GENERAL MATHEMATICS

MODULE 1
FIRST SEMESTER-FIRST QUARTER

LESSON 1: INTRODUCTION TO FUNCTIONS

Most Essential Learning Competencies
1. Define a function and relation
2. Determine if a relation is a function
3. Evaluate a function
4. Perform operations on functions

Since relation and function were discussed during your JHS, let us recall some vocabulary using the
Frayer model.
Directions: Fill-up the Frayer model below.

My Definition: Characteristics:

Vocabulary word:

Example: RELATION Non-Example:

My Definition: Characteristics:

Vocabulary word:

Example: FUNCTION Non-Example:

General Mathematics | First Quarter Module 1 | Lesson 1

 RELATIONS AND FUNCTIONS
Learning Target: I can define a function and relation and determine if a relation is a function.

Definition: A relation is a rule that relates elements from a set of values (called the
domain) to a second set of values (called the range). In short, a relation is a set of
ordered pairs (x,y).

Definition: A function is a type of relation between two sets of elements in which for each
element in the first set there corresponds one and only one element in the second
set.

ADD ON: A function is a set of ordered pairs (x,y) such that no two ordered pairs have the
same x-value. Using functional notation, we can write 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦, read as “f of x is equal to y.” In
particular, if (1, 2) is an ordered pair associated with the function f, then we say that 𝑓(1) = 2.

Example 1.1
Which of the following relations are functions?
𝑓 = {(2,1), (1, 2), (3, 4), (4, 3)}
𝑔 = {(3,11), (1, 0), (2, −1), (3, −1)
𝑛
ℎ = {(2, 1), (6,3), (−2, 1), … , (𝑛, 2 )}

ANSWER: The relation f and h are functions because no two ordered pairs have the same x-
value. Meanwhile, g is not a function because (3,11) and (3,-1) are ordered pairs with the same x-
value but different y-values.

THINK ABOUT THIS!

1. Based on your opinion, what is a relation or relationship?

RELATION

2. Do you think all relations or relationships FUNCTION well? Why or Why not?

General Mathematics | First Quarter Module 1 | Lesson 1

 Definition: A mapping shows how the elements are paired. It’s like a flow chart for a
function, showing the input and output values. A mapping diagram consists
of two parallel columns.

ADD ON: Relations and functions can be represented by mapping diagrams where the elements
of the domain are mapped to the elements of the range using arrows. In this case, the relation or
function is represented by the set of all the connections represented by the arrows.

Example 1.2
Which of the following mapping diagrams represents a function?

ANSWER: The relations f and 𝑔 are functions because each y value is unique for a specific
value of x. The relation h is not a function because there is at least one element in x for which
there is more than one corresponding y-value. For example, 𝑥 = 7 corresponds to 𝑦 = 11 or 13.
Similarly, 𝑥 = 2 corresponds to both 𝑦 = 17 or 19

Definition: The vertical line test is used to determine whether a graph represents a
function. If we can draw any vertical line that intersects the graph at more than
one point, then the graph does not define a function because a function has only
one output value for each input value.

General Mathematics | First Quarter Module 1 | Lesson 1

 Example 1.3

General Mathematics | First Quarter Module 1 | Lesson 1

EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONS
Learning Target: I can evaluate a function.

Definition: Evaluating a function means replacing the x variable in the function by a value
from the domain to determine its corresponding y value. To denote that we are
evaluating f at x for some x in the domain of f, we write f(x).

Example 1.4
Given the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 1, What is 𝑓(4)?

Solution:
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 1 What is 𝑓(4)?

4 replaces x in the function

𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 1 𝑓(4) notation.

𝑓(4) = 3(4) − 1 Substitute 4 for x in the original function.

𝑓(4) = 12 − 1 Combine like terms.
𝑓(4) = 11 This is your answer!

NOTE: This answer means that if you substitute 4 to x in the given function, you will get
an answer of 11! You used to write 𝑦 = 11. Now, in place of y, you will use 𝑓(4).
(4 may be replaced with any number from the domain of the function)

Example 1.5
Given the function 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1, find 𝑔(−2) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥 − 1) .

Solution:
Part 1
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1, find 𝑔(−2)

Solution Explanation
𝑔(−2) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 Substitute -2 to x in the original function.
𝑔(−2) = (−2)2 + (−2) − 1
Simplify
𝑔(−2) = 4 − 2 − 1
𝒈(−𝟐) = 𝟏 This is your answer

Part 2
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1, find 𝑔(𝑥 − 1)

Solution Explanation
𝑔 (𝑥 − 1 ) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 Substitute 𝑥 − 1 to x in the original function
𝑔(𝑥 − 1) = (𝑥 − 1)2 + (𝑥 − 1) − 1
Simplify
𝑔(𝑥 − 1) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝑥 − 1 − 1
𝒈(𝒙 − 𝟏) = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝟏 This is your answer

