2.1 & 2.2 Introducing Functions

 

What is a function?

Functions are extraordinary algebraic and visual tools which allow us to understand and analyse relationships. In this section you will learn exactly what a function is and how to find a function's inverse, alongside developing a more nuanced sense of important aspects of functions, such as domain and range. 

Key concepts

In this unit you should learn to…

  • Identify what a function is and know the difference between a one-to-one function and a many-to-one function. 

  • Know the different formats of familiar functions, including linear, quadratic, cubic and exponential functions. 

  • Be able to identify asymptotes of basic functions. 

  • Find the domain and range of a function. 

  • Understand the connection between a function and its inverse. 

Essentials

The following is a series of videos that will help you understand, learn about and review this sub-topic.

1. Introduction to Functions

What is a function? What's the difference between a one-to-one function, a many-to-one function and a relation? What do we use the vertical line test for?

2. Familiar Functions and Function Notation

Can you identify the following functions: linear, quadratic, cubic and exponential? Can you find an output given a input and vice versa?

 3. Asymptotes

What is an asymptote and how can you identify where they are on a graph?

 4. Domain and Range

What is domain and range? 

5. Inverse Functions

What is an inverse function?

Summary

Test yourself

Self Checking Quiz

Practice your understanding on these quiz questions. Check your answers when you are done and read the worked solutions when you get stuck. If you find there are still some gaps in your understanding then go back to the videos and above.

Exam Style Questions

The following questions are based on IB exam style questions from past exams. You should print these off (from the document at the top) and try to do these questions under exam conditions. Then you can check your work with the video solution.

Question 1

Video Solution

Question 2

Video Solution

Question 3

Video Solution

 

MY PROGRESS

How much of 2.1 & 2.2 Introducing Functions have you understood?