Functions and Their Graphs - Single-Variable Calculus (Undergraduate Foundation)

This course provides a rigorous foundation in the concept of functions, the building block of calculus. We begin with the real number system - rationals, irrationals, intervals, and infinity - before defining real-valued functions, their domains, and ranges. You will systematically study all key function families: polynomial, rational, algebraic, piecewise-defined, and transcendental, including exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and hyperbolic types. A command of functions is essential for all technical and quantitative disciplines. These principles are directly applied in physics to model motion, in economics for supply-demand curves, in engineering for signal processing, and in computer science to analyse algorithm complexity. This course delivers the core mathematical tools required for effective modelling and problem-solving in these fields and beyond. By the end of this course, you will be able to: calculate the domain and range of any given function; classify functions and identify their fundamental properties; analyse functions for key characteristics like symmetry (odd and even); and accurately construct graphs for a wide range of standard and piecewise-defined functions directly from their equations. This course is designed for first-year undergraduates in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and economics. It is also critical for any student preparing for advanced calculus or for professionals who require a solid mathematical base for roles in finance, data science, or technical research.

7 hrs

Enrolment valid for 12 months

This course is also part of the following learning tracks. You may join a track to gain comprehensive knowledge across related courses.

GET 209: Engineering Mathematics I

Master the mathematical language of engineering. This programme delivers the complete analytical toolkit required for a successful engineering career, covering single-variable calculus, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and vector analysis. It provides the essential foundation for all subsequent engineering courses. This programme is for second-year undergraduate students across all engineering disciplines. It delivers the official NUC CCMAS curriculum for Engineering Mathematics, providing the core training required for advanced modules in mechanics, thermodynamics, and circuit theory. Model and analyse complex physical systems using calculus, linear algebra, and vector analysis. You will be equipped to solve problems in dynamics, statics, and field theory, providing the quantitative proficiency required for advanced engineering study and professional practice.

MTH 201: Mathematical Methods I

Mastering advanced calculus is essential for modelling complex systems in science and engineering. This track delivers the rigorous mathematical foundation demanded by the official NUC CCMAS curriculum for MTH 201. It systematically builds your expertise from fundamental single-variable theory to the sophisticated multivariable analysis used to solve critical problems in physics, economics, and technology. This programme is for undergraduates in engineering, mathematics, physics, and computer science requiring a deep theoretical and practical command of calculus. It also serves economics students needing advanced quantitative tools or professionals in finance and data science seeking a solid mathematical base for technical research. You will gain the analytical skills to construct formal proofs for differentiation rules and apply cornerstone theorems like Mean Value and Taylor's. You will master multivariable techniques, enabling you to solve constrained optimization problems with Lagrange multipliers and compute multiple integrals across line, surface, and volume domains. This track is the requisite preparation for advanced studies in differential equations, vector analysis, and complex engineering modelling.

Course Chapters

1. Introduction

This chapter establishes the foundational concepts of the real number system. A command of these definitions is a prerequisite for defining and analysing the functions that form the core of this course. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to: differentiate between key number systems from natural to real; define and represent intervals on the real line; and correctly apply the mathematical concept of infinity.

Concept Overviews

4 Lessons

1:16:23

2. Real-Valued Functions

This chapter introduces the function - the central object of study in calculus. We will formally define what constitutes a real-valued function and establish the critical concepts of its valid inputs (domain) and possible outputs (range). By the end of this chapter, you will be able to: formally define a function; precisely calculate the domain for various real-valued functions; and understand the meaning and importance of a function's range.

Concept Overviews

3 Lessons

1:02:25

Problem Walkthroughs

1 Lesson

24:55

3. Kinds of Real-Valued Functions

This chapter moves from the general definition of a function to a systematic classification of key function families. We will identify and analyse the core algebraic types - including polynomial, rational, and piecewise functions - that form the basis of mathematical modelling across scientific disciplines. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to: classify functions as polynomial, rational, or algebraic; determine the natural domain for each of these types; interpret and analyse piecewise-defined functions; and test any function for symmetry.

Concept Overviews

5 Lessons

45:12

4. Transcendental Functions

This chapter covers transcendental functions, the non-algebraic tools used to model natural phenomena like population growth, radioactive decay, and wave mechanics. We will systematically analyse the properties and graphs of exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and hyperbolic functions. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to: differentiate between algebraic and transcendental functions; analyse the domains and graphs of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric types; and define their corresponding inverse functions.

Concept Overviews

6 Lessons

1:31:46