University of San Agustin

College of Technology

Mechanical Engineering Department

MATH 107E – CALCULUS 1

MODULE 1: PREPARATION FOR CALCULUS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An introductory course covering the core concepts of limit, continuity and differentiability of
functions involving one or more variables. This also includes the application of differential
calculations in solving problems on optimization, rates of change, related rates, tangents and
normals, and approximations; partial differentiation, and algebraic and transcendental curve
tracing.

COURSE OUTCOMES

After completing this course, the student must be able to:

CO1: differentiate algebraic and transcendental functions.

CO2: apply the concept of differentiation in solving word problems.
CO3: analyze and trace algebraic and transcendental curves.

Credit Units

4 units lecture

Number of Hours

8 Hours (4Hx2)

Prerequisites/Co-requisites

None

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the module, the student shall be able to:

LO 1.1: Graph different kinds of functions.
LO 1.2: Define inverse functions.
LO 1.3: Graph exponential and logarithmic functions and explain how are the two functions
inverses of each other.

TECHNOLOGY COMPONENT

Students are encouraged to make good use of the internet in supplemental research of the
topic: Preparation for Calculus
ILLUSTRATIONS

Calculus is the mathematics of change.

Before we study Calculus, let us review first the concept of functions.

A. Functions

A relation between two sets X and Y is a set of ordered pairs, each of the form (x,y), where x is
a member of X and y is a member of Y. A function from X to Y is a relation between X and Y
having the property that any two ordered pairs with the same x-value also have the same y-
value. The variable x is the independent variable, and the variable y is the dependent variable.

Many real-life situations can be modelled by functions. For instance, the area A of a circle is a
function of the circle’s radius r.

A=π r 2 A is a function of r.

In this case r is the independent variable and A is the dependent variable.

Definition 1: Definition of a Real-valued Function of a Real Variable

Let X and Y be sets of real numbers. A real-valued function f of a real variable x from X to Y is
a correspondence that assigns to each number x in X exactly one number y in Y.
The domain of f is the set X. The number y is the image of x under f and is denoted by f(x),
which is called the value of f at x. The range of f is a subset of Y and consists of all images of
numbers in X.

Functions are given by equations involving the dependent and independent variables. For
instance, the equation:

x 2+ 2 y =1 Equation in implicit form

The equation defines y, the dependent variable, as a function of x, the independent variable. To
evaluate this function (that is, to find the y-value that corresponds to a given x-value), isolate y
on the left side of the equation.

1 Equation in explicit form

y= ( 1−x 2)
2

Using f as the name of the function, you can write this equation as:

1 Function notation
f ( x )= ( 1−x 2)
2

The original equation, x2 + 2y = 1, implicitly defines y as a function of x. When you solve the
equation for y, you are writing the equation in explicit form.
Function notation has the advantage of clearly identifying the dependent variable as f(x) while at
the same time telling you that x is the independent variable and that the function itself is “ f ”.
The symbol f(x) is read “f of x”.

In an equation that defines a function, the role of the variable x is simply that of a placeholder.

For example, the function

f ( x )=2 x 2−4 x+1

To evaluate f(-2), simply substitute -2 for x.

2
f (−2 )=2 (−2 ) −4 (−2 )+ 1 Substitute -2 for x.
f (−2 )=17 Simplify.

You can also use other symbols for functions. For instance, the following equations all define
the same function.

f ( x )=x 2−4 x +7 Function name is f, independent variable is x.

f ( t )=t 2−4 t+7 Function name is f, independent variable is t.
g ( s )=s2 −4 s+7 Function name is g, independent variable is s.

Example 1: Evaluating a Function

For a function f defined by:

f ( x )=x 2 +7

Evaluate each of the following:

a. f(6)
b. f(-2)

Solution:

a . f ( 6 )=( 6 )2 +7 Substitute 6 for x.

f ( 6 )=43 Simplify.

b . f (−2 ) =(−2 ) + 7
2 Substitute -2 for x.
f (−2 )=11 Simplify.

A.1. The Domain and Range of a Function

The domain of a function may be described explicitly, or it may be described implicitly by an

equation used to define the function. The implied domain is the set of all real numbers for which
the equation is defined, whereas an explicitly defined domain is one that is given along with the
function.
For example, the function given by

1
f ( x )= 2
, 4 ≤ x ≤5
x −4

Has an explicitly defined domain given by: {x: 4 ≤ x ≤ 5}.

