Pure Maths 1

1.2 Functions

Subject: Mathematics
Syllabus Code: 9709
Level: AS Level
Component: Pure Mathematics 1
Topic: 1.2 Functions
Difficulty: Medium
Questions
1. A function f is defined by x2 − 2x + 5 for x ∈ R. A sequence of transformations is applied in the
following order to the graph of y = f (x) to give the graph of y = g(x).
1
Stretch parallel to the x-axis with scale factor
2
Reflection in the y-axis
Stretch parallel to the y-axis with scale factor 3
Find g(x), giving your answer in the form ax2 +bx+c, where a, b and c are constants. (9709/12/F/M/23
number 2)
2x
2. The function f is defined by f (x) = 3x−1
for x > 13 . (9709/13/O/N/20 number 6)

(a) Find an expression for f −1 (x).

2 2 2x
(b) Show that 3
+ 3(3x−1)
can be expressed as 3x−1
.
(c) State the range of f .

3. The function f is defined by f (x) = 2(x + 3)2 − 7 for x ≤ 4. (9709/12/F/M/20 number 9b-d)

(a) Find an expression for f −1 (x) and state the domain of f −1 .

The function g is defined by g(x) = 2x − 3 for x ≤ k.
(b) For the case where k = −1, solve the equation f g(x) = 193
(c) State the largest value of k possible for the composition f g to be defined.
x+3
4. The function f is defined as f (x) = x−1
for x > 1. (9709/12/O/N/21 number 3)

(a) Find the value of f f (5).

(b) Find an expression for f −1 (x).

5. The graph of y = f (x) is transformed to graph of y = f (2x) − 3. (9709/12/O/N/21 number 2)

(a) Describe fully the two single transformations that have been combined to give the resulting
transformation.
The point P (5, 6) lies on the transformed curve y = f (2x) − 3.
(b) State the coordinates of the corresponding point on the original curve y = f (x).

6. Functions f and g are both defined for x ∈ R and are given by

f (x) = x2 − 2x + 5

g(x) = x2 + 4x + 13
(9709/13/M/J/21 number 6)

(a) By first expressing each of f (x) and g(x) in completed square form, express g(x) in the form
f (x + p) + q, where p and q are constants.
(b) Describe fully the transformation which transforms the graph of y = f (x) to the graph of
y = g(x).

1
7. In each of parts (a), (b) and (c), the graph shown with solid lines has equation y = f (x). The
graph shown with broken lines is a transformation of y = f (x). (9709/13/M/J/20 number 3)

(a) asdf
3 y

2 y = f (x)

x
−3 −2 −1 1 2 3

State, in terms of f , the equation of the graph shown with broken lines.
(b) asdf
6 y
5
4
3
2 y = f (x)

1
x
1 2 3

State, in terms of f , the equation of the graph shown with broken lines.
(c) asdf
3 y

2 y = f (x)

1
x
−3 −2 −1 1 2 3
−1

−2

State, in terms of f , the equation of the graph shown with broken lines.

2
8. asdf

6 y

2
y = f (x)
1

x
O
1 2 3 4 5 6

In the diagram, the graph of y = f (x) is shown with solid lines. The graph shown with broken lines
is a transformation of y = f (x). (9709/12/F/M/21 number 5)

(a) Describe fully the two single transformations of y = f (x) that have been combined to give the
resulting transformation.
(b) State in terms of y, f and x, the equation of the graph shown with broken lines

3
 9. The graph with equation y = f (x) is transformed to the graphwith equation y = g(x) by a stretch
0
in the x-direction with factor 0.5, followed by a translation of . (9709/12/O/N/22 number 5)
1
(a) The diagram below shows the graph of y = f (x). On the diagram sketch the graph of
y = g(x).
6 y

x
O
−10−9 −8 −7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

−1

−2

(b) Find an expression for g(x) in terms of f (x).

10. The one-one function f is defined by f (x) = −3(x−2)2 +14 for x ≤ k. (9709/11/O/N/21 number
8b-e)
(a) State the largest value of the constant k.
It is now given that k = −1.
(b) State the range of f .
(c) Find an expression for f −1 (x).
 
