Functions – Summary
A **function** is a mathematical relationship where each input is mapped to exactly one output.
**Key Concepts**:
1. **Notation**:
\( f(x) \), where \( f \) is the function, and \( x \) is the input (independent variable).
Example: \( f(x) = x^2 \).
2. **Domain**:
The set of all possible inputs (\( x \)) for which the function is defined.
Example: For \( f(x) = \sqrt{x} \), the domain is \( x \geq 0 \).
3. **Range**:
The set of all possible outputs (\( f(x) \)).
Example: For \( f(x) = x^2 \), the range is \( f(x) \geq 0 \).
4. **Rule**:
The formula or relationship defining the function.
Example: \( f(x) = 2x + 3 \) (linear function).
---
**Types of Functions**:
1. **Linear Function**:
\( f(x) = mx + b \) (straight-line graph).
2. **Quadratic Function**:
\( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \) (parabolic graph).
3. **Polynomial Function**:
\( f(x) = a_nx^n + \dots + a_1x + a_0 \).
4. **Rational Function**:
\( f(x) = \frac{p(x)}{q(x)} \), where \( p(x) \) and \( q(x) \) are polynomials.
5. **Exponential Function**:
\( f(x) = a^x \), where \( a > 0 \).
6. **Logarithmic Function**:
\( f(x) = \log_a(x) \), inverse of exponential function.
7. **Trigonometric Functions**:
\( f(x) = \sin(x), \cos(x), \tan(x), \dots \).
---
**Key Properties**:
1. **Injective (One-to-One)**: Each output has only one input.
2. **Surjective (Onto)**: Every possible output is covered.
3. **Bijective**: Both injective and surjective (invertible).
---
*Applications**:
- **Science**: Modeling natural phenomena.
- **Economics**: Analyzing trends and relationships.
- **Engineering**: Designing systems and simulations.
Functions are essential tools in mathematics and its applications.