On the other hand, the function given by

1
g ( x )= 2
x −4

Has an implied domain that is the set: {x: x ≠ ±2}.

Example 2: Finding the Domain and Range of a Function

Find the domain and range of the function

f ( x )= √ x−1

Solution:
The domain of the function is the set of all x-values for which x – 1 ≥ 0, which is the interval [1,
∞).
To find the range, observe that
f ( x )= √ x−1

Is never negative. So, the range is the interval [0, ∞).

A function from X to Y is one-to-one if to each y-value in the range there corresponds exactly
one x-value in the domain. A function from X to Y is onto if its range consists of all of Y.

A.2. The Graph of a Function

The graph of a function y = f(x) consists of all points (x, f(x)), where x is in the domain of f.

x = the directed distance from the y-axis

f(x) = the directed distance from the x-axis

A vertical line can intersect the graph of a function of x at most once. This observation provides
a visual test, called the Vertical Line Test, for functions of x. The Vertical Line Test proves that
a graph in the coordinate plane is the graph of a function of x if and only if no vertical line
intersects the graph at more than one point.

A.3. Classifications of Functions

Elementary functions fall into three categories:

1. Algebraic functions
 2. Trigonometric functions
3. Exponential and logarithmic functions
The most common type of algebraic function is a polynomial function.

f ( x )=an x n +a n−1 x n−1+ …+a 2 x 2+ a1 x +a 0

Where n is a nonnegative integer. The numbers ai are coefficients, with an the leading
coefficient and a0 the constant term of the polynomial function. If an ≠ 0, then n is the degree
of the polynomial function. The zero polynomial f(x) = 0 is not assigned a degree.

Polynomial Functions of Low Degree

Zeroth degree: f ( x )=a Constant function
First degree: f ( x )=ax+ b Linear function
Second degree: f ( x )=a x 2 +bx +c Quadratic function
Third degree: f ( x )=a x 3 +b x 2 +cx +d Cubic function

Just as a rational number can be written as the quotient of two integers, a rational function can
be written as the quotient of two polynomials.

Specifically, a function f is rational if it has the form:

p ( x)
f ( x )= , q ( x) ≠ 0
q(x)

Where p(x) and q(x) are polynomials

An algebraic function of x is one that can be expressed as a finite number of sums, differences,
multiples, quotients, and radicals, involving xn. The types of algebraic functions are polynomial
functions, radical functions and rational functions.

Functions that are not algebraic are transcendental. The types of transcendental functions are
trigonometric functions, exponential functions and logarithmic functions.

You can combine two functions in a process called composition. The resulting function is called
a composite function.

Definition 2: Definition of a Composite Function

Let f and g be functions. The function given by (f o g)(x) = f (g(x)) is called the composite of f
with g. The domain of f o g is the set of all x in the domain of g such that g(x) is in the domain
of f.

The composite of f with g may not be equal to the composite of g with f.

Example 3: Finding Composites of Functions

Given that

f ( x )=2 x−3∧g ( x ) =x2

Find the following:
a. f o g
b. g o f

Solution:
( f ° g ) ( x ) =f ( g ( x ) ) Definition of f o g.
¿ f ( x2) Substitute x2 for g(x).
¿ 2 ( x 2) −3 Definition of f(x).
( f ° g ) ( x ) =2 x 2−3 Simplify.

( g ° f ) ( x ) =g ( f ( x ) ) Definition of g o f.
¿ g ( 2 x−3 ) Substitute 2x – 3 for f(x).
( g ° f ) ( x ) =( 2 x−3 )2 Definition of g(x).

Note: (f 0 g)(x) ≠ (g 0 f)(x)

The zeros of a function f are the solutions of the equation: f(x) = 0.

Test for Symmetry of Functions

The function y = f(x) is even if its graph is symmetric with respect to the y-axis.

That is, f (-x) = f(x)

The function y = f(x) is odd if its graph is symmetric with respect to the origin.

That is, f (-x) = - f(x)

Example 4: Test for Symmetry of Functions and Zeros of Functions

Determine whether the function is even, odd, or neither, then find the zeros of the function.

f ( x )=x 3−x

Solution:
f (−x )= (−x )3 −(−x )
¿−x3 + x
¿−( x 3−x )
f ( x )=−f ( x )
Thus, function is odd.

Finding the zeros of f.

x 3−x=0 Let f(x) = 0.
 x ( x 2−1 )=0 Factor.
x ( x−1 )( x +1 )=0 Factor.
x=0 , 1 ,−1 Zeros of f.

