Cagayan State University–Carig Campus

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

LECTURE MODULE 3
CALCULUS 1: CHAPTER 1

TOPIC 3
TYPES OF FUNCTIONS
We have studied the general characteristics of functions, so now let’s examine some specific types of
functions. We begin by reviewing the basic properties of polynomials from linear and quadratic functions, and then
generalize to higher-degrees. By combining root functions with polynomials, we can define general algebraic
functions and distinguish them from transcendental functions. We will also introduce piecewise-defined functions.

At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:

1. define a polynomial;
2. recognize the different types of functions;
3. examine and analyze piecewise-defined functions.

1.1 Polynomials

A polynomial function is any function that can be written in the form

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0

for some positive integer n** (n ≥ 0) and constants 𝑎𝑛 , 𝑎𝑛−1 ,…, 𝑎0 , where 𝑎𝑛 ≠ 0. The value n is called the degree of
the polynomial; the constant 𝑎𝑛 is called the leading coefficient.

A linear function is a type of polynomial. Linear functions expressed as f (x) = mx + b is a polynomial of degree 1. A
polynomial of degree 0 is also called a constant function. A polynomial function of degree 2 is called a quadratic
function. In particular, a quadratic function has the form f (x) = ax2 + bx + c, where a ≠ 0. A polynomial function of
degree 3 is called a cubic function, degree 4 is called quartic function, and degree 5 is termed quintic function.

**The degree of a polynomial can never be a rational number (n ≠ 1/2, 1/4, 2/3, …) nor a negative integer (n ≠ -1, -2, -3, …).

The following are examples of polynomials:

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5 𝑓(𝑥) = −3𝑥 7 + 12𝑥 + 4 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 + 3 𝑓(𝑥) = −6𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) = 1

1.2 Power Functions

Some polynomial functions are power functions. A power function is any function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 𝑛 , where a
is any real number. The exponent n in a power function can be any real number as well. Thus, this makes the
restriction that not all power functions are polynomials. If the exponent of a power function is a positive integer,
then 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 𝑛 is already a polynomial.

Power Function Polynomial

𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 3 ✓ ✓
𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 −3 ✓ 
𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 1/3 ✓ 
𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 −1/3 ✓ 

1.3 Algebraic Functions

By allowing for quotients and fractional powers in polynomial functions, we create a larger class of functions. An
algebraic function is one that involves addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, rational powers, and roots.

ENGR. ARISTON C. TALOSIG 1 | Page

Cagayan State University–Carig Campus
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

LECTURE MODULE 3
CALCULUS 1: CHAPTER 1

Two types of algebraic functions are rational functions and root functions.

Just as rational numbers are quotients of integers, rational functions are quotients of polynomials. In particular, a
rational function is any function of the form f (x) = p(x)/q(x), where p(x) and q(x) are polynomials.
The following functions are examples of rational functions:

7𝑥 + 5 8 7𝑥 3 − 10
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥+3 𝑥2 − 7𝑥 + 3 𝑥 2 + 15𝑥

A root function is a power function of the form 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 1/𝑛 , where n is a positive integer greater than one.

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 1/2 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 1/3

(square-root function) (cube-root function)

By allowing for compositions of root functions and rational functions, we can create other algebraic functions.
Examples are the following:
3
𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 3 𝑓(𝑥) = √
𝑥 2 −7𝑥+3 𝑓(𝑥) = √7𝑥 3 − 10
5𝑥−1 5
𝑓(𝑥) = √5𝑥 − 1 𝑓(𝑥) = √6𝑥 7 + 4𝑥

1.4 Transcendental Functions

Thus far, we have discussed algebraic functions. Some functions, however, cannot be described by basic algebraic
operations. These functions are known as transcendental functions because they are said to “transcend,” or go
beyond, algebra. The most common transcendental functions are trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic and
hyperbolic functions. Other transcendental functions include inverse trigonometric and inverse hyperbolic
functions.

A trigonometric function relates the ratios of two sides of a right triangle. Most common of which are sin x, cos x,
tan x, cot x, sec x, and csc x. Other trigonometric relationships that are not widely used are versine, coversine,
exsecant, and haversine.

An exponential function is a function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 , where the base b > 0, b ≠ 1. A logarithmic function
is a function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 (𝑥) for some constant b > 0, b ≠ 1, where 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 (𝑥) = 𝑦 if and only if 𝑏 𝑦 = 𝑥.

We will thoroughly discuss the following as we go through our topics for derivatives of transcendental functions.

1.5 Piecewise-Defined Functions

Sometimes a function is defined by different formulas on different parts of its domain. A function with this property
is known as a piecewise-defined function. We use piecewise-defined functions to describe situations in which a
rule or relationship changes as the input value crosses certain “boundaries.” Thus, the formula for the function varies
for certain intervals. A more formal definition of this type of functions would be,

Think of this situation:

A museum charges Php 50.00 per person for a guided tour for a group of 1 to 9 people. Should the group exceed 9
persons, each person in the group need not to pay Php 50.00 but a fixed Php 100.00 fee would do for the entire group.
We can therefore conclude that it would save a group more money if they enter the museum at 10 or more.

ENGR. ARISTON C. TALOSIG 2 | Page

Cagayan State University–Carig Campus
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

LECTURE MODULE 3
CALCULUS 1: CHAPTER 1

The situation is example of a varying regulation. In mathematical terms, it can be modelled as a piecewise-defined
function. How?

Suppose that 𝑛 represents the number of persons in the group. Should there be only 1 to 9 persons in the group, each
person is mandated to pay Php 50.00 or 50𝑛. Should they exceed 9, they need not to pay 50𝑛 but Php 100.00 only
for the entire group. If 𝑓(𝑥) represents the cost of entering the museum, then

50𝑛, 1<𝑥<9
𝑓(𝑥) = {
100, 𝑥 ≥ 10

The absolute-value function 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| is an example of a piecewise-defined function.

Example 1: Working with Piecewise-Defined Function

For the piecewise-defined function, evaluate 𝑓(−4), 𝑓(0), and 𝑓(2).

𝑥 2 − 3, 𝑥<0
𝑓(𝑥) = {
4𝑥 − 3, 𝑥≥0

Solution:

For 𝑥 = −4, use 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3 since −4 < 0: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3

𝑓(𝑥) = (−4)2 − 3
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝟏𝟑
For 𝑥 = 0, use 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 3: 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 3
𝑓(𝑥) = 4(0) − 3
𝑓(𝑥) = −𝟑
For 𝑥 = 2, use 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 3 since 2 > 0: 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 3
𝑓(𝑥) = 4(2) − 3
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝟓

Access the following online resources for additional instruction and practice with functions!

Evaluating Function Notation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmTvdKkAUtE

Evaluating Piecewise Functions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYOXMyFKotc
Domain and Range of Functions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0uUVH8dRiU
Polynomials https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6vgQEZuNKk

Anton, H., Bivens, I., & Davis, S. (2010). Calculus Early Transcendentals. John Wiley & Sons (Asia) Pte Ltd.
Canva. (n.d.). Retrieved from Canva: www.canva.com
Openstax College. (2015). Calculus Volume 1. Houston.

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