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Secondary 6 · Mathematics
Limits and continuity · Revision

Functions of a real variable. Types of functions

Before you start, make sure you know: Composition of functions (Secondary Year 5 (second cycle, academic track))

Wilkin signs up for a data plan for his cell phone: $\text{RD}\$500$ for the first 5 GB and, after that, each extra GB costs a fixed price. At the end of the month he sees that his bill doesn't change all at once, but goes up gradually. How do you write that plan as a function? When does a function "connect" smoothly, and when does it jump? To answer that you need a solid grasp of what a function is, what type it is, and how functions are combined. That is what we review here, as a foundation for limits and continuity.

Number sets and intervals

A function of a real variable takes real numbers and returns real numbers. Before talking about domains, it helps to be clear about which sets of numbers we work with and how they are written.

The domains of functions are almost always intervals of the real line or unions of intervals.

Absolute value gives intervals naturally: $|x|<3$ is equivalent to $-33$ is equivalent to $x<-3$ or $x>3$, that is $(-\infty,-3)\cup(3,+\infty)$. Remember that $|x|$ is the distance from $x$ to $0$.

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Determine the domain of the following functions of a real variable based on the restrictions of the operations that define them: a) $f(x) = \frac{2x - 5}{x^2 - 9}$ b)…

Determine the domain of the following functions of a real variable based on the restrictions of the operations that define them:

  1. a) $f(x) = \frac{2x - 5}{x^2 - 9}$
  1. b) $g(x) = \sqrt{3x + 12}$
  1. c) $h(x) = \ln(x - 1)$
Solve

Domain and types of functions

The domain of a function is the set of values of $x$ for which the formula makes sense. You find it by looking at which operations "forbid" some value.

Notice that the root starts at $x=-4$ and the logarithm at $x=1$ (without ever touching it): those are their domains.

When a function mixes several types, you impose all the conditions at once and intersect the intervals.

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Classify the following functions according to their type (polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, or logarithmic): a) $f(x) = 3^x - 1$ b)…

Classify the following functions according to their type (polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, or logarithmic):

  1. a) $f(x) = 3^x - 1$
  1. b) $g(x) = \frac{x^2 + 1}{x - 2}$
  1. c) $h(x) = \log_{10}(x^2)$
  1. d) $i(x) = x^3 - 5x + 2$
  1. e) $j(x) = \sqrt[3]{x - 4}$
Solve
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Determine the largest possible domain for the following real-valued function of a real variable, expressing the result as a union of intervals: $$f(x) =…

Determine the largest possible domain for the following real-valued function of a real variable, expressing the result as a union of intervals:

$$f(x) = \sqrt{\frac{\ln(x^2 - 8)}{|x| - 4}}$$

To solve this, you must simultaneously consider the restrictions imposed by the square root, the natural logarithm, and the denominator of the fraction.

Solve

Axis intercepts and rational functions

To graph or analyze a function it helps to know where it crosses the axes:

  • $Y$-axis: compute $f(0)$ (if $0$ is in the domain).

  • $X$-axis: solve $f(x)=0$ and discard the solutions that are not in the domain.

In a rational function $\dfrac{p(x)}{q(x)}$, the zeros of the denominator are not in the domain. If a value makes both numerator and denominator zero, you factor and simplify to see what happens there.

It is also useful to know how to read a parabola. If $y=ax^2+bx+c$, its vertex is at $x=-\dfrac{b}{2a}$.

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Given the rational function $f(x) = \frac{2x^2 - 8}{x^2 - x - 2}$: 1. Find its domain. 2. Identify whether there is any point where the function has a "removable…

Given the rational function $f(x) = \frac{2x^2 - 8}{x^2 - x - 2}$:

  1. Find its domain.

  2. Identify whether there is any point where the function has a "removable discontinuity" (a point where the numerator and the denominator vanish simultaneously).

