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Secondary 2 · Mathematics
Functions · Functions

Algebraic Expression of a Function

Before you start, make sure you know: Algebraic language (Secondary Year 1 (first cycle))
Before you start, make sure you know: First-degree equations (Secondary Year 1 (first cycle))

A motoconcho (motorcycle taxi) charges $\text{RD}\$50$ to start and $\text{RD}\$20$ for each kilometer. How much will you pay for an 8 km trip? And for a 15 km trip? A single formula can answer this for any distance. Knowing how to go from a word problem, a table, or a graph to that algebraic expression lets you calculate any value without measuring or counting. At the end of the page we come back to the motoconcho.

From a word problem to the formula

Look in the text for two pieces of information: a fixed amount (if there is one) and an amount per unit. The linear (affine) function has the form $y = mx + n$, where:

  • $m$ is how much changes for each unit of $x$ (the slope).

  • $n$ is what is already there when $x = 0$ (the y-intercept, where the line crosses the $Y$ axis).

The formula makes sense because, for each unit of $x$, you add $m$ to the value you already had at $x = 0$.

When there is no fixed amount, $n = 0$ and the function is direct proportionality: $y = mx$. For example, if each chest in a video game costs $\text{RD}\$90$, the total is $y = 90x$.

Sometimes the fixed amount is subtracted: "the platform deducts $\text{RD}\$300$ in fees and pays $\text{RD}\$20$ per subscriber" gives $y = 20x - 300$, with a negative $n$.

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Match each of the following sentences with its corresponding algebraic expression, where $x$ represents any number and $y$ represents the result of the function: a) The…

Match each of the following sentences with its corresponding algebraic expression, where $x$ represents any number and $y$ represents the result of the function:

  • a) The result is triple a number.

  • b) The result is twice a number plus five.

  • c) The result is half a number.

  • d) The result is a number subtracted from ten.

  • $y = \frac{x}{2}$

  • $y = 10 - x$

  • $y = 3x$

  • $y = 2x + 5$

Solve
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A computer repair technician charges $1\,200$ pesos for a home call-out and $900$ pesos for each hour of work. a) Write down the algebraic expression of the function…

A computer repair technician charges $1\,200$ pesos for a home call-out and $900$ pesos for each hour of work.

  • a) Write down the algebraic expression of the function relating the total bill cost ($y$) to the number of hours worked ($x$).

  • b) How much will a repair that took $3$ hours cost?

Solve
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A music streaming platform offers a monthly plan that costs $\text{RD\$}\ 12$ as a fixed fee and, in addition, charges $\text{RD\$}\ 0.50$ for each song the user decides…

A music streaming platform offers a monthly plan that costs $\text{RD\$}\ 12$ as a fixed fee and, in addition, charges $\text{RD\$}\ 0.50$ for each song the user decides to download to listen to offline. In the figure you can see the graph of this situation.

a) Write the algebraic expression of the function that relates the number of songs downloaded, $x$, to the total monthly cost, $y$.

b) State what type of function it is (linear, affine or inverse proportionality).

c) If in one month a user pays a total of $\text{RD\$}\ 24.50$, how many songs have they downloaded?

Graph of a line that starts at 12 euros on the cost axis and rises 5 euros for every 10 songs downloaded 5 10 15 20 25 30 Songs (x) 10 20 30 Cost (RD$) +10 songs +RD$5 y = ? + ?x 12
Solve

Evaluating the function: calculating $f(a)$

It also works for functions that are not lines: if $f(x) = x^2 + 1$, then $f(3) = 3^2 + 1 = 10$.

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In a mobile video game, each "diamond chest" costs 1,50. pesos If we want to buy $x$ chests, the function that gives us the total price to pay is $y = 1.5x$. The figure…

In a mobile video game, each "diamond chest" costs 1,50. pesos If we want to buy $x$ chests, the function that gives us the total price to pay is $y = 1.5x$. The figure shows its graph.