General Mathematics | First Quarter Module 1 | Lesson 1

OPERATIONS ON FUNCTIONS
Learning Target: I can perform operations on functions

The important concept that you need to understand in this lesson is that adding, subtracting, and
multiplying two or more functions together will result in another function. Dividing two functions
together will also result in another function if the denominator or divisor is not a zero function.
Definition: Let f and g be functions.
1. Their sum, denoted by 𝑓 + 𝑔, is the function denoted by (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥).
2. Their difference, denoted by 𝑓 − 𝑔, is the function denoted by (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥).
3. Their product, denoted by 𝑓 ∙ 𝑔, is the function denoted by (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥).
𝑓 𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
4. Their quotient, denoted by 𝑔, is the function denoted by (𝑔) (𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥)

Example 1.6
Perform the following operations on the given functions below.
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1 𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1 𝑛(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1

𝒏
Solve for the value of (𝒇 + 𝒖)(𝒙) and ( 𝒇 ) (𝒙)
Solution Explanation
1. (𝒇 + 𝒖)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) + 𝒖(𝒙)

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1 𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1 Given

(𝑓 + 𝑢)(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 1) + (𝑥 2 − 1) Substitute the value of f(x) and u(x) in the
(𝑓 + 𝑢)(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 2 equation
(𝒇 + 𝒖)(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 − 𝟐 Combine like terms/ Simplify.
This is the answer!
𝒏 𝒏(𝒙)
2. ( 𝒇 ) (𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙)

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1 𝑛(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 Given

𝑛 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1
( ) (𝑥) =
𝑓 𝑥 −1 Substitute the value of f(x) and n(x) in the
equation
𝑛 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 1)
( ) (𝑥) =
𝑓 𝑥−1
Notice that, we can factor out n(x).
𝑛 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 1) Simplify.
( ) (𝑥) =
𝑓 𝑥−1

𝒏
( ) (𝒙) = 𝒙 − 𝟏 This is the answer!
𝒇

General Mathematics | First Quarter Module 1 | Lesson 1

Example 1.7
Perform the following operations on the given functions.

2𝑥 3 +6𝑥2 +𝑥+3 (𝑥+3)(𝑥−1)

𝑙(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 4 𝑜(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 1 𝑣(𝑥) = 𝑒(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2 (𝑥+2)
Solve for:
1. (𝑙 ∙ 𝑜)(𝑥)
𝑣
2. (𝑒 )(𝑥)
3. (𝑣 − 𝑒)(𝑥)

Solution Explanation
1. (𝒍 ⋅ 𝒐)(𝒙) = 𝒍(𝒙) ∙ 𝒐(𝒙)

𝑙(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 4 𝑜(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 1 Given

(𝑙 ⋅ 𝑜)(𝑥) = (2𝑥 − 4)(2𝑥 2 + 1) Substitute the value of l(x) and o(x) in the
equation
F: (2𝑥)(2𝑥 2) O: (2𝑥)(1) Multiply to binomials. (You can use
I: (−4)(2𝑥 2 ) L: (−4)(1) FOIL method)

(𝑙 ⋅ 𝑜)(𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 8𝑥 2 − 4 Arrange terms according to highest to

lowest exponent.

(𝒍 ⋅ 𝒐)(𝒙) = 𝟒𝒙𝟑 − 𝟖𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟒 This is the answer!

𝒗 𝒗(𝒙)
2. (𝒆) (𝒙) = 𝒆(𝒙)
Given
2𝑥 3 +6𝑥2 +𝑥+3 (𝑥+3)(𝑥−1)
𝑣(𝑥) = 𝑒(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2 (𝑥+2)
3 2 Substitute the value of v(x) and e(x) in the
2𝑥 + 6𝑥 + 𝑥 + 3
𝑣 equation
( ) (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
𝑒 (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 1)
(𝑥 + 2) Review: To divide two fractions or
𝑣 2𝑥 3 +6𝑥 2 +𝑥+3 (𝑥+2) rational expressions, multiply the
( ) (𝑥) = 2 ∙ dividend with the
𝑒 𝑥 +3𝑥+2 (𝑥+3)(𝑥−1)
reciprocal of the divisor.
𝑣 (2𝑥 2 +1)(𝑥+3) (𝑥+2)
(𝑒 ) (𝑥) = ∙ (𝑥+3)(𝑥−1)
(𝑥+2)(𝑥+1) If possible, factor out expressions
and then simplify.
𝒗 𝟐𝒙𝟐 +𝟏 𝒗 𝟐𝒙𝟐 +𝟏
(𝒆) (𝒙) = (𝒙+𝟏)(𝒙−𝟏) or (𝒆) (𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 −𝟏
This is the answer!