Some functions are neither even nor odd.

For example: f(x) = x2 + x + 1

B. Inverse Functions

Recall in the earlier topics that we discussed that a function can be represented by a set of
ordered pairs.

For instance, the function f(x) = x + 3 from A = {1, 2, 3, 4} to B = {4, 5, 6, 7} can be written
as

f : { (1,4 ) , ( 2,5 ) , ( 3,6 ) , ( 4,7 ) }

By interchanging the first and second coordinates of each ordered pair, we can form the inverse
function of f. This function is denoted by f -1 . It is a function from B to A, and can be written as

f −1 : { ( 4,1 ) , ( 5,2 ) , ( 6,3 ) , ( 7,4 ) }

Note that the domain of f is equal to the range of f -1 , and vice versa. The functions f and f -1
have the effect of “undoing” each other. That is, when we form the composition of f with f -1 or
the composition of f -1 with f, we obtain the identity function.

f ( f −1 ( x ) )=x∧f −1 ( f ( x ) )=x

Definition 3: Definition of Inverse Function

A function g is the inverse function of the function f if

f ( g ( x ) )=x for each x∈the domain of g ,∧¿

g ( f ( x ) )=x for each x∈the domain of f .

The function g is denoted by f -1 (read “f inverse”).

Properties of Inverse Functions:

a. If g is the inverse function of f, then f is the inverse function of g.

b. The domain of f -1 is equal to the range of f, and the range of f -1 is equal to the domain
of f.
c. A function need not have an inverse function, but if it does, the inverse function is
unique.
The graph of f -1 is a reflection of the graph of f in the line y = x.

Reflective Property of Inverse Functions

The graph of f contains the point (a, b) if and only if the graph of f -1 contains the point (b, a).

Not every function has an inverse, and the Reflective Property of Inverse Functions suggests a
graphical test for those that do - the Horizontal Line Test for an inverse function. This test
states that a function f has an inverse function if and only if every horizontal line intersects the
graph of f at most once.

Horizontal Line Test for an Inverse Function

A function has an inverse function if and only if it is one-to-one.

Guidelines for Finding an Inverse of a Function:

1. Determine whether the function given by y = f(x) has an inverse function.

2. Solve for x as a function of y: x = g(y) = f -1 (y).
3. Interchange x and y. The resulting equation is y = f -1 (x).
4. Define the domain of f -1 as the range of f.
5. Verify that f (f -1(x)) = x and f -1 (f(x)) = x.

C. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

C.1. Properties of Exponents

Properties of Exponents:
Let a and b be positive real numbers, and let x and y be any real numbers.
a . a0 =1 ax x− y
e . y =a
a
b . a x a y =a x+ y a x ax
f.() b
= x
b
y
c . ( a x ) =a xy 1
g . a− x = x
a
x x x
d . ( ab ) =a b

Example 5: Using Properties of Exponents

a . ( 22 ) ( 23 )=22 +3=25
2 2 2−3 −1 1
b . 3 =2 =2 =
2 2
2
c . ( 34 ) =3(4 ) (2) =38=6561

C.2. The Natural Exponential Function

An exponential function is a function in which a constant is raised to a power.

Definition 4: Definition of the Exponential Function

Let x be a positive real number. The exponential function is denoted by

f (x)=a x , where a is areal number greater than 1

In the exponential function, a is the base and x is the power or exponent.

Properties of Exponential Functions:

Let a be a real number that is greater than 1.
a. The domain of f(x) = ax is (-∞, ∞).
b. The range of f(x) = ax is (0, ∞).
c. The y-intercept of f(x) = ax is (0, 1).
d. The function f(x) = ax is one-to-one.

In calculus, the natural (or convenient) choice for a base of an exponential number is the
irrational number e, whose decimal approximation is

e=2.71828182846

Definition 5: Definition of the Natural Exponential Function

Let x be a positive real number. The natural exponential function is denoted by

f (x)=e x , where e is an irrational number

In the natural exponential function, e is the base and x is the power or exponent.

C.3. The Natural Logarithmic Function

Because the natural exponential function f(x) = ex is one-to-one, it must have an inverse
function. Its inverse is called the natural logarithmic function.

Definition 6: Definition of the Natural Logarithmic Function

Let x be a positive real number. The natural logarithmic function, denoted by

g ( x )=ln x

is defined as follows. (ln x is read as “el en of x” or “the natural log of x”.

ln x=b if ∧only if eb =x

This definition tells us that a logarithmic equation can be written in an equivalent exponential
form, and vice versa.