Graph of the line y = 1,5x relating the number of chests to the price in eurosNumber of chests (x)Price (RD$)024681012048121620

Calculate how much money we would spend if we decided to buy:

  1. a) $2$ chests.
  1. b) $5$ chests.
  1. c) $10$ chests.
Solve
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Find the value of the dependent variable $y$ for the values of the independent variable $x$ indicated in the following function: $y = 4x - 3$ a) For $x = 0$ b) For…

Find the value of the dependent variable $y$ for the values of the independent variable $x$ indicated in the following function:

$y = 4x - 3$

  • a) For $x = 0$

  • b) For $x = 1$

  • c) For $x = 2$

  • d) For $x = 5$

Solve
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Given the function $f(x) = x^2 + 1$: a) Calculate the image of $x = 3$. That is, calculate $f(3)$. b) Calculate the image of $x = -2$. That is, calculate $f(-2)$. c)…

Given the function $f(x) = x^2 + 1$:

  • a) Calculate the image of $x = 3$. That is, calculate $f(3)$.

  • b) Calculate the image of $x = -2$. That is, calculate $f(-2)$.

  • c) Calculate the image of $x = 0$. That is, calculate $f(0)$.

Solve

From a table to the formula

A table can be completed with the formula (you substitute each $x$) or used to find the formula.

If $y$ always increases (or decreases) by the same amount when $x$ increases by 1, it is a linear (affine) function and that amount is $m$.

$x$ $1$ $2$ $3$ $4$
$y$ $8$ $11$ $14$ $17$

There is another possibility. If, when $x$ is doubled, the value of $y$ is cut in half, and the product $x \cdot y$ is always the same, it is inverse proportionality: $y = \dfrac{k}{x}$ with $k = x \cdot y$.

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Copy and complete the following table of values in your exercise book for the function whose algebraic expression is $y = -2x + 1$: | $x$ | $-2$ | $-1$ | $0$ | $1$ | $2$…

Copy and complete the following table of values in your exercise book for the function whose algebraic expression is $y = -2x + 1$:

$x$ $-2$ $-1$ $0$ $1$ $2$
$y$
Solve
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Look at the following table of values relating the number of concert tickets to the total price. Find the algebraic expression that represents this function: | Number of…

Look at the following table of values relating the number of concert tickets to the total price. Find the algebraic expression that represents this function:

Number of tickets ($x$) $1$ $2$ $3$ $4$
Price in pesos ($y$) $12$ $24$ $36$ $48$
1 2 3 4 5 12 24 36 48 60 0 Number of tickets (x) Price in RD$ (y) +1 +12
Solve
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Look at the following table of values relating two quantities, $x$ and $y$: | $x$ | $1$ | $2$ | $4$ | $8$ | | :--- | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | | $y$ | $24$ | $12$…

Look at the following table of values relating two quantities, $x$ and $y$:

$x$ $1$ $2$ $4$ $8$
$y$ $24$ $12$ $6$ $3$

a) Check whether this is an inverse proportion function.

b) Write down its algebraic expression.

c) Calculate the image value for $x = 10$.

Solve

Solving for $x$ and intercepts

Until now you knew $x$ and looked for $y$. It can also go the other way: you know $y$ and look for $x$. Then you set the formula equal to that value and solve, as in a first-degree equation.

The intercepts are special cases:

  • With the $Y$ axis: set $x = 0$. The result is $n$.

  • With the $X$ axis: set $y = 0$ and solve for $x$.

For $f(x) = \dfrac{2x - 6}{3}$: $0 = \dfrac{2x - 6}{3} \Rightarrow 2x - 6 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 3$. It crosses the $X$ axis at $(3, 0)$.

To draw a line, two points are enough, but it is a good idea to calculate a third one to check that they line up.

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In a physics laboratory, the variation of the temperature of a liquid as it is heated is being observed. At the start of the experiment, the liquid is at $15^\circ C$…

In a physics laboratory, the variation of the temperature of a liquid as it is heated is being observed. At the start of the experiment, the liquid is at $15^\circ C$ and its temperature increases at a constant rate of $3^\circ C$ for every minute that passes.

a) Determine the algebraic expression to calculate the temperature $T$ as a function of time $t$ (in minutes).

b) What temperature will the liquid reach after a quarter of an hour of heating?

c) How much time must pass for the liquid to reach $60^\circ C$?