  3. Find the axis intercepts.

Solve
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A surveillance drone carries out a test flight following a trajectory whose height in meters with respect to time in seconds is given by the function: $$H(t) = -t^2 +…

A surveillance drone carries out a test flight following a trajectory whose height in meters with respect to time in seconds is given by the function:

$$H(t) = -t^2 + 20t + 5$$
  1. From what height does the drone take off?

  2. What is the maximum height it reaches and in which second does it occur?

  3. If the drone must land when its battery reaches $5\%$ (which occurs at $21$ seconds), at what height will it be at that moment? Explain whether the result makes physical sense.

Collision zone (H < 0) 5 10 15 20 25 120 100 80 60 40 20 −20 Time t (s) Height H (m) H(t) = -t² + 20t + 5 Take-off: H(0) = 5 m Max Height (10 s, 105 m) t = 21 s, H = −16 m
Solve

Piecewise-defined functions

A piecewise function uses different expressions depending on the interval $x$ is in. The point where the expression changes is the one to watch.

Go back to Wilkin's plan: $\text{RD}\$500$ for the first 5 GB and $\text{RD}\$100$ for each extra GB.

$$C(x)=\begin{cases}500 & 0\le x\le 5\\ 500+100(x-5) & x>5\end{cases}$$

Another plan charges $\text{RD}\$500$ up to 5 GB, but then applies $600+100(x-5)$. At $x=5$ from the right it would give $600\ne 500$: there is a jump of $\text{RD}\$100$ as soon as you go over the limit.

An absolute value can also be written piecewise, using the fact that $|u|=u$ if $u\ge0$ and $|u|=-u$ if $u<0$. For example,

$$|x-5|=\begin{cases}x-5 & x\ge 5\\ -(x-5) & x<5\end{cases}$$
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Given the modulus function $f(x) = |x - 3|$, express it as a piecewise function and calculate its value for $x = 0$ and $x = 5$.

Given the modulus function $f(x) = |x - 3|$, express it as a piecewise function and calculate its value for $x = 0$ and $x = 5$.

Solve
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A phone company offers a data plan where the first $10$ GB cost a fixed $900$ pesos. From then on, each extra GB is charged at $120$ pesos. The function representing the…

A phone company offers a data plan where the first $10$ GB cost a fixed $900$ pesos. From then on, each extra GB is charged at $120$ pesos. The function representing the total cost $C(x)$ in terms of the GB consumed $x$ is:

$C(x) = \begin{cases} 900 & \text{if } 0 \le x \le 10 \\ 900 + 120(x - 10) & \text{if } x > 10 \end{cases}$

Study whether the function is continuous at the critical point $x = 10$.

Solve
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A new video game streaming service applies a monthly fee based on high-speed data usage. The first $20$ GB are included in a fixed charge of $900$ pesos. Beyond that,…

A new video game streaming service applies a monthly fee based on high-speed data usage. The first $20$ GB are included in a fixed charge of $900$ pesos. Beyond that, the price for each additional GB increases linearly according to the function $P(x) = 900 + 30(x - 20)$, where $x$ is the total number of GB consumed.

However, if the user exceeds $100$ GB, the company applies an excess traffic penalty and the function becomes $P(x) = 6x^2 - 2\,700$.

Write the algebraic expression for the total cost function $C(x)$ as a piecewise-defined function and check whether the price "jumps" or is continuous right at the point of consuming $100$ GB.

Solve

Limits by eye, substitution, and continuity

Studying limits means asking what value $f(x)$ approaches as $x$ approaches a point, regardless of (for now) what exactly happens at that point. Here you only need the intuitive idea.

  • $\lim_{x\to a^-}f(x)$ is the left-hand limit: the value $f$ approaches coming from values less than $a$.

  • $\lim_{x\to a^+}f(x)$ is the right-hand limit.

  • $f(a)$ is the image: the value of the function at $a$ (it may not exist).

On a graph, an open circle marks a point that does not belong to the graph and a filled circle marks a point that does.