−3
The result of translating the graph of y = f (x) by is the graph of y = g(x).
1
(d) Express g(x) in the form px2 + qx + r, where p, q and r are constants.
11. The function f is defined for x ∈ R by
f (x) = a − 2x
where a is a constant. (9709/12/M/J/20 number 5)
(a) Express f f (x) and f −1 (x) in terms of a and x.
(b) Given that f f (x) = f −1 (x), find x in terms of a.
12. The graph of y = f (x) is transformed to the graph of y = 3 − f (x). Describe fully, in the correct
order, the two transformations that have been combined. (9709/13/O/N/21 number 1)

4
13. The functions f and g are defined by

f (x) = x2 − 4x + 3 for x > c, where c is a constant

1
g(x) = for x > −1
x+1
(9709/13/M/J/20 number 9)

(a) Express f (x) in the form (x − a)2 + b.

It is given that f is a one-one function.
(b) State the smallest possible value of c.
It is now given that c = 5.
(c) Find an expression for f −1 (x) and state the domain of f −1 .
(d) Find an expression for gf (x) and state the range of gf .

14. The graph of y = f (x) is transformed to the graph of y = 1 + f 21 x . Describe fully the two single

transformations which have been combined to give the resulting transformation. (9709/12/F/M/20
number 2)

5
Answers
1. A function f is defined by x2 − 2x + 5 for x ∈ R. A sequence of transformations is applied in the
following order to the graph of y = f (x) to give the graph of y = g(x).
1
Stretch parallel to the x-axis with scale factor
2
Reflection in the y-axis
Stretch parallel to the y-axis with scale factor 3
Find g(x), giving your answer in the form ax2 +bx+c, where a, b and c are constants. (9709/12/F/M/23
number 2)

1
A stretch parallel to the x-axis with scale factor 2
can be written as,

f (2x)

A reflection in the y-axis means we are multiplying x by −1,

f (−12x)

A stretch parallel to the y-axis with scale factor 3 can be written as,

3f (−2x)

Therefore, the final answer is,

g(x) = 3f (−2x)
2x
2. The function f is defined by f (x) = 3x−1
for x > 13 . (9709/13/O/N/20 number 6)

(a) Find an expression for f −1 (x).

2x
f (x) =
3x − 1

Substitute f (x) with y,

2x
y=
3x − 1

To find f −1 (x) we have to make x the subject of the formula. Start by multiplying
through by 3x − 1 to get rid of the denominator,

y(3x − 1) = 2x

Expand the brackets,

3xy − y = 2x

Put the terms containing x on one side,

3xy − 2x = y

6
 Factor out x on the left hand side,

x(3y − 2) = y

Divide both sides by 3y − 2 to make x the subject of the formula,

y
x=
3y − 2

This means that f −1 (x) is,

x
f −1 (x) =
3x − 2

Therefore, the final answer is,

x
f −1 (x) =
3x − 2
2 2 2x
(b) Show that 3
+ 3(3x−1)
can be expressed as 3x−1
.

2 2
+
3 3(3x − 1)

The common denominator of the two fractions is,

3(3x − 1)

Let’s combine the two fractions into one,

2(3x − 1) + 2
3(3x − 1)

Expand the bracket in the numerator,

6x − 2 + 2
3(3x − 1)

Simplify the numerator,

6x
3(3x − 1)

Divide 6 by 3,
2x
3x − 1

2 2
Therefore, we have proved that 3
+ 3(3x−1)
has been expressed as,

2x
3x − 1

7
 (c) State the range of f .
2 2 1
f (x) = + for x >
3 3(3x − 1) 3

Let’s start by sketching the graph of y = f (x),

y

2 y = f (x)
3

x
1
3

From the graph we can tell the range of f . Therefore, the final answer is,
2
y>
3
3. The function f is defined by f (x) = 2(x + 3)2 − 7 for x ≤ −4. (9709/12/F/M/20 number 9b-d)

(a) Find an expression for f −1 (x) and state the domain of f −1 .

f (x) = 2(x + 3)2 − 7

Start by substituting f (x) with y,

y = 2(x + 3)2 − 7

Add 7 to both sides,

y + 7 = 2(x + 3)2

Divide both sides by 2,

y+7
= (x + 3)2
2

Take the square root of both sides,

r
y+7
± =x+3
2

Subtract 3 from both sides, r

y+7
x = −3±
2

8
 Since the domain of f has a ≤ sign, we will take the negative sign,
r
y+7
x = −3−
2

The domain of f −1 is the range of f . Let’s find the range of f ,

From the diagram we can tell that the range of f is,

y ≥ −5

Therefore, the final answer is,

r
−1 x+7
f (x) = −3 − for x ≥ −5
2

The function g is defined by g(x) = 2x − 3 for x ≤ k.

