Types of Functions

Master Types of Functions for CBSE Class 11 Applied Mathematics. Learn One-One, Onto, Constant, and Identity functions with solved examples and exercises.

One-One and Many-One Functions

A function f: A → B is one-one (injective) if distinct elements of A have distinct images in B. If f(x₁) = f(x₂) implies x₁ = x₂, the function is one-one. Otherwise, it is many-one.

f(x₁) = f(x₂) ⟹ x₁ = x₂
Example: Solved Example: Check if f(x) = 2x + 3 is one-one
Show Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Let f(x₁) = f(x₂).
Step 2: 2x₁ + 3 = 2x₂ + 3.
Step 3: Subtract 3 from both sides: 2x₁ = 2x₂.
Step 4: Divide by 2: x₁ = x₂.
Answer: Since x₁ = x₂, the function is one-one.

Onto and Into Functions

A function f: A → B is onto (surjective) if every element in the codomain B has at least one pre-image in the domain A. If there exists an element in B with no pre-image, it is into.

Range(f) = Codomain(B)
Example: Solved Example: Is f: R → R defined by f(x) = x² onto?
Show Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: The codomain is R (all real numbers).
Step 2: The range of x² is [0, ∞).
Step 3: Since [0, ∞) ≠ R, there are negative numbers with no pre-image.
Answer: The function is not onto.

Constant and Identity Functions

A constant function maps every element of the domain to a single fixed value in the codomain. An identity function maps every element to itself.

f(x) = c (Constant); f(x) = x (Identity)
Example: Solved Example: Evaluate f(5) for f(x) = 7
Show Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Identify the function type: constant.
Step 2: For any input x, f(x) = 7.
Step 3: Substitute x = 5.
Answer: f(5) = 7.