Graph with a jump at x = 2: from the left the curve approaches 3 with an open circle, from the right it starts at 1 with a filled circle. 2 3 1 from the left: 3 from the right: 1 y f(2) = 1

Here $\lim_{x\to2^-}f(x)=3$, $\lim_{x\to2^+}f(x)=1$ and $f(2)=1$. The one-sided limits are different, so there is a jump.

Limit by substitution. If the function is polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, or a root, and the point is in its domain, you just substitute. Check that the result is a finite number.

Parameters and continuity. For a piecewise function to be continuous at the junction, you set the pieces equal there. If in addition the graph passes through a given point, you substitute that point into its piece. With two parameters you get two equations.

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Calculate the following direct limits by substitution, checking whether the value obtained is finite: a) $\lim_{x \to 2} (x^2 - 3x + 1)$ b)…

Calculate the following direct limits by substitution, checking whether the value obtained is finite:

  1. a) $\lim_{x \to 2} (x^2 - 3x + 1)$
  1. b) $\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{e^x + 1}{x + 3}$
  1. c) $\lim_{x \to -1} \sqrt{x + 5}$
Solve
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From the following graph of the function $f(x)$, identify the values of the one-sided limits and the image of the function at the point of discontinuity $x = 1$. In the…

From the following graph of the function $f(x)$, identify the values of the one-sided limits and the image of the function at the point of discontinuity $x = 1$. In the graph, the empty circle indicates a point that does not belong to the graph and the filled circle indicates a point that does belong to it.

  1. a) $\lim_{x \to 1^-} f(x)$
  1. b) $\lim_{x \to 1^+} f(x)$
  1. c) $f(1)$
Graph of f(x) with a jump discontinuity at x = 1: a curved branch on the left with an empty circle and a horizontal branch on the right with a filled circle−1123450−11234xyf(x)
Solve
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Given the piecewise function: $$f(x) = \begin{cases} \frac{ax + b}{x - 2} & \text{if } x < 1 \\ \sqrt{x^2 + 3} & \text{if } x \ge 1 \end{cases}$$ Find the values of the…

Given the piecewise function:

$$f(x) = \begin{cases} \frac{ax + b}{x - 2} & \text{if } x < 1 \\ \sqrt{x^2 + 3} & \text{if } x \ge 1 \end{cases}$$

Find the values of the real parameters $a$ and $b$ knowing that the function passes through point $(-2, 0)$ and that it is continuous at the point of abscissa $x = 1$. Once found, study the symmetry of the function on the interval $[1, +\infty)$.

Solve

Asymptotes and graph transformations

An asymptote is a line that the graph approaches without reaching (in the sense we describe here).

  • Vertical $x=a$: the graph rises or falls without bound as $x$ approaches $a$. It appears at $x=a$ when the denominator is zero and the factor does not cancel, and also in logarithms at the edge of their domain.

  • Horizontal $y=b$: the graph approaches $b$ as $x$ grows very large or very negative. For example, $y=2^x$ approaches $y=0$ on the left.

To read them on a graph, look for vertical lines that the curve "doesn't cross" and heights that the curve "hugs" at the ends.

Graph of a rational function with a vertical asymptote at x = 2 and a horizontal asymptote at y = 1, drawn with dashed lines. x = 2 y = 1

Transformations. Starting from a known graph $y=f(x)$, you get others like this:

Function Effect on the graph
$f(x-a)$ shift of $a$ units to the right (to the left if $a<0$)
$f(x)+b$ shift of $b$ units up (down if $b<0$)
$-f(x)$ reflection across the $X$-axis
$|f(x)|$ the negative part is reflected upward (everything ends up $\ge 0$)
$f(|x|)$ the part with $x\ge0$ is kept and reflected across the $Y$-axis

The order matters: they are applied from the inside out, in the order in which they act on $x$ and then on the result.

Move $a$ and $b$: the vertical asymptote of the logarithm moves with $a$, and the curve goes up or down with $b$.

