝑥 + sin 𝜋 sin 𝑥
= sin 2𝑥 + cos 𝑥
For 𝑔(−𝑥)
𝑔(−𝑥) = sin 2(−𝑥) − cos(−𝑥)
= −sin 2𝑥 + cos 𝑥
For 𝑔(0)
𝑔(0) = sin 2(0) − cos(0) = 0 − 1 = −1

9. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 5 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) = 5𝑥 − 1, find (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(2), (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥), (𝑔 ∘

𝑓)(𝑥), 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (𝑔 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)

Solution:
The composition of 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) is (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) =𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)). This is called as
function composition.
For (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(2)
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(2) = 𝑓(𝑔(2))
But, 𝑔(2) = 5(2) − 1 = 9, then
𝑓(𝑔(2)) = 𝑓(9) = 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 5
=2(9)2 − 9 + 5
= 158
For (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))
But, 𝑔(𝑥) = 5(𝑥) − 1 = 5𝑥 − 1, then
𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑓(5𝑥 − 1) = 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 5
= 2(5𝑥 − 1)2 − (5𝑥 − 1) + 5
= 2(25𝑥 2 − 10𝑥 + 1) − 5𝑥 + 1 + 5
= 50𝑥 2 − 20𝑥 + 2 − 5𝑥 + 1 + 5
= 50𝑥 2 − 25𝑥 + 8
For (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥)
(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥))

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 10

 But, 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 5, then
𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑔(2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 5) = 5𝑥 − 1
=5(2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 5) − 1
= 10𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 25 − 1
= 10𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 24
For (𝑔 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)
(𝑔 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑔(𝑥))
But, 𝑔(𝑥) = 5𝑥 − 1, then
𝑔(𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑔(5𝑥 − 1) = 5(5𝑥 − 1) − 1
= 25𝑥 − 5 − 1 = 25𝑥 − 6

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 11

College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology
Name: ____________________________________ Date Submitted: __________
Course & Year: _____________________________ Rating: __________

Evaluation:

Solve the following problems. Write your solutions on the space provided.

1. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 3, find 𝑓(0), 𝑓(2), 𝑓(−4), 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓(−2𝑥).

2. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 7 − 2𝑥 + 𝑥 2 , find 𝑓(0), 𝑓(3), 𝑓(−2), 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓(−𝑦).

3. If 𝑓(𝑦) = 𝑦(𝑦 − 3)2 , find 𝑓(𝑐), 𝑓(0), 𝑓(3), 𝑓(−1) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓(𝑥 + 3).

𝑏−𝑏 2 1
4. If 𝑓(𝑏) = , find 𝑓(0), 𝑓(1), 𝑓 (2) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓(tan 𝑥).
1+𝑏2

1
6. If 𝑔(𝑥) = 4𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 2, find 𝑔(2), 𝑔(1 − 2), 𝑔 (2) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(− 𝑥).

7. . If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1 ,

Find (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(3), (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥), (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥 2 ), (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (𝑓 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥)

8. Express the area of a triangle as a function of its altitude having a base of 4 units.
Graph the function.

9. Express the volume of a right circular cone with an altitude of 6 units as a

function of its radius. Graph the function.

10. Express the height of a right circular cylinder as a function of its volume having a
radius of 4 cm. Graph the function.

11. A parabola has an altitude of 4 units. Express the length of its base as a function
of its area. Graph the function.

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 12

Additional Reading:

DIFFERENTIAL AND INTEGRAL CALCULUS WITH EXAMPLES AND

APPLICATIONS BY GEORGE A. OSBORNE, S.B.

References:

C.E. Love and E.D. Rainville. (1981). Differential and Integral Calculus, Sixth Edition.
New York: The Macmillan Company.
H.J. Terano. (2015). A Simplified Text in Differential Calculus. Camarines Sur Plytechnic
Colleges
E.D. Rainville. (1958). Elementary Differential Equations, Second Edition. Collier
Macmillan Canada, Ltd., Toronto Ontario

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 13