2 Functions and Graphs

Introduction 2. An element of set A is associated with a

unique element in set B.
The function is one of the most important
topics of algebra in the quantitative ap- If f is a function from A to B and (a, b) Î f,
titude section of the CAT exam. Types of then f(a) = b, where b is called the image of
function, compound function, greatest inte- a under f and a is called the pre-image of b
ger functions, domain and range, and graphs under f. The function f from A to B is denot-
of some special functions all appear in this ed by f: A ® B.
topic. One can generally expect one or two Let us look at some examples.
questions from functions. y If the selling price (SP) per unit of a quan-
tity is constant, the revenue of a company
Function (R), will be dependent on the number of
The function can be understood as an in- units sold (n). This can be written mathe-
put–output machine that takes an input and matically as R = f(n).
produces an output. For example, at met- y If the distance (d) is constant, then the
ro stations or shopping malls, we have seen time taken (t) to cover that distance (d)
automated vending machines, as shown will be dependent on the value of speed
below: (v). This can be written mathematically as
t = f(v).
y The volume of a cube (V) is dependent on
the side of the cube (a). This can be writ-
ten mathematically as V = f(a).
y Area of circle (A) = pr2, where r is the radi-
us. So, the area of the circle is dependent
upon the value of the radius of the circle.
We can write this mathematically as A =
f(r).
Evaluating Function
Example 1:
3
Through a pre-defined programme, if you press 2
 
Given the function defined by g x  x  1,
find the function values.
certain keys, you would get your desired ob-
ject. In this case, the output (your desired (A) g(0) (B) g(2)
object) is related to the input (the buttons (C) g(4) (D) g(–2)
pressed) through an algorithm. You must Solution:
have seen for a particular input, they always 3
produce the same output. (A) put x = 0;  
g 0 
2
 
0  1  1
Functions: Let A and B be two non-empty 3
sets. A function f from A to B is a corre-  
(B) put x = 2; g 2 
2
 
2 12
spondence that associates elements of set 3
A to the elements of set B such that:  
(C) put x = 4; g 4 
2
 
4 1615
1. All elements of set A are associated with 3
elements in set B.  
(D) put x = –2; g 2 
2
 
2  1  3  1  4

Functions and Graphs 29

 Domain of a Function
Consider a function defined by y = f(x). The
domain of f is the set of all x-values that (C) The function defined by k t  t  4 will
when substituted into the function, produce not be a real number when t + 4 is neg-
a real number. The range of f is the set of all ative; hence, the domain is the set of all
the y-values corresponding to the values of x t-values that make the radicand greater
in the domain. than or equal to zero.
To find the domain of a function defined by y So, t + 4 ≥ 0
= f(x), keep these guidelines in mind: Or, t ≥ –4
Exclude values of x that make the denomi- Interval notation: (–4, ¥)
nator of a fraction zero.
Exclude values of x that make a negative
value within a square root.
(D) The function defined by g(t) = t2 – 3t has
Example 2: no restrictions on its domain because
Find the domain of the following functions. any real number substituted for t will
Write the answers in interval notation. produce a real number. The domain is
x7 x 4 the set of real numbers.
 
(A) f x 
2x  1
(B) h x  2 
x 9 Interval notation: (–¥, ¥)

(C) k t  t  4 (D) g(t) = t2 – 3t

Solution: (A)
Example 3:
The function will be undefined when the de-
nominator is zero, that is, when: What is the domain of the function?
2x – 1 = 0 1
 
f x 
Or, 2x = 1 x x
1
Or, x=, Solution: x Î R-
2 1
So, the value of x = must be excluded from For domain: |x| – x > 0
the domain. 2
|x| > x
 1  1  This is only possible when x Î R- .
Interval notation:  ,    ,  
 2 2  Example 4:
Find the domain of the function.
log ( x  3)
 
f x  2 2
x  3x  2
(B) The quantity x2 is greater than or equal Solution: (–3, ¥) – (–1, –2)
to 0 for all real numbers x, and the num- log2 ( x  3) log2 ( x  3)
 
Here, f x   exist, if
ber 9 is positive. Therefore, the sum x2 +
9 must be positive for all real numbers
2
x  3x  2  x  1  x  2
numerator, (x + 3) > 0 ⇒ x > –3 ...(i)
x 4  
x. So, the denominator of h x    And denominator, (x + 1) (x + 2) ¹ 0

x2  9  Þ x ¹ –1, –2 ...(ii)
will never be zero; so, the domain is the
set of all the real numbers. Thus, from equations (i) and (ii), we have:
The domain of f(x) = (-3, ¥) – (-1, -2).
Interval notation: (-¥, ¥)

30 Functions and Graphs

Example 5: Trick:
The domain of the function 1  x2 1
y  2
 1
x x2
 
f x  x  x 2  4  x  4  x is
1
(A) [-4, ¥) (B) [-4, 4] Now, since, is always > 0
x2
(C) [0, 4] (D) [0, 1] Þ y>1
Solution: (D) Þ y Î (1, ¥)
Therefore, option (B) is correct.
We know that, f x   x  x2  4  x  4  x
Example 7:
Clearly, f(x) is defined if
Find the range of the function
4 + x ≥ 0 Þ x ≥ –4 x 2  11x  31
4–x≥0Þx£4  
f x  2
x  11x  30
, where x Î R.

x(1 – x) ≥ 0 Þ x ≥ 0 or x £ 1
Solution: [1, 7/3)
Therefore, domain of
f = (–¥, 4] Ç [–4, ¥] Ç [0, 1] = [0, 1] x 2  11x  31
Here, f x   x 2  11x  30
Hence, 4th option is correct.
1 1
Co-Domain and Range of a Function  
f x  1 2
x  11x  31
 1 2
 11  3
If a function f is defined from a set of A to x   
 2 4
set B, then for f: A ® B. Set A is called the
domain of function f and set B is called the 7 −11
Now, the maximum value of f(x) is at x =
co-domain of function f. The set of all f- 3 2
images of the elements of A is called the And the minimum value of f(x) is 1 at x = ¥
range of function f. In other words, we can Therefore, the range of f(x) is [1, 7/3)
say, domain = all possible values of x for
Note: For two sets A and B, the number of
which f(x) exists.
functions from A to B are |B| |A|. For exam-
Range = for all values of x, all possible values ple, let A = {1, 2, 3, 4} and B = {p, q, r, s, t}.
of f(x) or the set of all the outputs is known Therefore, the number of functions = BA = 54
as range. = 625 functions from A to B.
Example 6:
Types of Functions
1 + x2
Find the range of
. One–one function (injective)
x2
(A) (0, 1) (B) (1, ¥) A function f: A ® B is said to be a one–one
function if different elements of A have dif-
(C) [0, 1] (D) [1, ¥)
ferent images in B.
Solution: (B)
Number of one–one functions from A to
1 + x2 B having m and n elements respectively
Let y =
x2
1 =
Þ x 2y = 1 + x 2 Þ x2(y – 1) = 1 Þ x2 =
y −1 To check the injectivity of a function:
Now, x2 ≥ 0
1 1. Take two arbitrary elements x1 and x2 in
Þ ≥ 0 Þ (y – 1) ≥ 0 Þ y > 1 as y cannot the domain of f.
y −1
be 1 2. Check whether f(x1) = f(x2).