3. (𝒗 − 𝒆)(𝒙) = 𝒗(𝒙) − 𝒆(𝒙)

2𝑥 3 +6𝑥2 +𝑥+3 (𝑥+3)(𝑥−1) Given

𝑣(𝑥) = 𝑒(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2 (𝑥+2)

Substitute the value of v(x) and e(x) in the

2𝑥 3 +6𝑥2 +𝑥+3 (𝑥+3)(𝑥−1)
(𝑣 − 𝑒)(𝑥) = − equation
𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2 (𝑥+2)
We factor expressions from v(x)
𝑣 (2𝑥 2 +1)(𝑥+3) (𝑥+3)(𝑥−1)
NOTE: To subtract two rational functions,
(𝑒 ) (𝑥) = − you need to find the LCD and then combine
(𝑥+2)(𝑥+1) (𝑥+2)
like terms for the denominator. For this item,
LCD is (x+2)(x+1)
General Mathematics | First Quarter Module 1 | Lesson 1
 Get the product of the binomials in the
𝑣 (2𝑥 2 + 1)(𝑥 + 3) − (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1) numerator then combine like terms.
( ) (𝑥) =
𝑒 (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 1)

𝑣 2𝑥 3 + 6𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 3 − (𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 3) Distribute negative sign.

( ) (𝑥) =
𝑒 (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 1)

𝑣 3𝑥 3 + 6𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 3 − 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 3 Combine like terms

( ) (𝑥) =
𝑒 (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 1)

𝒗 𝒙𝟑 + 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟗
( ) (𝒙) = Numerator is not factorable, therefore,
𝒆 (𝒙 + 𝟐)(𝒙 + 𝟏) this is the final answer.

Definition: Let f and g be functions. The composite function denoted by (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔) is defined by

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) . The process of obtaining a composite function is called
function composition. (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔) is read as “f circle g” or “f of g of x”

Example 1.8:
Use the following function to solve for the following operations.
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1 𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1 𝑛(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1
Solve for
1. (𝑓 ∘ 𝑢)
2. (𝑢 ∘ 𝑓)
3. (𝑛 ∘ 𝑓)
Solution Explanation
1. (𝒇 ∘ 𝒖)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒖(𝒙))

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1 𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1 Given

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑢)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥 2 − 1) Substitute u(x) as x of f.
𝑓(𝑥 2 − 1) = (𝑥 2 − 1) − 1 Substitute u(x) to all x’s of f(x).
𝑓(𝑥 2 − 1) = 𝑥 2 − 1 − 1
𝑓(𝑥 2 − 1) = 𝑥 2 − 2 Simplify/Combine like terms.

(𝒇 ∘ 𝒖)(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐 = 𝒇(𝒖(𝒙)) We all know that (𝑓 ∘ 𝑢)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥 2 − 1) ,

therefore
This is the answer.
2. (𝒖 ∘ 𝒇)(𝒙) = 𝒖(𝒇(𝒙))

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1 𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1 Given

(𝑢 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑢(𝑥 − 1) Substitute f(x) as x of u.
𝑢(𝑥 − 1) = (𝑥 − 1)2 − 1 Substitute f(x) to all x’s of u(x).
𝑢(𝑥 − 1) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 − 1 Simplify/Combine like terms.
𝑢(𝑥 − 1) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 we all know that (𝑢 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑢(𝑥 − 1) ,
therefore

(𝒖 ∘ 𝒇)(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 = 𝒖(𝒇(𝒙)) This is the answer.

General Mathematics | First Quarter Module 1 | Lesson 1

 𝟑. (𝒏 ∘ 𝒇) = 𝒏(𝒇(𝒙))

𝑛(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1 Given

(𝑛 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑛(𝑥 − 1) Substitute f(x) as x of n.
𝑛(𝑥 − 1) = (𝑥 − 1)2 − 2(𝑥 − 1) − 1 Substitute f(x) to all x’s of n(x).
𝑛(𝑥 − 1) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 − 2𝑥 + 2 − 1 Simplify
𝑛(𝑥 − 1) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4 Combine like terms.
We all know that (𝑛 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑛(𝑥 − 1),
therefore,
(𝒏 ∘ 𝒇)(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟒 = 𝒏(𝒇(𝒙)) This is the answer.

For more examples with detailed explanation, watch the YouTube video on
“Evaluation and Operations on Functions”.

General Mathematics | First Quarter Module 1 | Lesson 1

 I. Direction: Identify if the given relations are functions or not.

1. g = {(1, 3), (1, 4), (2, 5), (2, 6), (3, 7)} 4.
2. x -1 0 1 2
y 2 2 2 2

3.

5.

II. Direction: Evaluate the following functions.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 − 3
a. 𝑓(1)
b. 𝑓(−1)

2. 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6
a. 𝑔(2)
1
b. 𝑔 (2)

2𝑥−1
3. ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥+1
a. ℎ(0)
1
b. ℎ (− 2)

III. Direction: Refer to the following functions below. Solve for the following operation.
2𝑥+1
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 1 𝑗(𝑥) =
5𝑥−1
𝑔(𝑥) = 4𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 1 ℎ(𝑥) = 10𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 1

1. (𝑓 + ℎ)(𝑥) 4. (ℎ ⋅ 𝑗)(𝑥)
2. (𝑔 − ℎ)(𝑥) 5. (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥)
𝑔
3. ( 𝑗 ) (𝑥)

General Mathematics | First Quarter Module 1 | Lesson 1