NIOS Pure HTML Study Hub

Mathematics — Class 12 — L23: Relations and Functions-II

NIOS Code 311 · Module 7 · Relations and Functions

Notes extracted from NIOS Mathematics Course (311), Lesson 23 — Relations and Functions-II (ilovepdf_merged (6).pdf). Content covers sections 23.1–23.x.
Study timer: 00:00:00

Overview — Relations and Functions-II (L23)

This lesson deepens relations and functions: types of relations (reflexive, symmetric, transitive, equivalence), types of functions (one–one, onto, bijective), composition, and invertible functions.

f : A → B bijective ⇔ f invertible
Inverse undoes f: f⁻¹(f(x))=x
p q Implication: if p then q · Contrapositive: ~q ⇒ ~p
Implication and contrapositive idea

23.1 Relations

  • Reflexive: aRa for all a in the set.
  • Symmetric: aRb ⇒ bRa.
  • Transitive: aRb and bRc ⇒ aRc.
  • Equivalence relation: all three hold; partitions the set into classes.

23.2 Functions

One–one (injective): f(x₁)=f(x₂) ⇒ x₁=x₂. Onto (surjective): every y in codomain is hit. Bijective: both.

Composition: (g∘f)(x) = g(f(x)). Composition is associative when defined; not commutative in general.

23.3 Inverse functions

f has an inverse iff f is bijective. Then f⁻¹∘f = id and f∘f⁻¹ = id on appropriate sets.

Binary operations: A binary operation * on a set S maps S×S → S. Check closure, commutativity, associativity, identity, inverses as asked.

MCQ Quiz — L23 Relations and Functions-II

0 / 10 correct

Flashcards — L23

1 / 15

Golden Rules — L23 Relations and Functions-II

Most exam-important points from this chapter:

Know the definitions of L23

Start every answer with the key definition or standard form from Relations and Functions-II.

Write the formula first

Copy the formula, then substitute values; never jump to the number alone.

Watch conditions

Check domain, quadrant, non-zero denominators, and applicability of the theorem.

Master result 1

Memorise and apply: Let A = {1, 2, 3} be a set. Then

Master result 2

Memorise and apply: R = {(1, 1), (2, 2), (3, 3), (1, 3), (2, 1)} is a reflexive relation on A.

Domain codomain
One-one onto
Composite fog
(fog)⁻¹=g⁻¹f⁻¹
Inverse function
Binary operations

1. Formulas & Definitions

Full Ch 23 — Relations and Functions-II study guide: definitions, derivations, why each formula works, history, deep understanding, pencil diagrams, step-by-step use, and 4-level solved examples.

f: A→B one-one (injective)

Definition: f(x₁)=f(x₂) ⇒ x₁=x₂ (or distinct x map to distinct y).

Derivation

Horizontal line test for real functions of one variable.

Variables

A domain · B codomain

Why it works

No two domain elements share an image.

Historical context

Modern set-function language (Dirichlet, later Bourbaki).

Deep understanding

Strictly mono functions on intervals are injective.

2. Diagrams & Visuals

f: A→B one-one (injective) No two arrows to same y Horizontal line test One-one

Pencil sketch · labelled · step-by-step breakdown below

  1. Assume f(x₁)=f(x₂)
  2. Deduce x₁=x₂
  3. Or give counter-example
  4. State domain carefully

3. Solved Examples

Basic

Q: f(x)=2x+1 on R injective?

Solution: Yes linear slope≠0

Answer: Yes

Intermediate

Q: f(x)=x² on R injective?

Solution: f(1)=f(−1)

Answer: No

Advanced

Q: f(x)=x² on [0,∞)

Solution: Yes

Answer: Yes

Exam

Q: Define injective.

Solution: f(x₁)=f(x₂)⇒x₁=x₂

Answer: Distinct inputs → distinct outputs

(f ∘ g)(x) = f(g(x))

Definition: Composition: apply g first, then f. Need range of g ⊆ domain of f.

Derivation

Chaining of mappings.

Variables

fog means f after g

Why it works

Order matters: fog ≠ gof generally.

Historical context

Standard in function algebra.