Functions and Graphs 31

 3. If f(x1) = f(x2), which implies that x1 = then A and B have the same number of ele-
x2, only then the function is a one–one ments. If A has n elements, then the number
function or injective function and other- of bijections from A to B is the total number
wise, it is not. of arrangements of n items taken all at a
Let f: A ® B and g: X ® Y be two functions, time, i.e., n!
represented by the following diagram: Example 8:
The function f: R ® R defined by f(x) = (x – 3)
(x – 4) (x – 5) is:
(A) One-one but not onto
(B) Onto but not one-one
(C) Both one-one and onto
f: A ® B is a one–one function. But g: X ® Y (D) Neither one-one and onto
is not a one–one function because two dis-
Solution: (B)
tinct elements x1 and x3 have the same im-
age under function g. We have, f(x) = (x – 3) (x – 4) (x – 5)

Onto function (surjective) Hence, f(x) is not one-one

Function f: A ® B is said to be an onto func- For each y Î R, there exists x Î R such that
tion, if every element of B is the image of f(x) = y.
some element of A under f, i.e., for every el- Therefore, f is onto.
ement of y Î B, there exists an element x Î Hence, f: R ® R is onto but not one-one.
A such that f(x) = y, e.g., the following arrow
Therefore, option (B) is the correct answer.
diagram shows onto function.
Algebraic Functions
A function that contains a finite number of
terms having different powers of the inde-
pendent variable (x).
x2  1
For example, 4x2 – 3x1/2 + 7, etc.
The number of onto functions: If A and B are x2  2
two sets having m and n elements, respec-
Polynomial Functions
tively, such that 1 £ n £ m, the number of onto
n A function f(x) of the following form is known
functions from A to B is  r 1
( 1)nr rn C  r m. as a polynomial function:
One-one onto function (bijective) f(x) = a0 + a1x + a2x2 + ∙∙∙ + an xn.
A function f: A ® B. is said to be a one-one Where n is a whole number and a1, a2, a3, ∙∙∙ an
and onto, if it is both one-one and onto. Î R.
Domain: It is the set of all real numbers.
Range: It is also the set of all real numbers.
Constant Function
f(x) = c, c Î R, where c is constant.
Number of one-one onto functions: If A and If c is a fixed real number, then a function
B are finite sets and f: A ® B is a bijection, f(x) is given by f(x) = c, for all c Î R.

32 Functions and Graphs

 Quadratic Function
y = f(x) = x2 or all functions in the form of y
= ax2 + bx + c where a, b, c Î R, a ¹ 0 will be
known as a quadratic function.
For, f(x) = x2,
f(x) = f(-x)
Domain: It is the set of real numbers. \ Graph of f(x) is symmetric about the y-axis.
Range: It is a particular real number. Domain: It is the set of real values.
Range: R+ U {0}, i.e., non-negative real numbers.
Identity Function
The function that associates each real num-
ber to itself is called the identity function
and is usually denoted by I.
Thus, the function I: R ® R defined by I(x) =
x for all x Î R is called the identity function.
Domain: It is the set of real numbers.
Cubic Function
Range: It is also the set of real numbers.
y = f(x) = x3
f(-x) = -f(x)
\ Graph of f(x) is symmetric about the origin.
Domain: R (set of real numbers).
Range: R (set of real numbers).

The domain and range of the identity func-

tion are both equal to R.
The graph of the identity function is a straight
line passing through the origin and inclined
at an angle of 45° with the x-axis.

Linear Function Biquadratic Function

y = mx + c, (m, c Î R is positive). y = f(x) = x4
f(x) = f(-x)
\ Graph of f(x) is symmetric about the y-axis.
Domain: R (set of real numbers).
Range: R+ U {0}, i.e., set of non-negative real
numbers.

Domain: It is the set of real numbers.

Range: It is also the set of real numbers.

Functions and Graphs 33

 Rational Function Range: R+, i.e., set of positive rational
numbers.
 
P x
 
f: A ® R; f x 
Qx
1
3. y = f(x) = 3 Þ f(-x) = -f(x)
x
Here, P(x) and Q(x) are polynomial functions
and A = {x: x Î R such that Q(x) ¹ 0}.
For example,

S.
Function Domain
No.

x 2  5x  8
1. R – {2, 3}
x 2  5x  6
Domain: R – {0}, i.e., set of non-zero rational
1 numbers.
2. ;n ∈ N R – {0}
xn Range: R – {0}, i.e., set of non-zero rational
numbers.
Graphs of important rational functions Irrational Functions
1 The algebraic functions containing one or
1. y = f(x) = Þ f(-x) = -f(x)
x more terms having non-integral rational
powers of x are called irrational functions.

Example:y = 4 x 2 + 2 x , then y is undefined

if x < 0.

y = x , then y is undefined if x < 0.

5x 2  7 x 2  3 x
y  , then y is undefined if x
x4
Domain: R – {0}; set of non-zero rational < 0 and x4 0
numbers.
These functions are not defined for f(x) < 0.
Range: R – {0}; set of non-zero rational
Graphs of important irrational functions
numbers.
1 1. y = f(x) = x1/2
2. y = f(x) = 2 Þ f(x) = f(–x)
x

Domain: R+ U {0}, i.e., set of non-negative,

real numbers.
Domain: R – {0}, i.e., set of non-zero rational
Range: R+ U {0}, i.e., set of non-negative real
numbers.
numbers.

34 Functions and Graphs

2. y = f(x) = x1/3 Properties of modulus function
The modulus function has the following
properties.
1. For any real number x, x2 = x
2. If a, b are positive real numbers, then
x2 £ a2 Û |x| £ a Û –a £ x £ a
x2 ≥ a2 Û |x| ≥ a Û x £ –a or x ≥ a
x2 < a2 Û |x| < a Û –a < x < a
x2 > a2 Û |x| > a Û x < –a or, x > a
Domain: R (set of real numbers).
a2 £ x2 £ b2 Û a £ |x| £ b Û x Î [–b, –a] È [a, b]
Range: R (set of real numbers).
a2 < x2 < b2 Û a < |x| < b Û x Î (-b, -a) È (a, b)
3. y = f(x) = x1/4
3. For real numbers x and y, we have
|x + y| = |x| + |y| Û (x ≥ 0 and y ≥ 0) or
(x < 0 and y < 0)
|x – y| = |x| – |y| Û (x ≥ 0, y ≥ 0 and
|x| ≥ |y|) or, (x £ 0, y £ 0 and |x| ≥ |y|)
|x ± y| £ |x| + |y|
|x ± y| ≥ |x| – |y|
Example 9:
Domain: R+ U {0}, i.e., set of non-negative What is the area of the following equation:
real numbers. |x| + |y| = 5?
Range: R+ U {0}, i.e., set of non-negative real (A) 100 square unit (B) 25 square unit
numbers. (C) 12.5 square unit (D) 50 square unit
Modulus Function Solution: (D)
The function f(x) defined by f(x) = |x| = We have, |x| + |y| = 5
 x, whenx  0  We can write the four possible expressions
  is called the modulus
 x, whenx  0 from the above equation.
function. Case 1: x + y = 5
The graph of the modulus function is as
X 0 5
shown in the figure, for x ≥ 0, the graph co-
incides with the graph of the identity func- Y 5 0
tion, i.e., the line y = x, and for x < 0, it is
Case 2: x – y = 5
coincident with the line y = –x.
X 0 5

Y -5 0

Case 3: –x + y = 5

X 0 -5

Y 5 0

Functions and Graphs 35

 Case 4: –x – y = 5 Graphical solution
If we observe: |x – 6| + |y – 4| £ 4,
X 0 -5
We can see that the shape will be the same
Y -5 0 as |x| + |y| = 4. The only difference is that |x|
+ |y| = 4 will be centred at (0, 0) while |x – 6|
+ |y – 4| = 4 will be centred at (6, 4).
This is the concept of shifting the origin.
You will get the same rhombus shape.

Now, on right DAOB.

AB = (5)2 + (5)2

AB = 5 2units
Hence, ABCD is a square of side-length 5 2 units.
 