(b) For the case where k = −1, solve the equation f g(x) = 193.

f (x) = 2(x + 3)2 − 7 g(x) = 2x − 3

Substitute x with g(x) in f (x),

f (x) = 2(x + 3)2 − 7

f (g(x)) = 2(2x − 3 + 3)2 − 7

Simplify,
f g(x) = 2(2x)2 − 7
f g(x) = 2 4x2 − 7

f g(x) = 8x2 − 7

Equate f g(x) to 193,

8x2 − 7 = 193

Put all the terms on one side,

8x2 − 7 − 193 = 0

Simplify,
8x2 − 200 = 0
x2 − 25 = 0

Solve the difference of two squares,

(x − 5)(x + 5) = 0

x = ±5

9
 Disregard x = 5 because the domains of f and g are x ≤ 4 and x ≤ −1, respectively,

x = −5

Therefore, the final answer is,

x=5
(c) State the largest value of k possible for the composition f g to be defined.

f (x) = 2(x + 3)2 − 7 for x ≤ −4 g(x) = 2x − 3 for x ≤ k

For f g to be defined, the domain of f should include the whole of the range of g.
Let’s find the range of g,
y < 2k − 3

The range of g should be less than equal to the domain of f ,

2k − 3 ≤ −4

Solve the inequality,

2k ≤ −1
1
k≤−
2

Therefore, the largest value of k is,

1
k=−
2
x+3
4. The function f is defined as f (x) = x−1
for x > 1. (9709/12/O/N/21 number 3)

(a) Find the value of f f (5).

x+3
f (x) =
x−1

Let’s start by finding f (5). Substitute x with 5 in f (x),

x+3
f (x) =
x−1
5+3
f (5) =
5−1

Simplify f (5),
f (5) = 2

Now that we have f (5) let’s find f f (5),

2+3
f f (5) =
2−1
f f (5) = 5

10
 Therefore, the final answer is,
f f (5) = 5
(b) Find an expression for f −1 (x).
x+3
f (x) =
x−1

Substitute f (x) with y,

x+3
y=
x−1

To find f −1 (x) we have to make x the subject of the formula. Start by multiplying
through by x − 1 to get rid of the denominator,

y(x − 1) = x + 3

Expand the brackets,

xy − y = x + 3

Put the terms containing x on one side,

xy − x = y + 3

Factor out x on the left hand side,

x(y − 1) = y + 3

Divide both sides by y − 1 to make x the subject of the formula,

y+3
x=
y−1

This means that f −1 (x) is,

x+3
f −1 (x) =
x−1

Therefore, the final answer is,

x+3
f −1 (x) =
x−1
5. The graph of y = f (x) is transformed to graph of y = f (2x) − 3. (9709/12/O/N/21 number 2)

(a) Describe fully the two single transformations that have been combined to give the resulting
transformation.
y = f (x) y = f (2x) − 3

The 2 represents a stretch in the x-direction by a stretch factor of 12 ,

y = f (2x)− 3

The −3 represents a translation in the y-direction by −3 units.

11
 Therefore, the final answer is,
Stretch in the x-direction by a stretch factor of 21 . Followed by a translation in the
y-direction by −3 units.
The point P (5, 6) lies on the transformed curve y = f (2x) − 3.
(b) State the coordinates of the corresponding point on the original curve y = f (x).

