General Mathematics
Quarter 1 – Module 11:
One-to-One-Functions
What is It
One-to-One Functions
A function f is one-to-one if it never takes the same value twice or
. That is, the same y-value is never paired with
two different x-values.
In the Venn diagram below, function f is a one-to-one since not two inputs
have a common output.
Figure 1. Venn Diagram of a One-to-One Function
In the Venn diagram below, function f is NOT a one-to-one since the inputs -1 and
0 have the same output.
Figure 2. Venn diagram of a function that is not a one-to-one
On the other hand, the function g(x) = is not a one-to-one function, because
g(−1) = g(1). There are a lot of real-life applications of a one-to-one function.
Determine whether the given relation is a function. If it is a function, determine
whether it is one-to-one.
9 CO_Q1_General Mathematics SHS
Module 11
Example 1: The relation pairing an SSS member to his or her SSS number.
Solution:
Each SSS member is assigned a unique SSS number. Thus, this relation is a
function. Further, two members cannot be assigned with the same SSS numbers,
therefore, the function is one-to-one.
Example 2: The relation pairing a citizenship to a person
Solution:
The relation is a function because each person has a citizenship. However, a
person can have two citizenship, (dual citizen) therefore, it is not one-to-one
function.
Graph of a One-to-one Function
If f is a one-to-one function then no two points , have the
same y-value. Therefore, no horizontal line cuts the graph of the equation y = f(x)
more than once. Example. Compare the graphs of the above functions
How to Determine if a Function is One-to-One
Horizontal Line test: A graph passes the Horizontal Line Test if each horizontal line
cuts the graph at most once.
A function f is one-to-one if and only if the graph y = f(x) passes the horizontal Line
test.
Example. Which of the following functions are one-to-one?
10 CO_Q1_General Mathematics SHS
Module 11
y = x2-x3+10x-5 y = √4𝑥𝑥 + 1
Figure 3 Figure 4
Figure 3. shows that the horizontal line test intersects more than one, while the
other horizontal line test intersects no more than one. It means that Figure 4 is an
example of one-to-one function.
11 CO_Q1_General Mathematics SHS
Module 11
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)
Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex
Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600
Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985