Deep understanding

Associative: (fog)oh = fo(goh).

2. Diagrams & Visuals

(f ∘ g)(x) = f(g(x)) g first then f fog = f(g(x)) Order matters

Pencil sketch · labelled · step-by-step breakdown below

  1. Apply inner function first
  2. Then outer
  3. Simplify expression
  4. State new domain

3. Solved Examples

Basic

Q: f(x)=x+1, g(x)=2x; fog

Solution: 2x+1

Answer: 2x + 1

Intermediate

Q: gof

Solution: 2(x+1)=2x+2

Answer: 2x + 2

Advanced

Q: When is fog=gof?

Solution: Special pairs (e.g. linear carefully)

Answer: Not always

Exam

Q: Order of composition.

Solution: Rightmost acts first

Answer: g first in fog

f⁻¹ exists iff f bijective

Definition: Inverse function undoes f: f⁻¹(f(x))=x and f(f⁻¹(y))=y.

Derivation

Requires one-one and onto onto the codomain used.

Variables

Bijective = injective + surjective

Why it works

Graph of inverse is reflection in y=x.

Historical context

Classic idea of inverse operations.

Deep understanding

(fog)⁻¹ = g⁻¹ ∘ f⁻¹ when both invertible.

2. Diagrams & Visuals

f⁻¹ exists iff f bijective Reflect graph in y=x Need bijection f⁻¹ undoes f

Pencil sketch · labelled · step-by-step breakdown below

  1. Prove one-one and onto
  2. Solve y=f(x) for x
  3. Swap to get f⁻¹(y)
  4. Verify composition identity

3. Solved Examples

Basic

Q: f(x)=2x+3 inverse

Solution: (y−3)/2

Answer: f⁻¹(x)=(x−3)/2

Intermediate

Q: f(x)=eˣ on R

Solution: ln x on (0,∞)

Answer: f⁻¹=ln

Advanced

Q: (fog)⁻¹

Solution: g⁻¹f⁻¹

Answer: g⁻¹ ∘ f⁻¹

Exam

Q: Condition for inverse function.

Solution: Bijective

Answer: One-one and onto

5. Special Features & Extras

Complete study guide — exam tips, common mistakes, memory aids, and quick reference.

Exam Tips & Tricks

  • Always state domain when proving one-one.
  • fog: do g first.
  • Inverse: swap x,y then rename.

Common Student Mistakes

  • Calling non-onto function invertible on stated codomain
  • Composing in wrong order
  • Claiming x² invertible on R

Memory Aids & Mnemonics

fog: f after g.
Inverse of fog: reverse and invert — g⁻¹ then f⁻¹.

Which Formula When?

  • Unique preimages → one-one
  • Chain maps → composition
  • Undo map → inverse

Quick reference box

• Injective · surjective · bijective · fog · f⁻¹

PYQ — Previous Year Questions

English questions from NIOS Mathematics (311) public / sample papers (Sample 2024, Apr 2024, Oct 2024, Apr 2025; board-style where scanned papers had no extractable text). Mapped exclusively to this chapter — no cross-chapter duplicates. Use Model Answer for the marking key and Explanation for working.

L23 — Relations and Functions-II

5 question(s) · Sources: Apr 2024, Sample QP 2024

PYQ1. If f(x)=x² and g(x)=3, find (f∘g)(x).

1 mark(s) · SA · Sample QP 2024 · Q9

Model Answer

1)  9 (constant function)

Explanation

1)  (f∘g)(x)=f(g(x))=f(3)=3²=9 for all x in the domain of g.

PYQ2. If f(x)=x+3 for x∈ℝ, then f⁻¹(x) is:

  • (A) x−3
  • (B) x+3
  • (C) 1/(x+3)
  • (D) 1/x − 3

1 mark(s) · MCQ · Sample QP 2024 · Q10

Model Answer

1)  x − 3

Explanation

1)  y=x+3 ⇒ x=y−3 ⇒ f⁻¹(x)=x−3.

PYQ3. Is f : ℤ → ℤ given by f(x)=x+3 a bijection? Justify briefly.