To get the coordinates on the original curve we have to reverse the transformations.
The x-coordinate is only affected by the stretch in the x-direction with a stretch
factor of 12 . To undo the stretch we have to multiply by the reciprocal, 2,

5×2

10

The y-coordinate is only affected by the stretch in the y-direction by −3 units. To

undo the translation we have to add 3 units,

6+3

Therefore, the final answer is,

(10, 9)

6. Functions f and g are both defined for x ∈ R and are given by

f (x) = x2 − 2x + 5

g(x) = x2 + 4x + 13
(9709/13/M/J/21 number 6)

(a) By first expressing each of f (x) and g(x) in completed square form, express g(x) in the form
f (x + p) + q, where p and q are constants.

f (x) = x2 − 2x + 5 g(x) = x2 + 4x + 13

Complete the square for f (x),

f (x) = (x − 1)2 − 1 + 5

f (x) = (x − 1)2 + 4

Complete the square for g(x),

g(x) = (x + 2)2 − 4 + 13

g(x) = (x + 2)2 + 9

Let’s compare the two functions,

f (x) = (x− 1)2 + 4 g(x) = (x + 2)2 + 9

12
 In the x-direction we have shifted from −1 to 2,

2 − (−1) = 3

p=3

In the y-direction we have shifted from 4 to 9,

9−4=5

q=5

Therefore, the final answer is,

g(x) = f (x + 3) + 5

(b) Describe fully the transformation which transforms the graph of y = f (x) to the graph of
y = g(x).
g(x) = f (x + 3) + 5

We have a translation in the x-direction by −3 units,

g(x) = f (x + 3) + 5

Followed by a translation in the y-direction by 5.

Therefore, the final answer is,

 
−3
Translation with a translation vector of
5

7. In each of parts (a), (b) and (c), the graph shown with solid lines has equation y = f (x). The
graph shown with broken lines is a transformation of y = f (x). (9709/13/M/J/20 number 3)

(a) asdf
6 y
5
4
3
2 y = f (x)

1
x
1 2 3

State, in terms of f , the equation of the graph shown with broken lines.

The graph has been reflected in the y-axis. This is written as,

y = f (−x)

13
 Therefore, the final answer is,
y = f (−x)
(b) asdf
6 y
5
4
3
2 y = f (x)

1
x
1 2 3

State, in terms of f , the equation of the graph shown with broken lines.

If you multiply the y-coordinates of the solid graph by 2 you get the broken graph.

This is a stretch in the y-direction by stretch factor 2,

y = 2f (x)

Therefore, the final answer is,

y = 2f (x)
(c) asdf
3 y

2 y = f (x)

1
x
−3 −2 −1 1 2 3
−1

−2

State, in terms of f , the equation of the graph shown with broken lines.

If you count the number of boxes of between the two graphs in the x-direction, you
get 4. Since one box equals one unit, this is a translation in the x-direction by −4
units.

14
 If you count the number of boxes of between the two graphs in the y-direction, you
get 3. Since one box equals one unit, this is a translation in the y-direction by −3
units,
3 y

2 y = f (x)

1
x
−3 −2 −1 1 2 3
−1

−2

This can be written as,

y = f (x + 4) − 3

Therefore, the final answer is,

y = f (x + 4) − 3

8. asdf

6 y

2
y = f (x)
1

x
O
1 2 3 4 5 6

In the diagram, the graph of y = f (x) is shown with solid lines. The graph shown with broken lines
is a transformation of y = f (x). (9709/12/F/M/21 number 5)

(a) Describe fully the two single transformations of y = f (x) that have been combined to give the
resulting transformation.

15
 The solid graph takes up 1 box in the y-direction and the broken graph takes up 3
boxes in the y-direction. This is a stretch in the y-direction by a stretch factor of
3. Let’s stretch the solid graph in the y-direction with stretch factor 3. Multiply its
y-coordinates by 3,
6 y

2
y = f (x)
1

x
O
1 2 3 4 5 6

Count the number of boxes between the stretched graph and the broken graph.
There are 4 boxes between the two. This is a translation in the x-direction by 4
units.