2
Therefore, area of ABCD = (side)2 = 5 2
= 50 square unit.
Note: For the expression like |x| + |y| = a, the
figure is always a square of the side length From the graph we can count 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 +
a 2 unit. 9 + 7 + 5 + 3 + 1 = 41 points.

Hence, option (D) is the correct answer. Greatest Integer Function

Example 10: The function f: R ® R defined by f(x) = [x]

for all x Î R is called the greatest integer
Find how many ordered pairs of values (x, y)
function.
satisfy |x – 6| + |y – 4| £ 4, where x and y are
positive integers. For any real number x, [x] to denote the great-
est integer less than or equal to x, i.e., [n] = n,
Solution: 41
if n is an integer and [x] = n, if n £ x < n + 1, any
Given equation is |x – 6| + |y – 4| £ 4 real number x can be expressed as an integral
Consider it as |k| + |l| £ 4 part + fractional part, i.e., I + f, where, 0 £ f < 1
Now, if k = 0 9 then [x] gives an integral part of x.
l = 0, 1, -1, 2, -2, 3, -3, 4, -4 possibilities
if k = 1, -1 14
l = 0, 1, -1, 2, -2, 3, -3 possibilities
if k = 2, -2 10
l = 0, 1, -1, 2, -2 possibilities
if k = 3, -3 6
l = 0, 1, -1 possibilities
if k = 4, -4 2
l=0 possibilities
Hence, total = 9 + 14 + 10 + 6 + 2 = 41.

36 Functions and Graphs

Domain: R (set of real numbers). sin (x):  
Range: (Integral values) {–3, –2, –1, 0, 1, 2, 3}
etc.
For example, [5.2] = 5,
[10] = 10,
[–2.3] = –3,
[–9.9] = –10
Smallest Integer Function
The function f: R ® R defined by f(x) =
[x] for all x Î R is called the smallest
integer function or the ceiling function.
For example, [4.7] = 5, [–7.2] = –7, [5] = 5,
[0.75] = 1, etc. cos (x):  

Domain: R (set of real numbers). y = cos x

Range: (Integral values). Domain: x ÎR
Range: –1 £ cos x £ 1
Transcendental Function tan (x): y = f(x) = tan (x)
A function that is not algebraic and cannot
be expressed in terms of a finite sequence
of the algebraic operations of addition, sub-
traction, multiplication, division, and raising
to a power is called a transcendental func-
tion, e.g., trigonometry, logarithmic, and ex-
ponential function.
Trigonometric Function
A function is said to be a trigonometric
function if it involves sine, cosine, tangent ì p ü
co-tangent, secant, and cosecant. ( )
Domain: R - í 2n + 1 , n Î I ý
2
î þ
y = f(x) = sin x Range: -¥ < tan x < ¥.
Domain: x Î R
cot (x):  y = f(x) = cot x
Range: –1 £ sin x £ 1

Functions and Graphs 37

 Domain: R
Range: R or (0, ¥)
+

Domain: x Î R – {np: n Î I}
Range: -¥ < cot x < ¥.
cosec (x):  y = f(x) = cosec x Keynote
Domain: R – {np: n Î I}
Range: ( -¥, -1] È [1, ¥) 0<a<1 Function is decreasing.
a>1 Function is increasing.

2. y = a x; 0 < a < 1
Domain: R
Range: R +

sec (x):  y = f(x) = sec x

Domain: R – {(2n + 1); n Î I}
Range: ( -¥, -1] È [1, ¥) 3. a) y = ex
Domain: R
Range: R+

Exponential Function b) y = e|x|

Let a ¹ 1 be a positive real number. Then Domain: R
f: R ® (0, ∞) defined by y = ax is called Range: R +

exponential function.
1. y = ax ; a > 1

38 Functions and Graphs

 Keynote

• A one–one function is either

increasing or decreasing across all Transformation of Graphs
values of a domain.
1. Transformation of function f(x) to f(x) +
• A many-one function is a continuous k, k is a positive constant, and the graph
function which has at least one local shifts upward through k units.
minimum or local maximum.

Logarithmic Function
If a > 0 and a ¹ 1, then the function defined
by f(x) = logax, x > 0 is called the logarithmic
function.
Case 1: When a > 1, then

 0 for 0  x  1

loga x =   0 for x  1
  0 for x  1 When f(x) = |x| + 2, then the graph will

shift 2 units upwards.
Domain: R+
Range: R

Case 2: When 0 < a < 1

2. f(x) ® f(x) – k; k is a positive constant.
ì> 0for  0 < x < 1
ï
We have y = loga x = í = 0 for x = 1
ï < 0 for x > 1
î

Functions and Graphs 39

    
f x is f x  0
4. f(x) = |f(x)|, where |f(x)| = 
   
 f x if f x  0

f(x) = ||x| – 2|
Turn the portion of the graph of f(x) lying
below the x-axis by 180° about the x-axis
or take the mirror image (in x-axis) of the
3. f(x) ® –f(x) portion of the graph of f(x) which lies below
the x-axis.
Turn the graph of f(x) by 180° about the
x-axis or take the mirror image of f(x) on
the x-axis.

5. f(x) ® f(x + k)
Shift the graph of f(x) towards left by k.

40 Functions and Graphs

6. f(x) ® f(x – k)
Shift the graph of f(x) towards right by k.

x
8. f(x) ® f  
k
Stretch the graph of f(x) ‘k’ times along
a-axis.

7. f(x) ® f(kx); (k > 1) f(x) = sin x

Shrink the graph of f(x) k times along
x-axis.

Functions and Graphs 41

 A reflection over the x-axis involves a nega-
tion of the y-coordinate.
Thus, the result by points (9, –8).
Hence, option (D) is the correct answer.

Even and Odd Functions

If f(x) = f(–x), the function will be an even
function and f(x) = –f(–x), the function will
f(x) = sin (x/2) be an odd function.

Example 11: Example: f(x) = x2 sin x

Let f(x) = 2x2 – 3x + 5. If g(x) represents f(x) f(–x) = –x2 sin x

after it has been shifted to the left by four Here, f(x) = –f(–x), so, it is an odd function.
units, and then shifted down by 5 units, Example: f(x) = x2 and f(–x) = x2
which of the following is equal to g(x)?
f(x) = f(-x)
(A) 2x2 – 19x + 52 (B) 2x2 – 19x + 47
So, it is an even function.
(C) 2x2 + 13x + 20 (D) 2x2 + 13x + 25
Example 13:
Solution: (C)  
f x
We are told that g(x) is found by taking f(n)
Let f(x) be a function satisfying f xy   y
and shifting it to the left by four and then for all positive real numbers x and y.
down by five. If f(300) = 4, then what is the value of f(400)?
This means that we can represent g(x) as 1 4
(A) (B)
follows: 3 3
g(x) = f(x + 4) – 5 3
(C) (D) 3
Remember that the fusion f(x + 4) repre- 4
sents f(x) after it has been shifted to left by Solution: (D)
four, whereas f(x – 4) represents f(x) after 4
being shifted to the right by four. x = 300 and y =
3
f(x) = 2x2 – 3x + 5  4
f  300   

f 300 
Now, g(x) = [2 (x + 4) – 3 (x + 4) + 5] – 5
2
 3 4
= 2x + 16x + 32 – 3x – 12
2 3
4
g(x) = 2x2 + 13x + 20  
f 400 
4
Hence, option (C) is the correct answer.
3
Example 12:
f(400) = 3
If the point (8, 9) is reflected over the line
Hence, option (D) is the correct answer.
y = x and then over the x-axis, what is the
result by coordinate? Example 14:

(A) (8, –9) (B) (9, 8) Let f(x) denote the sum of the digits of the
positive integers x. For example, f(7) = 7 and
(C) (8, 9) (D) (9, –8)
f(135) = 1 + 3 + 5 = 9. For how many two-
Solution: (D) digits values of x is f[f(x)] = 3?
A reflection of the line y = x involves a Solution: 10
switching of the coordinates to get us (9, 8).
Let a and b be the digits of x.