5 10 15 20 25 t (min) 20 40 60 80 T (°C) T(t) = ? + ?t +5 min +15°C 15°C
Solve
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Given the function whose algebraic expression is $f(x) = \frac{2x - 6}{3}$: a) Calculate the values of $f(0)$, $f(3)$ and $f(-3)$. b) Determine the point where the…

Given the function whose algebraic expression is $f(x) = \frac{2x - 6}{3}$:

a) Calculate the values of $f(0)$, $f(3)$ and $f(-3)$.

b) Determine the point where the function crosses the x-axis (the $X$ axis).

c) Plot the points you obtained on a coordinate system like the one in the figure (each tick mark is one unit) and join them to draw the function.

Empty coordinate axes system, with tick marks of one unit from -7 to 7 on the X axis and from -5 to 5 on the Y axis−7−6−5−4−3−2−11234567543210−1−2−3−4−5xy

You can do it on paper and send a photo with your answer.

Solve

Finding the formula from two points

If you know the graph is a line and you know two of its points, you can find $m$ and $n$.

The quotient measures how much $y$ rises for each unit $x$ advances, and that is why it is the slope.

This works when the problem gives two data points. A shipment of 100 km costs $\text{RD}\$700$ and one of 160 km costs $\text{RD}\$940$. The points are $(100, 700)$ and $(160, 940)$, and the slope is $\frac{240}{60} = 4$ pesos per km. In context, the slope is the cost per kilometer and $n$ is the fixed cost when $x = 0$.

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Find the algebraic expression of the linear function whose graph passes through the points $A(1, 4)$ and $B(3, 10)$. Explain step by step how you calculate the gradient…

Find the algebraic expression of the linear function whose graph passes through the points $A(1, 4)$ and $B(3, 10)$. Explain step by step how you calculate the gradient ($m$) and the y-intercept ($n$).

Solve
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A courier company charges a fixed collection fee plus a cost per kilometer distance for delivering parcels. We know that a delivery to a city located at $120\ km$ costs…

A courier company charges a fixed collection fee plus a cost per kilometer distance for delivering parcels. We know that a delivery to a city located at $120\ km$ costs $\text{RD\$}\ 924$, and a delivery to another city at $200\ km$ costs $\text{RD\$}\ 1\,308$.

  1. a) Find the slope of the function and state what it means in this context.
  2. b) Find the algebraic expression of the function $y = f(x)$.
  3. c) How much would the company charge for a parcel delivered to the same collection point ($0\ km$)? What is this value called in the function?
Solve
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A surveillance drone takes off from the roof of a building located at a certain height above sea level. After $4\ segundos$ of constant vertical flight, the drone is at…

A surveillance drone takes off from the roof of a building located at a certain height above sea level. After $4\ segundos$ of constant vertical flight, the drone is at a height of $52\ metros$. At $10\ segundos$ of flight, it reaches $88\ metros$.

  1. a) Determine the algebraic expression of the function relating the flight time ($x$, in seconds) to the drone's height ($y$, in meters).
  2. b) How high is the roof of the building?
  3. c) If the drone has a maximum flight ceiling of $150\ metros$, use the algebraic expression to calculate how many seconds it can ascend before reaching that limit.
Building Flight ceiling t (s) h (m) 4 10 ? h₀ 52 88 150
Solve

Recognizing functions and parallel lines

Before operating, look at the form of the formula:

Formula Type Its graph
$y = mx$ direct proportionality line through the origin
$y = mx + n$ linear (affine) line that crosses $Y$ at $n$
$y = n$ (no $x$) constant horizontal line
$y = \dfrac{k}{x}$ inverse proportionality hyperbola

If $m > 0$ the line rises (increasing); if $m < 0$ it falls (decreasing).

