General Mathematics – Grade 11

The Functions
I. Introduction

Functions can often be used to model real situations. Identifying an

appropriate functional model will lead to a better understanding of various
phenomena. A function can serve as a simple kind of mathematical model.

In this Learner’s Packet, you will learn how to evaluate functions by

substituting the value of a variable to the function given, perform addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division of functions and function composition, and solve problems
involving functions in easier way.

II. Learning Objectives

After going through this Learner’s Packet, you will be able to:
a. evaluate a function (M11GM-Ia-2);
b. perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and composition of
functions (M11GM-Ia-3);
c. solve problems involving functions (M11GM-Ia-4).

III. Learning Activities

LESSON 2 EVALUATING FUNCTION

The function notation 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) tells you that y is a function of x. If there

is a rule relating y to x, such as 𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 1, then you can also write:

𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏
Name of function
input output

●The name of the function is f. Other letters may be used to name functions, such as g and h.

● 𝑓(𝑥) is read as “f of x”, and this represents the value of the function at x.

Function notation gives you more flexibility because you don’t have to use y for
every equation. Instead, you could use f(x) or g(x) or h(x). This can be a helpful way to
distinguish equations of functions when you are dealing with more than one at a time.
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 You could write the formula for perimeter, P = 4s, as the function p(x) = 4x, and
the formula for area, A = x2, as A(x) = x2. This would make it easy to you in evaluating the
results if you have different values of x.

To evaluate the function, take the given value of

x, and replace (substitute) that value for x in the
expression. You can simply apply what you already
know about evaluating expressions to evaluate a
function. Like in the following examples.

Example 1.
Evaluate the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 4 at 𝑥 = 3.

NOTE:
Solution: a. 𝑓(𝑥) means “ the value of f at x”. It
Just replace the variable “x” with “3”
does not mean “f times x”.
b. Letters other than f such as G and
𝑓(3) = 2(3) + 4 Simplify
𝑓(3) = 6 + 4 H or g and h can also be used.
c. f is the name of the function and
Therefore , 𝑓(3) = 10. 𝑓(𝑥) is the value of the function at x.

Example 2:
Evaluate the following functions at x = 2.5.
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1 c. 𝑔(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 − 1.5 e. 𝐹(𝑥) = ‫ ۂ𝑥ہ‬+ 1
2𝑥+1
b. 𝑞(𝑥) = 𝑥2 − 2𝑥 + 2 d. 𝑟(𝑥) = 𝑥−1
f. ℎ(𝑥) = 25‫ 𝑥ڿ‬− 2‫ۀ‬

Solutions :
We substitute 2.5 for x in the given functions, so we have

a. 𝑓(2.5) = 2(2.5) + 1, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑓(2.5) = 𝟔

b. 𝑞(2.5) = (2.5)2 − 2(2.5) + 2 , 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑓(2.5) = 𝟑. 𝟐𝟓
c. 𝑔(2.5) = ξ2.5 − 1.5 , 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑓(2.5) = 𝟏
2(2.5)+1
d. 𝑟(2.5) = , 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑓(2.5) = 𝟒
2.5−1
e. 𝐹(2.5) = ‫ہ‬2.5‫ ۂ‬+ 1, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 2 + 1 = 𝟑
(In item e, note that ‫ ۂ𝑥ہ‬is a floor function applied to 𝑥. The floor function gives
the largest integer that is less than or equal to 𝑥, hence ‫ہ‬2.5‫ = ۂ‬2)
f. ℎ(2.5) = 25‫ڿ‬2.5 − 2‫ۀ‬, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 25(3 − 2) = 𝟐𝟓
(In item f, note that ‫ 𝑥ڿ‬− 2‫ ۀ‬is the ceiling function applied to 𝑥 − 2. The ceiling
function gives the smallest integer that is greater than or equal to x, hence ‫ڿ‬2.5‫ = ۀ‬3.)