1 mark(s) · SA · Sample QP 2024 · Q11

Model Answer

1)  Yes — bijective

Explanation

1)  One–one: x₁+3=x₂+3

2)  x₁=x₂. Onto: for any n∈ℤ, f(n−3)=n. Hence bijective.

PYQ4. If a binary operation * on ℤ is defined by a*b = 3a − b, find (2*3)*4.

1 mark(s) · SA · Sample QP 2024 · Q12

Model Answer

1)  5

Explanation

1)  2*3 = 3·2 − 3 =

3. Then (2*3)*4 = 3*4 = 3·3 − 4 = 5.

PYQ5. Define an onto (surjective) function f : A → B.

1 mark(s) · SA · Apr 2024 · Q2(a) concept

Model Answer

1)  f is onto if for every y∈B there exists x∈A with f(x)=y (range = codomain).

Explanation

1)  Surjectivity means every element of the codomain is the image of at least one domain element.

Problem Solving — L23 Relations and Functions-II

10 English exam-style problems for this chapter (NIOS Mathematics 311). Each question states the formula, gives full step-by-step working with the final answer, plus formal/easy explanations. English only.

Question 1 of 10Reflexive

Is the relation R={(1,1),(2,2),(1,2)} on A={1,2} reflexive? Justify.

aRa ∀a ∈ A

1)  For reflexivity we need (2,2) and (1,1).

2)  Both are present ⇒ R is reflexive on A.

Answer:  Yes, reflexive

Formula used

aRa ∀a ∈ A

Textbook formal language

R contains every (a,a) for a in A, so R is reflexive.

Easy language (same calculation)

Both diagonal pairs are in R, so reflexive.

Why this formula

Missing any (a,a) kills reflexivity.

Exam tip

Check every element of A, not only those appearing in pairs.

Common mistakes

  • Ignoring (2,2)
  • Confusing with symmetric
Question 2 of 10Symmetric

Is R={(1,2),(2,1),(2,2)} on {1,2} symmetric?

aRb ⇒ bRa

1)  (1,2)∈R and (2,1)∈R; (2,2) is fine.

2)  No counter-example ⇒ symmetric.

Answer:  Yes, symmetric

Formula used

aRb ⇒ bRa

Textbook formal language

Whenever (a,b) is in R, (b,a) is also in R.

Easy language (same calculation)

Pairs come in both directions.

Why this formula

Symmetric does not require reflexive.

Exam tip

One missing reverse pair is enough to fail.

Common mistakes

  • Requiring (1,1)
  • Saying not symmetric
Question 3 of 10Equivalence

On ℤ, let aRb iff a−b is even. Is R an equivalence relation?

Reflexive + symmetric + transitive

1)  Reflexive: a−a=0 even.

2)  Symmetric: if a−b even then b−a=−(a−b) even.

3)  Transitive: sum of two evens is even ⇒ a−c even.

4)  Hence equivalence.

Answer:  Yes — equivalence relation

Formula used

Reflexive + symmetric + transitive

Textbook formal language

R is reflexive, symmetric and transitive, hence an equivalence relation (parity classes).

Easy language (same calculation)

Same parity relation: even difference means same even/odd class.

Why this formula

Equivalence classes: even integers and odd integers.

Exam tip

Transitivity uses (a−b)+(b−c)=a−c.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting transitive check
  • Thinking only symmetric
Question 4 of 10Injective

Is f:ℝ→ℝ, f(x)=2x+3 one–one?

f(x₁)=f(x₂)⇒x₁=x₂

1)  2x₁+3=2x₂+3 ⇒ 2x₁=2x₂ ⇒ x₁=x₂.

2)  Hence injective (one–one).

Answer:  Yes, one–one (injective)

Formula used

f(x₁)=f(x₂)⇒x₁=x₂

Textbook formal language

Equal images force equal preimages, so f is injective.

Easy language (same calculation)

Straight line with non-zero slope is one–one.

Why this formula

Also onto ℝ, hence bijective.

Exam tip

Horizontal line test fails for non-injective functions.

Common mistakes

  • Saying many–one
  • Only checking f(0)
Question 5 of 10Composition

If f(x)=x+1 and g(x)=x², find (g∘f)(3) and (f∘g)(3).