42 Functions and Graphs

 f(f(x)) = a + b = 3 Solution: 80
f(x) can only be 3, 12, 21, or 30 and only 3 and We have, f(1) + f(2) + ∙∙∙ + f(n) = n2f(n)...(i)
12 are possible to have two-digit sum. Put, n = n + 1, we get:
If f(x) sums to 3, then there are three differ- 
f(1) + f(2) + f(3) + ∙∙∙ + f(n + 1) = (n + 1)2
ent solutions: f(n + 1) ...(ii)
12, 21, or 30. Subtracting equation (i) from (ii),
If f(x) sums to 12, then there are seven dif- f(n + 1) = (n + 1)2 f(n + 1) – n2f(n)
ferent solutions:
n
39, 48, 57, 66, 75, 84, or 93. f(n + 1) =
n2
 
f n
The total number of solutions is 3 + 7 = 10
8 8 7
Example 15: Therefore, f(9) 
10
 
f 8   
  f 7  ...... ......
10 9
x
4
 
If f x  , then find the value of 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
x
4 2         f 1
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3

 1   2   1998 
f f   f   = 80.
 1999   1999   1999 
Composition of Function
(A) 1998  (B) 1999  (C) 998  (D) 999
Let f: A ® B and g: A ® B be any two func-
Solution: (D)
tions, the compositions of f and g, denoted
Notice that f(x) + f(1 – x) = 1 by gof is defined as the function gof of A ®
C given by gof(x) = g[f(x)] for all x Î A.
æ 1 ö æ 1998 ö
Hence, f ç ÷+fç ÷=1
è 1999 ø è 1999 ø

æ 2 ö æ 1997 ö
fç ÷+fç ÷ = 1, and so on.
è 1999 ø è 1999 ø
1998
Therefore, sum = = 999
2
Hence, option (D) is the correct answer.
Example 16:
If f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) + f(x) × f(y) and f(1) = 4, Periodic Function
then what is the value of f(3)?
A function is said to be a periodic function
Solution: 624 if each value is repeated after a definite
By putting x = y = 1 in the equation, we get: interval.
f(2) = f(1) + f(1) + f(1) × f(1) Þ f(2) = 24 So, a function f(x) will be periodic if a posi-
f(3) = f(2) + f(1) + f(2) × f(1) Þ f(3) = 124 tive real number T exists such that, f(x + T)
= f(x) for all x Î domain.
Similarly, f(4) = f(3) + f(1) + f(3) × f(1)
Here, the least positive value of T is called
= 124 + 4 + 124 × 4 = 624 the period of the function.
Example 17: Clearly, f(x) = f(x + T) = f(x + 2T) = f(x + 3T) =
A function f(x) satisfies f(1) = 3600, and f(1) + …, e.g., sin x, cos x, tan x are periodic function
f(2) + ∙∙∙ + f(n) = n2f(n), for all positive integers with period 2p, 2p and p, respectively.
n > 1. What is the value of f(9)?

Functions and Graphs 43

 Example 18: Put x = 4, y = 1
If f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) + f(xy) and f(1) = 1, then f(5) = 2f(4) + f(1)
find the value of: = 2[15 f(1)] + f(1)
f(2) + f(3) + ∙∙∙ + f(11). = 31 f(1)
Solution: 4,082 = 31 × 1 = 31
It is given that, f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) + f(xy) Now we can find the pattern:
Put x = y = 1 3, 7, 15, 31,…,
f(1 + 1) = f(1) + f(1) + f(1) 2 – 1,
2
2 – 1,
3
2 – 1,
4
211 – 1,
f(2) = 3f(1) = 3 × 1 = 3 Now required sum:
Now, put x = 2, y = 1 f(2) + f(3) + ∙∙∙ +, f(11)
f(3) = f(2) + f(1) + f(2) (22 – 1) + (23 – 1) + (24 – 1) + ∙∙∙ + (211 – 1)
= 2 f(2) + f(1) = (22 + 23 + ∙∙∙ + 211) – 10
= 2[3f(1)] + f(1) = (20 + 21 + 22 + 23 + ∙∙∙ + 211) – (20 + 21) – 10
= 7 f(1) = 7 × 1 = 7 = 212 – 1 – 3 – 10
Putting, x = 3, y = 1 = 4,096 – 14
f(4) = f(3) + f(1) + f(3) = 4,082.
= 2(f3) + f(1)
= 2(7 f(1)) + f(1)
= 15 f(1)
= 15 × 1 = 15.

44 Functions and Graphs

 Practice Exercise – 1

Level of Difficulty – 1 Level of Difficulty – 2

x2 1 n 
1. If f(x) =
x 2
, x ¹ 2, then find 6.  
Let f n     , where [x] denotes
 2 100 

     
f f f f f 3 an integral part of x. Then, the value of
100

15   
f n is:
n 1
(A)
11 (A) 50
−37 (B) 51
(B) (C) 1
7
(D) None of these
(C) 3
(D) 1 7. f(x + y) = f(x) f(y) for all x, y, f(4) = +5.
What is f(-12)?
2. The domain of the function f(x) = log (A) 125
(5x – 6 – x2) is: 1
(B)
(A) (5, 6) 125
(B) (2, 3) (C) 1728
(C) (2, ¥) 1
(D)
(D) None of these 1728
3. If f(x) = x3 + 1, and the value of the ex- 8. Let f(x) be a function satisfying f(x) f(y) =
pression f(2x) – 2f(x) = 4373, then value f(xy) for real x, y. If f(2) = 4, then what is
of x is:  1
value of f   ?
(A) 8 2
(B) 3 9. Let f(x) be the greatest integer func-
(C) 2 tion and g(x) be the modulus func-
(D) 9 tion, then what is the value of

 gof   35   fog   35  ?

4. The domain of the function    
   
 
f x  4 x  4  2 x  10 is:
(A)
3
5
(A) [1, 5]
11
(B) [-1, 5] (B)
(C) [5, ¥] 3
(D) [–1, ¥] 2
(C)
7
5. If 3x2 – 2xy – y2 + 4, then f[f(2, 3), f(−1, 1)]
(D) 3
is equal to:
(A) -68 10. Let f(x) = x3 – 4x + p, and f(0) and f(1) are
(B) 95 of opposite signs, then which of the fol-
(C) 251 lowing is necessarily true?
(D) 232 (A) -1 < p < 2
(B) 0 < p < 3
(C) -2 < p < 1
(D) -3 < p < 0

Functions and Graphs 45

 Level of Difficulty – 3 14. Find f(13) where f(x + 2) = 2f(x) – f(x + 1)
and f(10) = 20, f(15) = 108.
11. For a function f(x), f(x) + f(x – 1) = x2 and (A) 24
f(20) = 40. Find f(40). (B) 28
(C) 44
12. The operation f(x) is defined by, (i) f(1) =
(D) Cannot be determined
2, (ii) f(x + y) = f(x) f(y), for all positive
n
  x 2
 ; if x ¹ 1, –1
1
integers x and y, if  x 1
f x  1022 then, 15. Let f(x) =
x 2

1
n is:
and 1 if x = 1, –1.
(A) 8
(B) 9 x1
Let g(x) = ; if x ¹ 1
(C) 10 x1
(D) 11 and 3, if x = 1. What are the minimum

13. The domain of the function f(x) = log7 possible values of

f x
?
 