Example 6: Converting an Equation from Logarithmic Form to Exponential Form

 Logarithmic Form Exponential Form
a . ln 1=0 a . e 0=1
b . ln e=1 b . e 1=e
c . ln e−1=−1 1
c . e−1 =
e

Because the function g(x) = ln x is defined to be the inverse of f(x) = ex , it follows that the
graph of the natural logarithmic function is a reflection of the graph of the natural exponential
function in the line y = x.

Properties of the Natural Logarithmic Function:

a. The domain of g(x) = ln x is (0, ∞).
b. The range of g(x) = ln x is (-∞, ∞).
c. The x-intercept of g(x) = ln x is (1, 0).
d. The function g(x) = ln x is one-to-one.

Because f(x) = ex and g(x) = ln x are inverses of each other, we can conclude that

ln e x =x∧e ln x =x

Properties of Logarithms:
Let x, y, and z be real numbers such that x > 0 and y > 0.
a. ln xy=ln x+ ln y
x
b. ln =ln x−ln y
y
c. ln x z =z ln x

Example 7: Expanding Logarithmic Expressions

10 Property 2
a . ln =ln 10−ln 9
9
1
2
Rewrite with rational exponent.
b . ln √ 3 x +2=ln ( 3 x +2 )
1 Property 3
¿ ln ( 3 x+2 )
2
6x Property 2
c . ln =ln ( 6 x )−ln 5
5
¿ ln 6+ ln x −ln 5 Property 1

Example 8: Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations

Solve ( a ) 7=e x +1∧( b ) ln ( 2 x −3 )=5.
Solution
a . 7=e x+1 Write original equation.
ln 7=ln ( e x +1 ) Take natural log of each side of the equation.
ln 7=x+ 1 Apply inverse property.
x=−1+ ln7 Solve for x.
 x ≈ 0.95 Use a calculator.
b . ln ( 2 x −3 )=5 Write original equation.
e ln (2 x−3 )=e 5 Exponentiate each side of the equation.
2 x−3=e5 Apply inverse property.
1 Solve for x.
x= ( e 5 +3 )
2
x ≈ 75.71 Use a calculator.

ASSESSMENT TASKS

CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3

Assessment Tasks Multiple Choice Multiple Choice Multiple Choice
questions, Problem questions, Problem questions, Problem
Solving questions Solving questions Solving questions
Mode of Hardcopy of Send exercises Send exercises
Submission submission via Drop online via email or online via email or
off at USA or via other platform. other platform.
Courier.

EVALUATION SYSTEM

1. The student is graded on per course outcomes basis. Cut off score = 60% of raw score
2. The student must pass at least 80% of all modules in order to pass the course.
3. A student who failed to pass 80% of the requirements will be given a chance to take
removal examination for failed modules in a term after the major exam.
4. The maximum equivalent grade for a removal examination is 75%.
5. Attendance and other student requirements is based on the approved USA student
manual and the COT Admission and Retention Policy.
6. Course Outcomes performance standard is 80% of the students must pass all the
modules.

COMPUTATION OF GRADE

Lecture Grade = Quizzes (30%) + ORLE (10%) + Periodic Exam (60%)

Course Outcome Grade = ∑(Associated Modular Grades)/No. of Associated Modules
Term Grade = ∑(Associated C.O. Grade x (C.O. Wt./Total Associated C.O. Wt.))
Final Rating = (Midterm Grade + Final Grade)/2

*C.O. Wt. – Course Outcome Weight is determined by the level of learning according to Bloom’s
Taxonomy

REFERENCES

A. Printed Learning Resources

1. Larson, R. & Edwards, B. (2017). Calculus (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
2. Stewart, J. (2018). Calculus: International Metric Version (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.
3. Anton, H., Bivens, I. & Davis, S. (2010). Calculus: Early Transcendentals (9th ed.). John
Wiley and Sons.
4. Smith, R. & Minton, R. (2012). Calculus (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
5. Danao, R. (2017). Core Concepts of Calculus with Applications. The UP Press.

B. Web and Other Learning Resources

1. https://brilliant.org/calculus/
2. https://www.math24.net/topics-calculus/
3. https://www.khanacademy.org/math/
4. https://www.math.ucdavis.edu/~kouba/ProblemsList.html
5. https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/classes/calci/calci.aspx