To find out which formula matches a graph, substitute a point from the graph and check whether it holds. For example, $(2, 6)$ satisfies $y = 3x$ because $3 \times 2 = 6$.

Move $m$ and $n$ and notice that $n$ raises or lowers the line, while $m$ tilts it.

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Identify which of the following expressions corresponds to each of the graphs described below: 1. $y = 3x$ 2. $y = -2x + 4$ 3. $y = 5$ 4. $y = \frac{4}{x}$ a) A…

Identify which of the following expressions corresponds to each of the graphs described below:

  1. $y = 3x$

  2. $y = -2x + 4$

  3. $y = 5$

  4. $y = \frac{4}{x}$

a) A horizontal line passing through the point $(0, 5)$.

b) A direct proportion function passing through the point $(2, 6)$.

c) A decreasing linear function that intersects the $Y$ axis at the point $(0, 4)$.

d) A hyperbola passing through the point $(1, 4)$.

Solve
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Find the algebraic expression of a linear function whose graph is parallel to the line passing through the points $P(1, 5)$ and $Q(3, 1)$, and which also intersects the…

Find the algebraic expression of a linear function whose graph is parallel to the line passing through the points $P(1, 5)$ and $Q(3, 1)$, and which also intersects the y-axis ($Y$) at the same point as the function $g(x) = 4x - 7$.

  1. a) First calculate the gradient of the line passing through $P$ and $Q$.
  2. b) Identify the y-intercept of $g(x)$.
  3. c) Write down the final expression for the required function.
Solve

When the formula comes from a figure: what stays constant

In geometry problems, pay attention to what stays constant.

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We want to surround several square posters with an elastic string for a school fair. The relationship between the side length of the square ($x$) and the total perimetre…

We want to surround several square posters with an elastic string for a school fair. The relationship between the side length of the square ($x$) and the total perimetre of string required ($y$) is given by a function.

  • a) Write down the algebraic expression of this function.

  • b) If the side of the square measures $12$ cm, how much string will we need?

POSTER x x x x Cuerda (y)
Solve
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We want to build a rectangular frame for a poster using a wooden strip with a total length of $120 cm$. If we call $x$ the length of the base of the rectangle: a) Write…

We want to build a rectangular frame for a poster using a wooden strip with a total length of $120 cm$. If we call $x$ the length of the base of the rectangle:

a) Write down the algebraic expression relating the height of the rectangle ($y$) to its base ($x$). Hint: remember that the perimetre is the sum of all the sides.

b) Write down the algebraic expression that gives the area ($A$) of the rectangle as a function of its base ($x$).

c) If the base is $25 cm$ long, what will the area of the frame be?

Area = A x x y y
Solve
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We want to design a rectangular poster whose total area is always $36\ m^2$. a) Write down the algebraic expression of the function that gives the height ($y$) of the…

We want to design a rectangular poster whose total area is always $36\ m^2$.

  1. a) Write down the algebraic expression of the function that gives the height ($y$) of the poster as a function of its base length ($x$).
  2. b) If by regulations the poster cannot have a base smaller than $2\ metros$ or larger than $12\ metros$, what is the domain of this function in this real-life context?
  3. c) What type of function is it? Explain what happens to the height as the base becomes extremely large.
Solve

Inverse proportionality in problems

If two quantities are inversely proportional, $y = \dfrac{k}{x}$. To find $k$, one pair of values is enough: $k = x \cdot y$.

To find how many students are needed at minimum to pay less than a certain price, set up: $\dfrac{30000}{x} \le 1{,}000$ leads to $x \ge 30$ (the number of students must be a whole number). If $y$ must equal exactly a certain price, solve $x = \dfrac{k}{y}$.

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In a physics laboratory, the variation of the pressure of a gas as the volume of its container changes is being studied, keeping the temperature constant (Boyle's Law).…

In a physics laboratory, the variation of the pressure of a gas as the volume of its container changes is being studied, keeping the temperature constant (Boyle's Law). It has been observed that when the volume is $2\ litros$, the pressure is $6\ atmósferas$.