Therefore, the final answer is,

Stretch in the y-direction by a stretch factor of 3. Followed by a translation in the
x-direction by 4 units.
(b) State in terms of y, f and x, the equation of the graph shown with broken lines

Stretch in the y-direction by a stretch factor of 3 is written as,

y = 3f (x)

Translation in the x-direction by 4 units is written as,

y = 3f (x− 4)

Therefore, the final answer is,

y = 3f (x − 4)

9. The graph with equation y = f (x) is transformed to the graphwith equation y = g(x) by a stretch
0
in the x-direction with factor 0.5, followed by a translation of . (9709/12/O/N/22 number 5)
1

(a) The diagram below shows the graph of y = f (x). On the diagram sketch the graph of
y = g(x).

16
 6 y

x
O
−10−9 −8 −7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

−1

−2

Multiply the original x-coordinates by 0.5 for the stretch in the x-direction,
6 y

x
O
−1 1 2 3 4 5

−1

17
Then add 1 to the original y-coordinates for the translation in the y-direction,
6 y

x
O
−1 1 2 3 4 5

−1

Therefore, the final answer is,

6 y

x
O
−1 1 2 3 4 5

−1

18
 (b) Find an expression for g(x) in terms of f (x).

A stretch in the x-direction with a stretch factor of 0.5 is written as,

g(x) = f (2x)

Translation in the y-direction by 1 unit is written as,

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

Therefore, the final answer is,

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

10. The one-one function f is defined by f (x) = −3(x−2)2 +14 for x ≤ k. (9709/11/O/N/21 number
8b-e)

(a) State the largest value of the constant k.

The largest value is the x-coordinate at the vertex,

y = f (x)
14 y

13

12

11

x
1 2 3 4 5

If k becomes larger than the turning point it would no longer be a one-one function,
as the function would fail the horizontal line test.

Therefore, the final answer is,

k=2

19
 It is now given that k = −1.
(b) State the range of f .

Let’s sketch the graph of f ,

x
−1 y

−13

y = f (x)

From the diagram we can tell that the range of f is,

y ≤ −13

Therefore, the final answer is,

y ≤ −13
(c) Find an expression for f −1 (x).

f (x) = −3(x − 2)2 + 14

Start by substituting f (x) with y,

y = −3(x − 2)2 + 14

Subtract 14 from both sides,

y − 14 = −3(x − 2)2

Divide both sides by −3,

y − 14
= (x − 2)2
−3

Take the square root of both sides,

r
y − 14
± =x−2
−3

Add 4 to both sides, r

y − 14
x = 2±
−3

20
 Since the domain of f has a ≤ sign, we will take the negative sign,
r
y − 14
x = 2−
−3

Therefore, the final answer is,

r
−1 x − 14
f (x) = 2 −
−3
 
−3
The result of translating the graph of y = f (x) by is the graph of y = g(x).
1
(d) Express g(x) in the form px2 + qx + r, where p, q and r are constants.

Let’s write g(x) as an expression of f (x). Translation in the x-direction by −3 units

is written as,
g(x) = f (x + 3)

Translation in the y-direction by 1 is written as,

g(x) = f (x + 3) + 1
g(x) = f (x + 3) + 1

Let’s use this expression to find g(x),

f (x) = −3(x − 2)2 + 14
g(x) = f (x + 3) + 1
g(x) = −3 (x + 3 − 2)2 + 14 + 1

Simplify g(x),
g(x) = −3(x + 1)2 + 15

Expand the brackets,

g(x) = −3 x2 + 2x + 1 + 15

g(x) = −3x2 − 6x − 3 + 15

Simplify g(x),
g(x) = −3x2 − 6x + 12

Therefore, the final answer is,

g(x) = −3x2 − 6x + 12

11. The function f is defined for x ∈ R by

f (x) = a − 2x
where a is a constant. (9709/12/M/J/20 number 5)
(a) Express f f (x) and f −1 (x) in terms of a and x.
f (x) = a − 2x

21
 Substitute x in f (x) with f (x),
f (x) = a − 2x
f (f (x)) = a − 2(a − 2x)

Simplify f f (x),
f f (x) = a − 2a + 4x
f f (x) = −a + 4x

Now let’s find f −1 (x),

f (x) = a − 2x

Substitute f (x) with y,

y = a − 2x

Add 2x to both sides,

2x + y = a

Subtract y from both sides,

2x = a − y

Divide both sides by 2,

a−y
x=
2

Now we have f −1 (x),

a−x
f −1 (x) =
2

Therefore, the final answer is,

a−x
f f (x) = −a + 4x f −1 (x) =
2

(b) Given that f f (x) = f −1 (x), find x in terms of a.