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Look at the following graph and visually identify the equations of its vertical and horizontal asymptotes:

Look at the following graph and visually identify the equations of its vertical and horizontal asymptotes:

0 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 −1 x y V.A. H.A.
Solve
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In the study of sound signals, the function $s(t) = \ln(t)$ is used to represent the intensity of a primary signal. Due to interference, the resulting signal is…

In the study of sound signals, the function $s(t) = \ln(t)$ is used to represent the intensity of a primary signal. Due to interference, the resulting signal is transformed according to the rule $g(t) = |s(|t-2|)-1|$.

Sketch the graph of the final function $g(t)$ starting from the basic function $\ln(t)$ and explaining in detail each of the geometric transformations (translations, reflections and modulus operations) that take place.

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

Solve

Operations and composition of functions

With two functions you can build others by adding, multiplying, or dividing their values.

The composition $(f\circ g)(x)=f(g(x))$ applies $g$ first and then $f$. Its domain is the $x$ in the domain of $g$ whose image $g(x)$ is in the domain of $f$.

Block diagram of the composition of f with g: the input x goes into g and produces g(x), which serves as the input to f to get f(g(x)). x g g(x) g(x) f f(g(x)) (f∘g)(x) = f(g(x)): first g, then f
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Given the functions $f(x) = x + 3$ and $g(x) = x^2 - 1$, perform the following operations and determine the domain of the resulting function: a) $(f + g)(x)$ b)…

Given the functions $f(x) = x + 3$ and $g(x) = x^2 - 1$, perform the following operations and determine the domain of the resulting function:

  1. a) $(f + g)(x)$
  1. b) $(f \times g)(x)$
  1. c) $(\frac{f}{g})(x)$
Solve
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Consider the functions $f(x) = \sqrt{x + 2}$ and $g(x) = \frac{1}{x^2 - 1}$. 1. Find the expression for the composite function $(g \circ f)(x)$. 2. Determine the domain…

Consider the functions $f(x) = \sqrt{x + 2}$ and $g(x) = \frac{1}{x^2 - 1}$.

  1. Find the expression for the composite function $(g \circ f)(x)$.

  2. Determine the domain of $(g \circ f)(x)$.

  3. Does this domain coincide with that of the function $h(x) = \frac{1}{x+1}$? Justify your answer.

Solve
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An aerospace engineering company is designing the ascent trajectory of a probe. The height $h$ in kilometers, measured from a reference level (negative below it), with…

An aerospace engineering company is designing the ascent trajectory of a probe. The height $h$ in kilometers, measured from a reference level (negative below it), with respect to time $t$ in minutes is given by a composite function. It is known that the outer function is $f(x) = \frac{x-2}{x+3}$ and the inner function is $g(t) = \sqrt{t^2 - 1}$.

Find the algebraic expression of the total height function $H(t) = (f \circ g)(t)$ and give reasons for its domain and range in the physical context of the problem, knowing that the probe begins its mission at $t = 1$.

Solve

Inverse function

The inverse $f^{-1}$ "undoes" what $f$ does: if $f(a)=b$, then $f^{-1}(b)=a$. For it to exist, $f$ must be one-to-one (injective): different values of $x$ correspond to different values of $y$.

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Find the inverse function $f^{-1}(x)$ of the function $f(x) = \frac{e^x + 3}{2}$. State the domain and range of both functions and verify graphically their symmetry with…

Find the inverse function $f^{-1}(x)$ of the function $f(x) = \frac{e^x + 3}{2}$. State the domain and range of both functions and verify graphically their symmetry with respect to the line y = x.

Solve
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Let the function be $f(x) = \frac{3^x - 1}{3^x + 1}$. Prove algebraically that the function is one-to-one (injective) over its entire domain. Then, find the expression…

Let the function be $f(x) = \frac{3^x - 1}{3^x + 1}$. Prove algebraically that the function is one-to-one (injective) over its entire domain. Then, find the expression for its inverse function $f^{-1}(x)$ and clearly specify the domain and range of this inverse function.

y = x x y 0 1 −1 1 −1 f(x) f⁻¹(x) y = 1 y = −1 x = 1 x = −1
Solve
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An artificial intelligence algorithm processes input data $x$ by means of a modified logistic activation function: $$A(x) = \frac{10}{1 + e^{-0.5x}}$$ The figure shows…

An artificial intelligence algorithm processes input data $x$ by means of a modified logistic activation function:

$$A(x) = \frac{10}{1 + e^{-0.5x}}$$

The figure shows the graph of $A(x)$ for $x$ between $-10$ and $10$.