(log3 (log5 (20x – x2 – 91))) is: 1 g x  
(A)
(A) (7, 13) 2
(B) (8, 12) (B) –1
(C) (7, 12)
1
(D) (12, 13) (C)
3
1
(D)
4

46 Functions and Graphs

 Solutions

1. (B) For domain, 4x + 4 ≥ 0 and 2x – 10 ≥ 0

Put x = 2; we have, x ≥ –1 and x ≥ 5
Therefore, x Î [–1, 5]
           f f f f 5   
f f f f f 3 Hence, (B) option is correct.

   7  5. (B)
 f  f  f     f(x) = 3x2 − 2xy − y2 + 4
 
   3  Then, f((f(2, 3), f(−1, 1))
  
 f f 13 The value of f(2, 3) = 3(2)2 − 2 × 2 × 3 − 32 + 4
= 12 − 12 − 9 + 4 = −5
 15  37 Now, f(−1, 1) = 3 × (−1)2 − 2 × (−1) × 1 − (1)1 + 4
f 
 11  7 =3+2−1+4=8
Therefore, (B) option is correct. Then, f(f(2, 3), f(−1, 1)] = f[−5, 8] = 3 × (−5)2
− 2 × (−5) × 8 − 82 + 4
2. (B) = 75 + 80 − 64 + 4 = 95
f(x) = log(5x – 6 – x2) Therefore, (B) option is correct.
The logarithmic function is defined only 6. (B)
for positive values.
1 n   50  n 
So, 5x – 6 – x2 > 0 or x2 – 5x + 6 < 0  
f n    
Roots of this equation are 2 and 3.  2 100   100 
Put them on the number line. For all the values of n < 50, f(n) = 0 and
Take the value from the internal 2–3 (say for all the n ≥ 50, f(n) = 1.
2.5). It satisfies the inequality. Hence, 51 such values are there.
So, the value lies between 2 and 3. Hence, (B) option is correct.
So, the domain is (2, 3) = 2 < x < 3
7. (B)
Here, f(0 + 4) = f(0) f(4)
5 = f(0) f(4)
f(0) = 1
Now, f(4 + (–4)) = f(4) f(-4)
f(0) = 5 × f(-4)
1
f(–4) =
Therefore, (B) option is correct. 5
Therefore, f(-4 – 4 – 4) = f(–4) f(–4) f(–4)
3. (B) 1 1 1 1
f(–12) =   
We have, f(2x) – 2f(x) = 4373 5 5 5 125
[(2x)3 + 1] – 2[x3 + 1] = 4373 Hence option (B) is the correct answer.
6x3 – 1 = 4373
8. 1/4
4374
x= 3 Put x = 1 and y = 2, we get
6 f(1) × f(2) = f(2)
x=9 Þ f(1) = 1
1
 x 3 Now, put x = and y = 2, we get
2
Hence, the (B) option is correct.
 1 1 
 
f    f 2  f   2
4. (B) 2 2 

Functions and Graphs 47

  1 n
 
f  f 2  f 1  Also, a sum of n terms, S =
2
[a + an] =
2 10
[43 + 79] = 5 × 122 = 610
f 
 1 f 1   1 1
f 
2
2 f 2   2 4 Taking equation (i)
9. (D) f(40) = 610 + f(20)
If it is given that f(x) = [x] and g(x) = |x| f(40) = 610 + 40
f(40) = 650
 5 
Then, gof   = gof [-1.66] = g(-2) = 2
 3  12. (B)
 5  Since f(x + y) = f(x) × f(y) and f(1) = 2
fog   
  fog  1.66  f 1.66  1 Putting x = y = 1
 3 
Now, f(1 + 1) = f(1) × f(1)
 5   5  Þ f(2) = 2 × 2 = 4
Then, gof    fog    2  1  3.
 3   3  If x = 2, y = 1
Hence, (D) option is correct. Þ f(3) = f(2) × f(1) = 4 × 2 = 8
Similarly, f(4) = f(3) f(1) = 8 × 2 = 16
10. (B) The pattern followed: f(n) = 2n
f(0) = p n
Now,  x 1
 
f x  1022 = f(1) + f(2) + f(3)
f(1) = 1 – 4 + p = p – 3
+ ∙∙∙ + f(n) = 1022
Since they are of opposite sign, p(p – 3) < 0
Þ 21 + 22 + 23 + ∙∙∙ + 2n = 1022
Þ 0<p<3 The series is a GP with first term, a = 2
Hence, (B) option is correct. and a common ratio r = 2

11. 650 Þ Sum of GP =


a rn  1 
Here, f(x) = x2 – f(x – 1)  r  1
f(40) = 402 – f(39)
= 402 – [392 – f(38)] Therefore,

2 2n  1   1022
= 402 – 392 + f(38) 2  1
= 402 – 392 + 382 – f(37) 1022
= 402 – 392 + 382 – 372 + f(36) 2n – 1 = = 511
2
2 = 512
n

= 402 – 392 + 382 – 372 + 362 + 2n = 29

352 + ∙∙∙ + f(20) On comparing both the sides, we get
= (40 + 39) (40 – 39) + (38 + or, n = 9
37) + (38 – 37) + (36 + 35) Hence, (B) option is correct.
(36 – 35) + ∙∙∙ + (22 + 21) (22 –
13. (B)
21) + f(20)
A logarithm function of the form logab is
= [79 + 75 + 71 + ∙∙∙ + 43] + f(20)
true,
= [43 + 47 + ∙∙∙ + 71 + 75 + 79) +
if b > 0 and c = ab is written as:
f(20)
logac = b
f(40) = s + f(20)...(i)
For s: an = 79; a = 43; d = 4 Since f(x) = log7 (log3 (log5 (20x – x2 – 91)))
Since we know that Þ log3 (log5 (20x – x2 – 91)) > 0
an = a + (n – 1) d Þ log5 (20x – x2 – 91) > 30
79 = 43 + (n – 1) 4 Þ log5 (20x – x2 – 91) > 1
36 Þ 20x – x2 – 91 > 51
= n – 1  or n = 10
4

48 Functions and Graphs

 Þ x2 – 20x + 96 < 0 This function is greater than 0.
Þ (x – 8) (x – 12) < 0
Þ 8 < x < 12 Let y =
x 2
1
2
Therefore, domain of f(x) = (8, 12). ( x  1)
Hence, (B) option is correct. Þ x (y – 1) + 2yx + (y – 1) = 0 which is quad-
2

14. (C) ratic in x.

(x + 2) = 2f(x) – f(x + 1) Discriminant should be greater than 0
Let f(11) = K 4y2 – 4(y – 1)2 ≥ 0
Þ f(12) = 2f(10) – f(11) = 40 – K 1
Also, f(13) = 2f(11) – f(12) = 2K – 40 + K Þ y≥
2
Þ f(13) = 3K – 40
f(14) = 2f(12) – f(13) When x = 1, then
 1
f x
= 80 – 2K – 3K + 40 = 120 – 5K g x 3
Now, f(15) = 2f(13) – f(14) = 6K – 80 – 120 + 5K Therefore, either the value should be greater
Þ 108 = 11K – 200 1 1
Þ 11K = 308 than or equal to .
2 3
Þ K = 28
Hence, (D) option is correct.
Therefore, f(13) = 3K – 40 = 84 – 40 = 44.

