The basics A function can be one-to-one (one x value gives one y-value), or many-to-one (more than one x-value can give the same y-value) Domain = values x can take. Range = values y can take. To sketch functions find: 1. Where the graph crosses the y-axis. The graph crosses the y-axis when x = 0. (i. e. at the constant). 2. Where the graph crosses the x-axis. To find the roots (where the graph crosses the x-axis), we solve the equation y = 0. 3. Where the stationary points are. The stationary points occur when the gradient is 0. (i. e. differentiate.) 4. Whether there are any discontinuities A discontinuity occurs when the graph is undefined for a certain value of x. This occurs when x appears in the denominator of a fraction (you can't divide by zero). 5. What happens as c ® ± ¥ When x becomes a large positive or negative number the graph will tend towards a certain value. Transformations f(x) + k is a translation of f(x) by the vector f(x + a) is a translation of f(x) by the vector Therefore: f(x) = f(x - a) + b is a translation of f(x) by the vector f(-x) is a reflection of f(x) in the y-axis. If f(-x) = f(x), then the graph is an even function (symmetrical about the y-axis). -f(x) is a reflection of f(x) in the x-axis. If f(-x) = - f(x), then the graph is an odd function (rotational symmetry about the origin). af(x) is a stretch scale factor a in the y-axis. f(ax) is a stretch scale factor in the x-axis. Inverse Function The inverse function is found by reflecting the function in the line y = x, and can be calculated by: Write the equation as y = f(x). Swap the letters x and y. (This is the same as reflecting in the line y = x.) Rearrange the formula into a new y = f(x). This is the inverse function. Remember: only one-to-one functions produce inverse functions, so remember to limit the domain.