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Example 3:
2𝑥+1
Given 𝑔(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 − 1 and 𝑟(𝑥) = . Find 𝑔(−4) and 𝑟(1).
𝑥−1

Solutions:
𝑔(−4) = ξ−4 − 1, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑔(−4) = ξ−𝟓
This is not possible because – 4 is not in the domain of 𝑔(𝑥). It will
have a negative value under the radical sign. Radicand must be
nonnegative if the index is an even number, but can be negative if the
index is odd. Hence;
2(1) + 1 𝟑
𝑟(1) = , 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑟(1) = 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅
1−1 𝟎
1 is not in the domain of 𝑟(𝑥) (it will make value of denominator equal
to zero).
(Note: If the value of 𝒙 is not in the domain of 𝒇(𝒙), then 𝒇(𝒙) is not defined at 𝒙)

Solutions:
Example 4:
a. To find 𝑓(−2), let x = -2. Since -2 is less than 0,
𝑥 2 + 5, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 0 use the first line of the equation. Thus,
If 𝑓(𝑥) = {
5𝑥 − 1, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 0
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 5
Find: a. f(-2) b. f(4)
𝑓(−2) = (−2)2 + 5, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 4 + 5 = 𝟗
b. To find 𝑓(4), let x = 4. Since 4 is greater than 0,
use the second line of the equation. Thus,
𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 − 1
𝑓(4) = 5(4) − 1, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 20 − 1 = 𝟏𝟗

In Example 5, the value of x is not just a number but an expression, study carefully.
Example 5:

Let𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 3. Find each of the following.

a. 𝑓(2𝑏)
b. 𝑔(𝑎 + 1) Solution:
a. Replace each 𝑥 with 2𝑏.
𝑓(2𝑏) = −(2𝑏)2 + 5(2𝑏) − 3
𝑓(2𝑏) = −𝟒𝒃𝟐 + 𝟏𝟎𝒃 − 𝟑
b. Replace each 𝑥 with 𝑎 + 1.
𝑔(𝑎 + 1) = 2(𝑎 + 1) + 3
𝑔(𝑎 + 1) = 2𝑎 + 2 + 3
𝑔(𝑎 + 1) = 𝟐𝒂 + 𝟓

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 A. Tell whether each statement is True or False.
1. The function notation 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) tells you that y is a function of x.
2. The notation 𝑓(𝑥) means “f times x”.
3. To evaluate a function, simply replace the value of x with the given number.
4. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 8, then 𝑓(−2) is 6.
5. If 𝑓(𝑥) = −3𝑥 + 4, then 𝑓(5) is -19
B. QUANTITATIVE RELATIONSHIP: Each of the item consists of two quantities – one in
Column A and another in Column B. Compare the quantities in Columns A and B. Write
the correct answer before each number. Show your solutions.
A – if the quantity in Column A is greater than that in Column B.
B – if the quantity in Column B is greater than that in Column A.
C – if the two quantities are equal.
D - if the size of the quantities cannot be determined from the information given.

𝑥 2 + 2, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 0
Use the following functions; 𝒇(𝒙) = { ,
4𝑥 + 2, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 0
𝒈(𝒙) = 𝑥 + 8 and 𝒉(𝒙) = 2𝑥 2 − 3

COLUMN A COLUMN B
______1. 𝒇(𝟐) 𝒈(𝟐)
______2. 𝒉(−𝟑) 𝒇(𝟑)
______3. 𝒈(𝟏𝟎) 𝒇(−𝟓)
______4. 𝒈(𝟐𝒃𝟐 − 𝟏𝟏) 𝒉(𝒃)

C. Directions: Solve the following problems.

9 − 𝑥 2, 𝑥<2
1. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = {ξ𝑥 + 7, 2 ≤ 𝑥 < 10, give the values of the following:
‫ 𝑥ڿ‬− 4‫ۀ‬, 𝑥 ≥ 10
a) 𝑓(2)
b) 𝑓(12.5)
c) 𝑓(−3)
2. Evaluate 𝑓(𝑎 + 𝑏) where 𝑓𝑥) = 4𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 3.