15. (D)

   x
f x
2
1    x 1   x  1
2

g x x 2
 1  x  1 ( x  1)
2

Functions and Graphs 49

 Practice Exercise – 2

Level of Difficulty – 1 6. A function g(x) is an even function, if

g(-x) = g(x), where x ∈ R.
5x  2
1.  
If f x 
3x  5
and g(x) = 16x – 15, then A function g(x) is an odd function, If
g(x) = – g(x), where x ∈ R.
the value of g(f(f(5))) is: If g(x) = 4x2 – 5x, then g(x) + g(-x) is:
(A) 33 (A) Always odd
(B) 49 (B) Always even
(C) 65 (C) Always equal to 1
(D) 81 (D) Neither odd nor even
2. If f(x) = px + q and f[f[f(x)]] = 64x + 147, 7. A function is defined as f(x) = sinx
the value of 2p + 3q is: (sin x – 4) + 3 for all the real values of x.
(A) 29 Find the maximum value of f(x).
(B) 35
8. f(x)f(y) = f(x) + f(y) + f(xy) – 2 where x and
(C) 24
y are positive real numbers. If f(3) = 10
(D) 31
and f(2) = 5, find f(12).
3. For a positive number x, [x] = the largest
9. Given that f(x) = 1, f(2x) = 4f(x) + 5 and
integer less than x and {x} = the smallest
f(x + 2) = f(x) + 3x + 5 for all real values
integer greater than x, what is the value
of x. What is the value of f(20)?
of [7.2] + {8.3} – [4] – [6] + {8.7} – {9.5}
– [8.1]? 10. Find the range of value of x for which [x]
(A) –3 + [2x] + [3x] = 8, where x is a real number
(B) –7 and [x] is the greatest integer less than
(C) –5 or equal to x.
(D) –1 4
(A) 1 ≤ x ≤
3
4. Let f(x) be a function satisfying f(x) f(y) =
5
f(xy) for all real values of x and y. If f(3) = (B) x <
3
 1 3 5
6, then what is the value of f   ? (C) x
(A) 1 3 2 3
1 (D) None of these
(B)
6 Level of Difficulty – 2
1
(C) 1 1
2  
11. If f x 
x
 
and x  x  , then which
x
(D) 6
of the following is true?
5. For a positive integer a, f(a) is such that
f(a + K) = f(a × K), where K is an integer
     g f  x    1
(A) f g x

and f(1) = 6. If the value of f(1,007) = K, (B) f  g  x    g  f  x    1

the value of K will be.
f  g  x 
(A) 6 (C) 1
(B) 5 g f  x  
(C) 4
f  g  x 
(D) 3 (D)  1
g f  x  

50 Functions and Graphs

12. For how many integral values of x the 18. Which of the following function is an
16  x 2 even function?
function f x     x 
is defined? æ 1 + x5 ö
log x 2  (A) log ç ÷
 ç 5 ÷
 5  è1- x ø

13. f(x) is function such that f(a × b) =

 ,
f a
 1 3  x
2

f  b (B)
3x
(a < b) for all positive real values of a and 12

b. Find f(0.125), given that f(8) = 0.5. (C) e x

(D) All of these
(A) 0.125
(B) 0.25 19. Let f(x) be a fourth-degree polynomial,
(C) 0.50 the coefficient of whose highest power
(D) None of these is 3. If f(2) = 4, f(3) = 9, f(4) = 16 and f(5)
1  x2 = 25, find f(x).
 
14. If f x 
1  x2
, then find the value of
(A) 3x4 + 14x3 + 72x2 + 154x + 120
 1  x2  (B) 3x4 + 42x3 + 214x2 + 462x + 360
f .
 1  x 2  (C) 3x4 – 14x3 + 72x2 – 154x + 120
  (D) 3x4 – 42x3 + 214x2 – 462x + 360
(A) x2
20. The function f(x) denotes a parabola
x 2 + 2x
(B) which cuts the x-axis at the points x =
3+ x –15 and x = –8. If f(a) = f(b), then find the
2 value of a + b, if b > a.
(C)
1 (A) 0
x2 +
x2 (B) –7
(C) 23
2x 2
(D) (D) –23
x2 + 1
(E) –11.5
15. The range of the function g(a) = |a| – a is:
(A) (-¥, ¥)
Level of Difficulty – 3
(B) [–2, 0]
(C) [0, 1] 21. f(x) is a function such that f(2) = f(5) =
(D) [0, ¥) f(8) = 1 and f(11) = 163. Find f(3).
16. Find x, when f(x) = 3x – 1 and f(f(f(2x))) 22. If f(a2 – a) = a4 – 2a3 + 5a2 – 4a – 5, then
= 365.
(A) 5 find the approximate value of
  
f f 10
.
(B) 7  
f 10
(C) 9 (A) 139
(D) None of these (B) 143
(C) 150
17. Let g(x) be a function such that g(x + 1) (D) 172
+ g(x – 1) = g(x) for every real x. Then, for
what value of p is the relation g(x + p) 23. Find f(13) where f(x + 2) = 2f(x) – f(x + 1)
= g(x) necessarily true for every real x? where f(10) = 20, f(15) = 108.
(A) 3 (A) 24
(B) 4 (B) 28
(C) 2 (C) 44
(D) 6 (D) Cannot be determined

Functions and Graphs 51

 24. Find the sum  3 1    3 2    3 3    3 4      3 150  æ 1 ö
          27. If f(x) + f(1 – x) = 8, find the value of f ç ÷
è 100 ø
Note: [a] ® Represents the greatest in-
teger less than or equal to a. æ 2 ö æ 3 ö æ 98 ö æ 99 ö
(A) 430 +fç ÷ +fç ÷ +... f ç ÷ +fç ÷
è 100 ø è 100 ø è 100 ø è 100 ø
(B) 130
(C) 510
.
(D) 530
(A) 400
1 x  3 x  x 3
 
25. If f x  log   and g x   
, (B) 392
1 x  1 3 x 2 (C) 396
then find the value of fog(x) (D) 404
(A) 3f x   28. For two sets A and B, n(A) = 6 and n(B) =
(B) f  x  5. Find the number of functions that are
not onto that can be defined from A to B.

 f  x 
2
(C) 29. A function f(x) exists for all the real val-
ues of x such that f(3 – x) = f(3 + x) and
(D)  3f x   f(10 – x) = f(10 + x). If f(3) = 0, then what
is the minimum number of roots for f(x)
26. Consider the function f(x) = (x + 5) (x + 7)
= 0, if x lies between –300 and 300 (both
(x + 9) … (x + 97) (x + 99). The number of
inclusive)?
integers x for which f(x) < 0 is:
(A) 24
(B) 23
 
30. log 1 x 2  2 x  24  log 1 11. The range of
4 4
(C) 46 x is:
(D) 48
(A) (-5, 7)
(B) (-4, 6)
(C) (-5, -4) È (6, 7)
(D) (-¥, -4) È (6, ¥)

52 Functions and Graphs

 Solutions

1. (C)  1
5x  2      
f 3  f 3 f 3 f  
We have, f x   
3x  5
3
1  1
 
5 5  2 27 f 
 
\ f 5    
f 3 3
 
3 5  5 10
 1 1
 27  Therefore, f   
5 2 3 6
10  155
  
f f 5  
 27 

31
5 Hence option (B) is the correct answer.
3 5
 10  5. (A)
\ g(f(f(5))) = 16(5) – 15 = 65 Let a = 1 and K = 0
Thus, option (C) is correct. Then f(a + 0) = f(1 × 0)
f(1) = f(0)
2. (A) Since f(1) = 6 is given in the question.
f(x) = px + q \ f(1) = f(0) = 6
f[f(x)] = f[px + q] If we consider a = 1,007 and K = 0
= p(px + q) + q Then, f(1,007 + 0) = f(1,007 × 0)
= p2x + pq + q f(1,007) = f(0) = 6
f[f(f(x))] = f(p2x + pq + q) f(1,007) = 6 = K
= p[p2x + pq + q] + q Therefore, it is confined that this is a
= p3x + p2q + pq + q constant function for all values of a.
Given, this is equal to 64x + 147 Hence option (A) is the correct answer.
Þ p3 = 64 and p2q + pq + q = 147
p = 4 and q(p2 + p + 1) = 147 6. (B)
147 Since, the given function is g(x) = 4x2
Þ q= =7 – 5x.
21
If we check for g(x) + g(–x) = 4x2 – 5x +
\ 2p + 3q = 2(4) + 3(7) 4(–x)2 – 5(–x) = 8x2
= 8 + 21 = 29. where 8x2 is always even.
Hence option (A) is the correct answer. Hence, (B) is the correct answer.
3. (D) 7. 8
[7.2] + {8.3} – [4] – [6] + {8.7} – {9.5} – [8.1]? The expression f(x) can be written as:
= 7 + 9 – 3 – 5 + 9 – 10 –8 f(x) = sin²x – 4 sin x + 3 = sin²x – 4 sinx +
= –1 4–4+3
Hence, option (D) is the correct answer. = (sinx – 2)2 – 1
4. (B) To maximize the value of f(x), the value
We have f(xy) = f(x)f(y) of sinx will be –1.
Also, f(3) = 6 Hence, the maximum value of f(x) =
The above expression can be written as: (–1 – 2)² – 1 = 8.