Graph of the function A(x) in an increasing S shape, passing through the point (0, 5), with graduated Cartesian axes−10100510xyA(x)

We want to find the inverse function $A^{-1}(x)$ so that the system can carry out the reverse process (decoding).

  1. a) Find the expression of the inverse $A^{-1}(x)$.
  1. b) Determine for which output values $y$ it is possible to perform the decoding (range of the original function) and justify your answer.
Solve

Symmetry: even and odd functions

If you rotate this graph a half turn around the origin, it stays the same: it is odd.

For example, for $f(x)=x^2+3x+1$: the even part is $x^2+1$ and the odd part is $3x$.

With functions that depend on a parameter, like $f_k$, you compute $f_k(-x)$ and check that it gives $f_k(x)$ for any $k$. In the "discuss" exercises (asymptotes, intercepts) you treat $k$ as just another number.

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Study the symmetry (even, odd or neither) of the following functions, justifying the steps by evaluating $f(-x)$: 1. $f(x) = \frac{x^3}{x^2 + 1}$ 2.…

Study the symmetry (even, odd or neither) of the following functions, justifying the steps by evaluating $f(-x)$:

  1. $f(x) = \frac{x^3}{x^2 + 1}$

  2. $g(x) = x \times \cos(x)$

  3. $h(x) = \frac{e^x + e^{-x}}{2}$ (Hyperbolic cosine function)

Symmetry Analysis What is the relationship between f(x) and f(-x)? x -x h(x) h(-x) = ? h(x) = (ex+ e-x)/2 x -x f(x) f(-x) = ? f(x) = x3/ (x2 + 1)
Solve
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Consider the family of functions $f_k(x) = \frac{x^2 - k^2}{x^2 + k^2}$ where $k \in \mathbb{R}, k \neq 0$. 1. Show that for any value of $k$, the function is even. 2.…

Consider the family of functions $f_k(x) = \frac{x^2 - k^2}{x^2 + k^2}$ where $k \in \mathbb{R}, k \neq 0$.

  1. Show that for any value of $k$, the function is even.

  2. Determine the axis intercepts in terms of $k$.

  3. Find the value of $k$ such that the function takes the value $y = 1/2$ when $x = 3$.

  4. Discuss whether there is any value of $k$ for which the function has vertical asymptotes.

Solve
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Any function $f(x)$ can be uniquely decomposed, at the points $x$ where both $f(x)$ and $f(-x)$ exist, as the sum of an even function $g(x)$ and an odd function $h(x)$,…

Any function $f(x)$ can be uniquely decomposed, at the points $x$ where both $f(x)$ and $f(-x)$ exist, as the sum of an even function $g(x)$ and an odd function $h(x)$, such that:

$$g(x) = \frac{f(x) + f(-x)}{2} \quad \text{and} \quad h(x) = \frac{f(x) - f(-x)}{2}$$

Given the function $f(x) = \frac{x+2}{x-1}$, find its even and odd components. Verify algebraically that $g(x)$ is indeed an even function and $h(x)$ is an odd function. What are the domains of each of these three functions?

f(x) = g(x) + h(x) f(x) = x + 2 x - 1 Dom(f) = ? g(x) = ½[f(x) + f(-x)] g(x) = ? Even Dom(g) = ? h(x) = ½[f(x) - f(-x)] h(x) = ? Odd Dom(h) = ?
Solve

Go back to the beginning: Wilkin's data plan is continuous because, at $x=5$, the two pieces of the function have the same value ($\text{RD}\$500$). If the second piece started at a different value, the bill would jump.

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