3. Find 𝑞(𝑎 + 1) − 2𝑞(𝑎) if 𝑞(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 4.

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 LESSON 3 OPERATIONS ON FUNCTIONS

You encounter the basic operations: addition, subtraction,

multiplication and division in dealing with problems related to real-life
situations. We also apply it in manipulating algebraic expressions.
If you know how to perform the four basic operations on polynomials,
then you can also add, subtract, multiply, and divide functions as well as the
composition of functions. The notation will look different at first—but applying
how to perform the different operations on functions can help you arrive at
the correct answer.

Operations on functions are summarized as follows:

Sum, Difference, Product, and Quotient of Functions

Let 𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔 be functions:

SUM: 𝑓 + 𝑔; (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)
DIFFERENCE: 𝑓 − 𝑔; (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)
PRODUCT: 𝑓 ∙ 𝑔 ; (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓⁄ 𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
QUOTIENT: 𝑔 ; (𝑔) (𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥), where 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0

Learn from the succeeding examples to perform the different operations on functions.

Example 1
Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5, find;
a. (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) c. (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥)
𝑓
b. (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) d. (𝑔) (𝑥)

Solution 1a Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5

The sum of these functions can be written f(x) + g(x) or as (f + g)(x),
therefore;
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) Definition of Sum of Functions.
= (2𝑥 − 3) + (𝑥 2 − 5) Substitute the given values of 𝑓(𝑥) and (𝑥) .
= 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 8 Combine like terms.
That’s it—the sum of the two functions is the sum of the two polynomials,
thus (𝒇 + 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟖. The domain (x-values) of the function are all real
numbers.

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Note: Subtracting functions follows the same process. As long as you remember how to subtract one
polynomial from the other, you can figure out how to subtract one function from another.
Solution 1b
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5
The difference of these functions can be written f(x) - g(x) or as
(f - g)(x), therefore;
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥) Definition of Difference of Functions.
2
= (2𝑥 − 3) − (𝑥 − 5) Substitute the given values of 𝑓(𝑥)
and 𝑔(𝑥).
= 2𝑥 − 3 − 𝑥 2 + 5 Distributive Property.
= −𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 2 Combine like terms.

That’s it—the difference of the two functions is the difference of the

two polynomials, thus (𝒇 − 𝒈)(𝒙) = −𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟐. . The domain (x-values)
of the function are all real numbers.

Multiplying and Dividing functions is also just like

Multiplying and Dividing polynomials. Let us take a look on
the solutions for 1c and 1d.

Solution 1c Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5

To find the product, multiply the two given functions.

(𝑓𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥) Definition of Product of Functions.

2
= (2𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 5) Substitute the given values of 𝑓(𝑥) and (𝑥) .
= 2𝑥 3 − 10𝑥 − 3𝑥 2 + 15 Multiply(2𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 2 − 5)
= 𝟐𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎𝒙 + 𝟏𝟓 Combine like terms.
That’s it—the product of the two functions is the product of the two
polynomials, thus (𝒇𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎𝒙 + 𝟏𝟓. The domain (x-values) of the
function are all real numbers.

Solution 1d
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5
To find the quotient, divide 𝑓(𝑥) by 𝑔(𝑥) that can be written as
𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
(𝑔) (𝑥)𝑜𝑟 .
𝑔(𝑥)

𝑓 𝑓(𝑥) Definition of Quotient of Functions.

(𝑔) (𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) Substitute the given polynomials as values
(2𝑥−3) 𝑓(𝑥)
= (𝑥 2 −5) of 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) in .
𝑔(𝑥)
Divide polynomials. Write ", 𝐱 ≠ ±ξ𝟓”,
𝟐𝐱−𝟑
= 𝒙𝟐 −𝟓
,𝐱 ≠ ±ξ𝟓 because 𝐱 = ±ξ𝟓 would make the
𝑓
denominator 0, and (𝑔) (𝑥) undefined.
Therefore, the quotient of the two functions is the quotient of the two
𝑓 𝟐𝐱−𝟑 𝑓
polynomials, thus ( ) (𝑥) = 𝟐 , 𝐱 ≠ ±ξ𝟓. The domain of ( ) (𝑥) is the set of all
𝑔 𝒙 −𝟓 𝑔
real numbers except ±ξ𝟓.
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 Another operation on functions is called the composition of functions. In the
composition of functions we substitute an entire function into another function