 1  1 8. 148
3
 
f 9    f 9  f   f(x)f(y) = f(x) + f(y) + f(xy) – 2
 3
f(3)f(2) = f(3) + f(2) + f(6) – 2
 1 10(5) = 10 + 5 + f(6) – 2
  
f 3  f 33 f  
3

Functions and Graphs 53

 Þ f(6) = 50 – 15 + 2 = 37 Thus, the required option (B) is the correct
Put x = 6, y = 2 answer.
f(6)f(2) = f(6) + f(2) + f(12) – 2
f(12) = 37(5) – 37 – 5 + 2 = 145. 12. 4
16  x 2
9. 393 We have, f x     x 
f(1) = 1 log x 2  
Put x = 1 in f(x + 2) = f(x) + 3x + 5  5
Þ f(1 + 2) = f(1) + 3 + 5 or f(3) = 1 + 3 + 5 = 9 We know that the base of a log cannot
Put x = 3 in f(x + 2) = f(x) + 3x + 5 be 1. The value inside the square should
Þ f(3 + 2) = f(3) + 3 × 3 + 5 be positive. Also, the argument of the log
or f(5) = 9 + 9 + 5 = 23 should be positive.
Put x = 5 in f(2x) = 4f(x) + 5 x
The argument is always positive.
f(2x) = 4f(x) + 5 5
or f(10) = 4f(5) + 5 = 97 So, x ¹ 0
Put x = 10 in f(2x) = 4f(x) + 5 x
f(20) = 4 f(10) + 5 = 4 × 97 + 5 = 393. Also, it cannot be one as the denom-
5
10. (C) inator would become 0.
By observing we can find that x > 1 and x < 2. Hence, x ¹ 5 and x ¹ –5
Else the RHS ≠ + 8. Also, 16 – x2 ≥ 0 Þ –4 £ x £ 4
So, the combinations are [x] = 1, [2x] = 2 Now, x + 2 > 0 Þ x > –2
or 3, and [3x] = 4 or 5. Also, x + 2 ¹ 1 Þ x ¹ –1
The combinations that give RHS = 8 are 1 Hence, x Î (–2, –1) È (–1, 0) È (0, 4]
+ 2 + 5 or 1 + 3 + 4. The integral values of x are 1, 2, 3, 4.
For any value of x, the case of ‘1 + 2 + 5’ is Hence, there are four integral values of x
not possible. Hence, it has to be the case of for which f(x) is defined.
3
‘1 + 3 + 4’. Which will occur when, x ≥ 13. (A)
2
5   ;a  b
f a
​and x < .
3

f ab   f  b
3 5
Hencethesolutionis  £ x < . Now f(8) = 0.5 (given)
2 3
  ;(1  8)
f 1
11. (B)
1 
 f 1 8  
f 8
We have, f x   x
and

( ) 1
( ( )) æ
g x = x - f g x = f ç x - ÷  =
1ö 1 f  1
x xø 1  f 8 
è x- f 8
x
= 2
x  f  1  f  8 .f  8
x - 1 f(1) = 0.5 × 0.5 = 0.25
 1
  
And g f x  g  
x
Now, for f(1/8):
æ 1ö
fç ÷
1 1 1 1 x 2  x 2  1 æ1 ö 8 æ1 ö
=   x   Also, f ç ´ 8 ÷ = è ø ; ç < 8 ÷
x 1 x x  x  è8 ø f (8) è 8 ø
 
x
 1
x  x 2  1 f 
     
\f g x g f x  2
x  1
 
 x 
 1

f 1   
8
  f 8  
54 Functions and Graphs
  1 For f(f(f(2x))): f(f(f(2x))) = f(18x – 4) = 3(18x
  
 f    f 1  f 8 = 0.25 × 0.5 = 0.125 – 4) – 1 = 54x – 12 – 1 = 54x – 13
8
14. (C) Þ 54x – 13 = 365 Þ 54x = 378 Þ x = 7
Hence, option (B) is the correct answer.
1  x2
Since f x   1  x2 17. (D)
2
 1  x2  Given that g(x + 1) + g(x − 1) = g(x)
1
 1  x2   1  x 2  Putting (x + 1) at the place of x gives us
Then, f  =  
 1  x 2  2 the following:
  1 x  2
1  g(x + 2) + g(x) = g(x + 1)
 1  x 2 
  Adding these two equations, we get
1  x 4  2x 2 g(x + 2) + g(x − 1) = 0
1
1  x 4  2x 2 Þ g(x + 3) + g(x) = 0
=
1  x 4  2x 2 Þ g(x + 4) + g(x + 1) = 0
1 Þ g(x + 5) + g(x + 2) = 0
1  x 4  2x 2
Þ g(x + 6) + g(x + 3) = 0
1  x 4  2x 2  1  x 4  2x 2
Þ g(x + 6) − g(x) = 0.
=
1  x 4
 2x 2  Hence, g(x + 6) = g(x).
4 2
1  x  2x  1  x  2x 2 4 So, p = 6
Hence, option (D) is the correct answer.
1  x 4
 2x 2 
18. (C)
4x2
=    
If f  x  f x , then it is an even
2x 4 + 2 function.
2x 2 After verifying the options, we can see
=
x4 + 1 option (C) is an even function.
2 æ 1+ x 5 ö
=
x4 1 ( )
(A) f x = log ç
ç 1- x 5 ÷÷ ⇒
2
+ 2 è ø
x x
æ 1 + ( - x )5 ö æ 1 - x5 ö
 1  x2 
So, f  
2 ( )
f - x = log ç
ç 1 - ( - x )5 ÷÷
= log çç
1 x 5 ÷ ( )
÷¹f x
 1  x 2  è ø è + ø
  x2  1
 1 3 
2
x2 x

Hence option (C) is the correct answer. (B) f x  ⇒

3x
15. (D)
 1 3 
2
x
When a < 0 f x   f x 
Then, g(a) = –a – a = –2a 3 x
So, g(a) will be a positive number. 12
  x   e x 12  f x ,
     
12
(C) f x  e x ⇒ f  x  e
Therefore, all the positive numbers come
in this range. is an even function.
Also, if a ≥ 0 then g(a) = 0
19. (D)
\ The range of the function is [0, ¥).
Given f(2) = 4, f(3) = 9, f(4) = 16 and f(5) = 25
16. (B) Thus f(x) = x2
f(x) = 3x – 1 But given f(x) is a fourth-degree polyno-
Þ f(2x) = 3(2x) – 1 = 6x – 1 mial with the coefficient of highest pow-
Now, f(f(2x)) = f(6x – 1) = 3(6x – 1) – 1 = er as 3.
18x – 3 – 1 = 18x – 4 So, f(x) = 3(x – 2) (x – 3) (x – 4) (x – 5) + x2

Functions and Graphs 55

 (as putting x = 2, 3, 4 or 5, f(x) = (x – 2) (x – 5) (x – 8) + 1
f(x) = 0 + x2 => f(x) = x2) Now, f(3) = (3 – 2) (3 – 5) (3 – 8) + 1
= 3(x4 – 14x3 + 71x2 – 154x + 120) + x2 f(3) = (1) × (-2) × (-5) + 1
Hence, f(x) = 3x4 – 42x3 + 214x2 – 462x + f(3) = 11
360. Hence, 11 is the correct answer.

