A function is an operation that takes one number and transforms it into another. It is only a function if every number in the domain goes to only one number in the range.
The set of numbers you can start with is called the domain - the values of x can be entered into the function.
The set of numbers you get out are called the range - the values of f(x) which come out of the function.
Some functions take each value in the domain and give them a UNIQUE f(x) value; these are called one-to-one functions. Many-to-one functions mean that more than one value of the domain goes to the same value in the range.

Some 'mappings' which aren't functions can be turned into functions by restricting the values that the domain can take, so that each value in the domain only goes to one value in the range, inverse trig functions are one example of this.

Functions can be combined to make a composite function but the order is important fg(x) doesn't equal gf(x); fg(x) means do g(x) first then put the answer through f(x).

The inverse of a function does the opposite to the function - ie. if you put the value of f(x) into the inverse you get back to the initial x value and is written as \(f^{-1}\)(x). The domain and range are swapped so the domain of the function becomes the range of the inverse function and vice versa. Only one-to-one functions have inverses.
To work out the inverse write the function as y = f(x), rearrange the equation to make x the subject. Replace x with \(f^{-1}\)(x) and y with x and you have the inverse function. Swap around the domain and range.

Graphically, the function and its inverse are reflections in the line y=x. Any points of intersection of the two graphs will also lie along this line.

Modulus is a specific type of function which just gives the size of a number, the positive or negative doesn't matter, so the modulus of +6 is the same as the modulus of -6, it's 6.
The modulus of a function means that any negative values of x become positive.

To solve modulus equations sketch graphs to see how many solutions there are. If inequalities are involved, rewrite as two separate greater than or less than equations and solve.

Transformations of graphs can be translations, stretches or reflections - and there's quite a bit to remember, but you can always refresh your memory using a table of values if you forget.
The two possible translations are...
\(y=f(x) + c\) this translates the function parallel to the y-axis - either up or down - so if c is 2 the graph moves up 2 spaces
\(y=f(x+c)\) this translates the function parallel to the x-axis - either left or right - the graph moves the opposite way than you might expect - so if c is 2 the graph moves LEFT 2 spaces
The two possible stretches are...
\(y=af(x)\) this stretches the function parallel to the y-axis - to make it taller or shorter - the x-axis intercept(s) remain the same
\(y=f(ax)\) this stretches the function parallel to the x-axis by a factor of \(\frac{1}{a}\) - so the graph gets wider or slimmer, but does the opposite of what you might expect - the y-axis intercept remains the same
Reflections are a special type of stretch if the scale factor a is negative...
If the '-' sign is outside the function it reflects in the x-axis, if the '-' sign is inside the bracket it reflects in the y-axis.

If more than one translation is happening, for example \(y=af(x+c)\) DO THE BIT IN THE BRACKETS FIRST! It does matter.

An exponential function is of the form \(y=a^x\) or \(y=a^{-x}\) and they show exponential growth or decay - this can be used to model loads of real life situations for example the spread of disease or the growth of bacteria. You need to know what the graphs look like.
The number e is a special value for which the gradient of the \(e^x\) graph has the same value as \(e^x\) at all points.
As with normal logarithms the natural log. function, ln(x), is the inverse so if \(e^x\)=4 then by 'logging' both sides you get that x=ln(4).
As with all inverses the graph of ln(x) is the reflection of \(e^x\) in the line y=x.
The same log-laws from C2 apply...
ln(a) + ln(b) = ln(ab) ln(\(\frac{a}{b}\))=ln(a)-ln(b) ln(\(x^k\)) = kln(x)

You may be asked to recognise or draw transformations of exponential or logarithmic graphs - the shape will always be the same so you need to find the points of intersection with the axis (by setting x and y equal to 0) and find asymptotes (by letting x or y tend to infinity).

Because exponential growth and decay is good for modelling real life situations then you may be asked to read and interpret wordy questions in order to formulate and then solve an equation. The equation for exponential growth is:
\(P=P_0e^{kt}\)
\(P_0\) is the initial value and k is a constant (k will be negative if modelling exponential decay).

	Created by declanlarkins almost 11 years ago

A-level Maths (Core 3) Note on Mathematics: Core 3 (Notes 1 of 1), created by declanlarkins on 20/01/2014.

Mathematics: Core 3 (Notes 1 of 1)