The Composition of Functions

Given the functions f and g, the composition of f and
g, denoted by 𝒇 ∘ 𝒈 is defined by the equation (𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) =
𝒇(𝒈(𝒙)), where 𝒇(𝒈(𝒙)) is read 𝒇 𝒐𝒇 𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒙. It means that
wherever there is an 𝑥 in the function 𝑓, it is replaced with the
function 𝑔(𝑥). The domain of (𝒇 ∘ 𝒈) is the set of all 𝑥 such
that;
1. 𝑥 is in the domain of 𝑔 ; and
2. 𝑔(𝑥) is in the domain of 𝑓.

Example 2

Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 5 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3, find:

a. (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) b. (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥)

Solution 2a

Since (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) means 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)), we must replace each

occurrence of 𝑥 in the function 𝑓 by 𝑔(𝑥).

𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 5 Given the equation for 𝑓

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = 3(𝑔(𝑥)) − 5 Replace 𝑥 by 𝑔(𝑥)
= 3(2𝑥 − 3) − 5 Replace 𝑔(𝑥) by (2𝑥 − 3)
= 6𝑥 − 9 − 5 Apply Distribution Law
= 6𝑥 − 14 Combine like terms
Thus, (𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟏𝟒.

Solution 2b

Since (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) means 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)), we must replace each

occurrence of 𝑥 in the function 𝑔 by𝑓(𝑥) .
Given the equation for 𝑔
𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 Replace 𝑥 by 𝑓(𝑥)
(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)) = 2(𝑓(𝑥)) − 3 Replace 𝑓(𝑥) by (3𝑥 − 5)
= 2(3𝑥 − 5) − 3 Apply Distribution Law
= 6𝑥 − 10 − 3 Combine like terms
Thus, (𝒈 ∘ 𝒇)(𝒙) = 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟏𝟑

Note that, (𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) ≠ (𝒈 ∘ 𝒇)(𝒙), therefore composition of functions

is not commutative.

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 A. Direction: Determine whether or not each statement is True or False. If the statement
is False, write an argument to make the statement correct.

1. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 4 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3 then (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = −7.

2. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 5𝑥 then (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 + 3.
3. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 + 9 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 3 then (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 5𝑥 + 12.
𝑓
4. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 6 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 4𝑥 then (𝑔) (2) = 1.
5. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 4 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3 then (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 2.

B.

DIRECTION:
Two functions are given below. Choose
the best Operations on Functions performed in RIDDLE:
Column B that gives the answer in Column A, and
then write the corresponding letter of your answer Until I am measured
below the number to answer the riddle. I am not known
Yet how you miss me
GIVEN: When I have flown.
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 3 and Who am I?
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3

COLUMN A COLUMN B
𝒙+𝟑
1. T - (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥)
𝟑

2. 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 M - (𝑔 − 𝑓)(𝑥)
𝒈
3. 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 6 I - ( 𝒇 )(𝑥)

4. 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 12 A - (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥)
E - (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)

Write your
answer at the
right.

3 1 2 4

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 C. Direction: Perform the given operation on functions.

1 9
1. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 5 − 3𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 8𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 5, find;
a. (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥)
b. (𝑔 − 𝑓)(𝑥)
2 1
2. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 6 𝑥, find;
a. (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔)(𝑥)
𝑔
b. (𝑓 ) (𝑥)
1 1
3. Let ℎ(𝑥) = 4𝑥+1 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥, find 𝑔(ℎ(𝑥)).

IV. Rubric for Scoring 1 point for every Correct Answer in all Activities
from Lesson 2 to lesson 3.

V. Reflection

1. What learning/s did you gain from the lesson?

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

VI. References

Oronce, O. et. Al, 2016, Rex Bookstore, General Mathematics, First

Edition, pp. 2-37.
Learner’s Material Mathematics, 1st Edition 2016, pp 2-17
Teacher’s Guide Mathematics, 1st Edition 2016 pp 1-20

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