20. (D) 22. (A)

As –15 and –8 are the roots of a parabol- f(a2 – a) = a4 – 2a3 + 5a2 – 4a – 5
ic (quadratic) function, we can write the = a
4
 2a3  a2  4a2  4a  5

function as f(x) = (x + 8) (x + 15)
= (a2 – a)2 + 4(a2 – a) – 5
 
Þ f x  x 2  23 x  120
Let a2 – a = x
From the question, f a  f b    f(x) = x2 + 4x – 5
= x2 + 5x – x – 5
Þ a2  23a  120  b2  23b  120
= x(x + 5) – 1 (x + 5)
 
Þ a2  b2  23 b  a f(x) = (x – 1) (x + 5)
Þ  a  b   a  b   23  b  a  \ f(f(x)) = (x2 + 4x – 5 – 1) × (x2 + 4x – 5 + 5)
= (x2 + 4x – 6) × (x2 + 4x)
As a ≠ b
Also, let a2 – a = y
Þ a + b = –23.
Then, f(y) = y2 + 4y – 5
Alternate approach
From the question, we can under- Then,
   =  x
f f x 2
 
 4x  6  x2  4x 
stand that the function is quadratic and f y   y2  4y  5
x = –15 and x = –8 are its roots. f  f  10    10
2
 
 4  10  6  102  4  10 
From the following figure, we can compre- \ =
hend that ‘a’ is as far from –15 as ‘b’ is from
f  10   10 2
 4  10  5 
–8. This can be generalised for any parabola 134 × 140
or quadratic function. = = 138.9629 ≈ 139
135
Hence, option (A) is correct answer.

23. (C)
f(x + 2) = 2f(x) – f(x + 1)
Let f(11) = K
Þ f(12) = 2f(10) – f(11) = 40 – K
Also, f(13) = 2f(11) – f(12) = 2K – 40 + K
Þ f(13) = 3K – 40
f(14) = 2f(12) – f(13) = 80 – 2K – 3K + 40
= 120 – 5K
Now, f(15) = 2f(13) – f(14) = 6K – 80 – 120
It is mentioned in the question that b > a, so
+ 5K
we can comprehend that b > –8 > –15 > a.
Þ 108 = 11K – 200
So, –15 – a = b – (–8) Þ 11K = 308
Or, a + b = –23. Þ K = 28
Therefore, f(13) = 3K – 40 = 84 – 40 = 44.
21. 11
24. (D)
We have:
Here, from  3 1  to  3 7  of each term
f(2) = f(5) = f(8) = 1 and f(11) = 163    
Therefore, f(x) can be given by: value is 1, total sum = 1 × 7 = 7

56 Functions and Graphs

 So total valid cases will be = 24.
From  3 8  to  3 26  , value of each term
   
is 2, total sum = 2 × 19 = 38 27. (C)
From 3
27  to 3
63  , value of each f(x) + f(1 - x) = 8
   
term is 3, total sum = 3 × 37 = 111  1   1 
f   f 1  8
From  3 64  to  3 124  , value of each  100   100 
   
term is 4, total sum = 4 × 61 = 244  1   99 
f f 8
From  3 125  to  3 150  , value of each  100   100 
   
term is 5, total sum = 5 × 26 = 130  2   98 
Similarly, f  f   9 and so on.
Therefore, required sum = 7 + 38 + 111 +  100   100 
244 + 130 = 530.
There are 99 terms, out of which we can
25. (A) make 49 pairs of value 8 each.
1 x   50 
 
We have: f x  log   and One middle term f   will be left.
1 x   100 
3 x  x 3  50   1
g x   1  3x 2
f f 
 100  2
 3 x  x 3 
   
\ fog x  f  g x   f 
 1  3 x 2 
 1
So total value will be = 49 × 8 + f  
  2
 Now f(x) + f(1 – x) = 8.
3 x  x 3
1   2 3  1
  log  1  3 x  3 x  x 
2
= log  1  3 x Put x =
 3 x  x 3   1  3x 2  3x  x 3  2
 
1   1  1
 1  3x 2  f    f 1   8
2  2
= log ç (
æ 1+ x 3 ö
) ÷ æ1+ x ö
= log ç
3

 1
ç 3 ÷ ÷
è1- x ø 2f    8
è (
ç 1- x ÷ ) ø 2
1 x 
 3 log    1
1 x  f 4
2
= 3f x ( )  1
Hence, total value = 49 × 8 + f  
26. (A)
= 49 × 8 + 4 2
Total terms in f(x) = 48
= 392 + 4 = 396.
Product ® (x + 5) (x + 7) (x + 9) … (x + 97)
(x + 99) < 0. 28. 13,825
When When n(A) = 6, and n(B) = 5
Positive Terms Negative Terms The total number of functions from A to
B is given by n(B)n(A) = 56
47 1 when x = -6
The number of onto functions from A to
45 3 when x = -10 B is given by
. . nm – nC1 (n – 1)m + nC2 (n – 2)m – nC3 (n – 3)m + ∙∙∙
. . Here, n = 5, m = 6
. . = 56 – 5C1 (4)6 + 5C2 (3)6 – 5C3 (2)6 + 5C4 (1)6
= 56 – 5 (4,096) + 10 (729) – 10 (64) + 5
1 47 when x = -98 = 56 – 13,825

Functions and Graphs 57

 \ The required number of functions = 56 = n < 22.6
– {56 – 13,825} = 13,825. So, n = 22
Since 3 has been counted twice, hence
29. 43 minimum number of roots
We have, f(3 – x) = f(3 + x)....(i) = 22 + 22 – 1 = 43.
So, the function is symmetric about 3.
f(10 – x) = f(10 + x)....(ii) 30. (C)
Hence, it is also symmetric about 10. x
 1
Now, if f(3) = 0, then from 2, f(10 – 7) =   decrease as x increases …(i)
f(10 + 7) Þ f(3) = f(17) = 0 4
a b
Using 1 again, f(17) = f(3 – (14)) = f(3 – 14)  1  1
= f(- 11) = 0 Let x2 – 2x – 24 =   and 11 =  
4 4
All the roots with such as f(–11), f(3), f(17)
are 0. Given a > b. \ (1) Þ x2 – 2x – 24 < 11
f(–25), f(–11), f(3), f(17), f(31) are equal to 0. \ x2 – 2x – 35 < 0 Þ (x – 7) (x + 5) < 0
So the roots are a series of arithmetic \ –5 < x < 7 …(ii)
progression with common difference 
For log 1 x 2  2 x  24  to be defined,
= 14 4
nth term = a + (n – 1)d x2 – 2x – 24 must be positive
Þ 300 > 3 + (n – 1) × 14 i.e. (x – 6) (x + 4) must be positive
297 \ x < –4 or x > 6 …(iii)
n–1<
14 From equations (ii) and (iii), the range of
n < 22.22 x is (-5, -4) È (6, 7).
n = 22
Þ –300 < 3 + (n – 1) (–14)

58 Functions and Graphs

Mind Map

Functions and Graphs 59