(g∘f)(x)=g(f(x))

1)  (g∘f)(3)=g(4)=16.

2)  (f∘g)(3)=f(9)=10.

Answer:  (g∘f)(3)=16; (f∘g)(3)=10

Formula used

(g∘f)(x)=g(f(x))

Textbook formal language

Composition is not commutative; the two values differ.

Easy language (same calculation)

Do f first then g for g∘f; reverse for f∘g.

Why this formula

Always apply the right-hand function first in g∘f.

Exam tip

Bracket carefully.

Common mistakes

  • Computing only one of them
  • Adding instead of composing
Question 6 of 10Inverse

Find the inverse of f(x)=2x+3, f:ℝ→ℝ.

f bijective ⇔ f⁻¹ exists

1)  y=2x+3 ⇒ x=(y−3)/2.

2)  So f⁻¹(y)=(y−3)/2, or f⁻¹(x)=(x−3)/2.

Answer:  f⁻¹(x) = (x − 3)/2

Formula used

f bijective ⇔ f⁻¹ exists

Textbook formal language

Solving y=f(x) for x yields the inverse function.

Easy language (same calculation)

Undo: subtract 3, divide by 2.

Why this formula

Check f(f⁻¹(x))=x and f⁻¹(f(x))=x.

Exam tip

Domain/codomain both ℝ here.

Common mistakes

  • f⁻¹=2x−3
  • Swapping operations order wrongly
Question 7 of 10Injective

Is f(x) = 2x − 3 one-one on ℝ? Justify.

f(x₁)=f(x₂)⇒x₁=x₂

1)  Assume 2x₁ − 3 = 2x₂ − 3 ⇒ 2x₁ = 2x₂ ⇒ x₁ = x₂.

2)  Hence f is one-one (injective).

Answer:  Yes — injective

Formula used

f(x₁)=f(x₂)⇒x₁=x₂

Textbook formal language

Linear function with non-zero slope is injective on ℝ.

Easy language (same calculation)

Different x give different 2x−3.

Why this formula

Horizontal line test: each y once.

Exam tip

Check each algebraic step carefully.

Common mistakes

  • No
  • Only for x>0
Question 8 of 10Onto

Is f: ℝ→ℝ, f(x)=x² onto? Explain.

Every y in codomain is hit

1)  For y = −1 there is no real x with x² = −1.

2)  Hence f is not onto ℝ.

Answer:  No — not onto ℝ

Formula used

Every y in codomain is hit

Textbook formal language

Range is [0,∞), not all of ℝ.

Easy language (same calculation)

Negative numbers are missed.

Why this formula

Onto [0,∞) would be true.

Exam tip

Check each algebraic step carefully.

Common mistakes

  • Yes onto
  • Only integers matter
Question 9 of 10Composition

If f(x)=x+2 and g(x)=3x, find (f∘g)(x).

(f∘g)(x)=f(g(x))

1)  g first: 3x; then f: 3x+2.

2)  (f∘g)(x)=3x+2.

Answer:  3x + 2

Formula used

(f∘g)(x)=f(g(x))

Textbook formal language

Composition applies the right-hand function first.

Easy language (same calculation)

Triple then add two.

Why this formula

(g∘f)(x)=3(x+2)=3x+6 differs.

Exam tip

Check each algebraic step carefully.

Common mistakes

  • 3x
  • 3(x+2) only as fog
Question 10 of 10Inverse

Find the inverse of f(x)=4x+1 (as a function ℝ→ℝ).

y=f(x) solve for x

1)  y = 4x + 1 ⇒ x = (y − 1)/4.

2)  f⁻¹(x) = (x − 1)/4.

Answer:  f⁻¹(x) = (x − 1)/4

Formula used

y=f(x) solve for x

Textbook formal language

Swap and solve; rename the variable.

Easy language (same calculation)

Undo: subtract 1, divide by 4.

Why this formula

f is bijective on ℝ.

Exam tip

Check each algebraic step carefully.

Common mistakes

  • 4x−1
  • (x+1)/4