a−x
f f (x) = −a + 4x f −1 (x) =
2

Equate the two equations,

a−x
−a + 4x =
2

Multiply through by 2 to get rid of the denominator,

2(−a + 4x) = a − x

Expand the bracket,

−2a + 8x = a − x

22
 Put all the terms containing x on one side,

8x + x = 2a + a

Simplify,
9x = 3a

Divide both sides by 3,

1
x= a
3

Therefore, the final answer is,

1
x= a
3
12. The graph of y = f (x) is transformed to the graph of y = 3 − f (x). Describe fully, in the correct
order, the two transformations that have been combined. (9709/13/O/N/21 number 1)

y = 3−f (x)

The − represents a reflection in the x-axis,

y = 3 − f (x)

The 3 represents a translation in the y-direction by 3 units.

Therefore, the final answer is,

Reflection in the x-axis. Followed by a translation in the y-direction by 3 units.

Note: The general order for transformations is:

(a) Translation in the x-direction

(b) Stretch in the x-direction
(c) Reflection in the y-direction
(d) Stretch in the y-direction
(e) Reflection in the x-direction
(f) Translation in the y-direction

13. The functions f and g are defined by

f (x) = x2 − 4x + 3 for x > c, where c is a constant

1
g(x) = for x > −1
x+1
(9709/13/M/J/20 number 9)

(a) Express f (x) in the form (x − a)2 + b.

f (x) = x2 − 4x + 3

23
 Complete the square for f (x),

f (x) = (x − 2)2 − 4 + 3

f (x) = (x − 2)2 − 1

Therefore, the final answer is,

f (x) = (x − 2)2 − 1

It is given that f is a one-one function.

(b) State the smallest possible value of c.

f (x) = (x − 2)2 − 1 for x > c

The smallest value is the x-coordinate at the vertex,

5 y

3 y = f (x)

x
1 2 3 4 5
−1

If c becomes smaller than the turning point it would no longer be a one-one function
since a horizontal line would cross the graph twice.

Therefore, the final answer is,

c=2
It is now given that c = 5.
(c) Find an expression for f −1 (x) and state the domain of f −1 .

f (x) = (x − 2)2 − 1

Start by substituting f (x) with y,

y = (x − 2)2 − 1

Add 1 to both sides,

y + 1 = (x − 2)2

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 Take the square root of both sides,
p
± y+1=x−2

Add 2 to both sides, p

x = 2± y + 1

Since the domain of f has a < sign, we will take the negative sign,
p
x = 2− y + 1

This means that, √

f −1 (x) = 2 − x+1

The domain of f −1 is the range of f . Let’s find the range of f ,

y
y = f (x)

x
5

The range of f is,

y>8

Therefore, the final answer is,

√
f −1 (x) = 2 − x + 1 for x > 8

(d) Find an expression for gf (x) and state the range of gf .

1
f (x) = (x − 2)2 − 1 g(x) =
x+1

Substitute x in g(x) with f (x),

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

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 Simplify gf (x),
1
gf (x) =
(x − 2)2

To get the range of gf we have to first find its domain. The domain of gf is the
same as the domain of its inner function, f ,
Domain gf : x > 5

Let’s sketch the graph of y = gf (x),

y

1
9

x y = gf (x)
0
5

From the graph we can tell that the range of gf is,

1
0<y<
9

Therefore, the final answer is,

1 1
gf (x) = , Range gf : 0 < y <
(x − 2)2 9
14. The graph of y = f (x) is transformed to the graph of y = 1 + f 12 x . Describe fully the two single

transformations which have been combined to give the resulting transformation. (9709/12/F/M/20
number 2)  
1
y =1+f x
2

1
The 2
represents a stretch in the x-direction by a stretch factor of 2,
 
1
y =1+f x
2

The 1 represents a translation in the y-direction by 1 unit.

Therefore, the final answer is,

Stretch in the x-direction by a stretch factor of 2. Followed by a translation in the y-direction by 1 unit.

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