  1. a) Knowing that the relationship is one of inverse proportion, write down the algebraic expression relating pressure ($y$) to volume ($x$).
  2. b) Using the algebraic expression, calculate what volume the container should have so that the pressure is reduced to $1.5\ atmósferas$.
  3. c) Plot the graph of the function for volume values between $1$ and $12\ litros$.

You can do it on paper and send a photo with your answer.

Solve
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A group of 8th grade students wants to rent a bus for an end-of-year trip that costs $\text{RD\$}\ 50\,400…

A group of 8th grade students wants to rent a bus for an end-of-year trip that costs $\text{RD\$}\ 50\,400$.

  1. a) Write down the algebraic expression relating the price each student must pay ($y$) to the number of students who finally sign up ($x$).
  2. b) Initially $30$ students sign up, but a week before, $5$ drop out. Use the algebraic expression to calculate how much the price increases for the students who do go on the trip.
  3. c) If the students decide that they cannot pay more than $\text{RD\$}\ 2\,100$ each, what is the minimum number of people who must attend for the trip to go ahead? Explain how you obtained this from the algebraic expression.
Solve

Comparing two functions

To decide which option is better, write a formula for each one and compare them. To find out when they are equal, set the two expressions equal.

On the graph, the point where the two lines cross is the solution: there $x$ and $y$ coincide.

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A gardener charges a fixed call-out fee of $\text{RD\$}\ 1\,200$ plus $\text{RD\$}\ 900$ per hour of work. His competitor does not charge a call-out fee, but his rate is…

A gardener charges a fixed call-out fee of $\text{RD\$}\ 1\,200$ plus $\text{RD\$}\ 900$ per hour of work. His competitor does not charge a call-out fee, but his rate is $\text{RD\$}\ 1\,320$ per hour.

a) Write down the algebraic expression for the cost of each gardener's service ($y_1$ and $y_2$) as a function of the hours worked ($x$).

b) If we need a job that will take exactly $4$ hours, which of the two gardeners is cheaper for us?

c) Is there a number of working hours for which both charge the same?

Solve
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A video game streaming* platform offers two monthly plans for content creators. With the Pro Plan, the creator receives a fixed amount of $\text{RD\$}\ 15…

A video game streaming platform offers two monthly plans for content creators. With the Pro Plan, the creator receives a fixed amount of $\text{RD\$}\ 15$ per month and, in addition, $\text{RD\$}\ 0.20$ for each new subscriber. With the Partner Plan there is no fixed amount; on the contrary, the platform deducts $\text{RD\$}\ 5$ per month for management costs and the creator receives $\text{RD\$}\ 0.35$ for each new subscriber.

  1. a) Write the algebraic expression of the function that represents the net monthly income for each plan, where $x$ is the number of subscribers and $y$ is the total money received (in pesos).
  1. b) If a streamer estimates that they will get between $60$ and $70$ subscribers this month, which plan is more beneficial for them? Justify your answer by calculating the values of $y$ for each plan for $x=60$ and for $x=70$ and comparing them.
Solve
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Two identical water tanks, with a capacity of $500$ liters, are in different situations. Tank A is full and is being emptied at a constant rate of $8$ liters per minute.…

Two identical water tanks, with a capacity of $500$ liters, are in different situations. Tank A is full and is being emptied at a constant rate of $8$ liters per minute. Tank B contains $120$ liters and is being filled at a constant rate of $12$ liters per minute.

Let $t$ be the time in minutes, counted from the moment they start emptying and filling, and $y$ the volume of water in liters.

  1. a) Write the algebraic expression of the volume-time function for each tank ($y_A$ and $y_B$).
  1. b) Using the expressions above, calculate the exact moment at which both tanks will have the same amount of water.
  1. c) What volume of water will each tank contain at that moment?
Solve

Summary

Go back to the beginning: the motoconcho charges $y = 20x + 50$. With 8 km you pay $20 \times 8 + 50 = \text{RD}\$210$, and with 15 km, $\text{RD}\$350$.

See all the exercises in this section