Relations and Functions: Middle School Math Problems with Step-by-Step Solutions

Relations and Functions
Relations and functions are important topics in middle school mathematics because they help students understand how different quantities are connected. Through the study of relations and functions, students learn to identify patterns, interpret ordered pairs, analyze tables and graphs, and determine the relationship between variables. These concepts also become the foundation for more advanced mathematical topics such as algebra, graphing, and mathematical modeling.

This article presents a collection of relations and functions problems designed for middle school students, complete with clear explanations and step-by-step solutions. The exercises are intended to strengthen conceptual understanding, improve problem-solving skills, and help students apply mathematical reasoning in various situations. By practicing regularly, students can build confidence and develop a deeper understanding of functions and their applications in everyday life.

Read: Linear Equations in One Variable: Concepts, Formulas, and Solved Problems

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Multiple Choice Section

Problem Number 1

The correct relation to describe the relationship from set $Q$ to set $P$ is $\cdots \cdot$
Arrow Diagram
A. cube root of
B. cube of
C. square of
D. square root of

Solution

The correct relation is “cube of”, as shown by the following relationships:
$1$ is the cube of $1$;
$8$ is the cube of $2$;
$27$ is the cube of $3$.
(Answer B)

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Problem Number 2

Observe the following arrow diagram.
Arrow Diagram
The correct relation from set K to set L is $\cdots \cdot$

A. twice of
B. half of
C. one less than
D. less than

Solution

The correct relation is “half of”, as shown by the following relationships:
$-3$ is half of $-6$;
$-1$ is half of $-2$;
$1$ is half of $2$;
$2$ is half of $4$;
(Answer B)

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Problem Number 3

The correct relation for the following diagram is $\cdots \cdot$
Arrow Diagram
A. greater than              C. half of
B. less than           D. square of

Solution

The correct relation is “half of”, as shown by the following relationships:
$1$ is half of $2$;
$2$ is half of $4$;
$3$ is half of $6$;
$4$ is half of $8$, but since $8$ is not a member of the codomain, $4$ does not have a pair.
(Answer C)

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Problem Number 4

Observe the following diagram.
Arrow Diagram
The relation from set $A$ to set $B$ is $\cdots \cdot$

A. factor of            
B. greater than
C. less than
D. half of

Solution

The arrow diagram above can be expressed in the form of ordered pairs $\{1, 2), (1, 3), (1, 4), (2, 2), (2, 4), (4, 4)\}$.
Notice that $1$ is a factor of $2, 3$, and $4$; $2$ is a factor of $2$ and $4$; $4$ is a factor of $4$.
Therefore, the appropriate relation is FACTOR OF.
Note: a factor is a natural number that divides another number exactly.
(Answer A)

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Problem Number 5

Observe the following relations.
(1). $\{(1, a), (2, a), (3, a), (4, a)\}$
(2). $\{(2, b), (3, c), (4, d), (2, e)\}$
(3). $\{(3, 6), (4, 6), (5, 10), (3, 12)\}$
(4). $\{(1, 5), (3, 7), (5, 9), (3, 11)\}$
The relation above that is considered a mapping (function) is $\cdots \cdot$
A. (1)                         C. (3)
B. (2)                         D. (4)

Solution

In the ordered pair form $(a, b)$, $a$ is called a domain member, while $b$ is called a range member.
A relation is called a mapping (function) if every domain member has exactly one (must be one) pair in the codomain.
In set (1), all domain members have exactly one pair in the codomain, so it is called a function.
In set (2), the domain member $2$ has two pairs, so it is not a function.
In set (3), the domain member $3$ has two pairs, so it is not a function.
In set (4), the domain member $3$ has two pairs, so it is not a function.
(Answer A)

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Read: Simple Algebraic Expressions: Word Problems and Step-by-Step Solutions

Problem Number 6

From the following four sets:
$\begin{aligned} P & = \{(1, 1), (2, 0), (2, 1)\} \\ Q & = \{(1, 1), (3, 2), (5, 2)\} \\ R & = \{(5, a), (5, b), (4, c)\} \\ S & = \{(1, 6), (1, 5), (1, 4)\} \end{aligned}$
The set of ordered pairs that represents a mapping (function) is $\cdots \cdot$
A. $P$                       C. $R$
B. $Q$                      D. $S$

Solution

A set of ordered pairs is considered a function if every domain member has exactly one pair in the codomain.
Set $P$ is not a function because the domain member $2$ has more than one pair, namely in the ordered pairs $(2, 0)$ and $(2, 1)$.
Set $Q$ is a function because every domain member has exactly one pair in the codomain.
Set $R$ is not a function because the domain member $5$ has more than one pair, namely in the ordered pairs $(5, a)$ and $(5, b)$.
Set $S$ is not a function because the domain member $1$ has more than one pair, namely in the ordered pairs $(1, 6), (1, 5)$ and $(1, 4)$.
(Answer B)

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Problem Number 7

Given $A=\{a,b,c\}$ and $B=\{1,2,3,4,5\}$. The number of possible mappings from $A$ to $B$ is $\cdots \cdot$
A. $15$                      C. $125$
B. $32$                      D. $243$

Solution

Given:
$\begin{aligned} A & = \{a, b, c\} \\ B & = \{1,2,3,4,5\} \end{aligned}$
We obtain $\text{n}(A) = 3$ and $\text{n}(B) = 5$, therefore the number of possible mappings from $A$ to $B$ is $\boxed{\text{n}(B)^{\text{n}(A)} = 5^3 = 125}$
(Answer C)

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Problem Number 8

Given $A=\{\text{factors of 6}\}$ and $B=\{\text{multiples of 2 less than 8}\}$. The number of possible mappings from $B$ to $A$ is $\cdots \cdot$
A. $36$                       C. $81$
B. $64$                       D. $100$

Solution

First, write down all members of sets $A$ and $B$.
$\begin{aligned} A & = \{1, 2, 3, 6\} \\ B & = \{2, 4, 6\} \end{aligned}$
We obtain $\text{n}(A) = 4$ and $\text{n}(B) = 3$, therefore the number of possible mappings from $B$ to $A$ is $\boxed{\text{n}(A)^{\text{n}(B)} = 4^3 = 64}$
(Answer B)

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Problem Number 9

A function is defined by the formula $f(x)=3-5x$. The value of $f(-4)$ is $\cdots \cdot$
A. $-23$                     C. $17$
B. $-17$                     D. $23$

Solution

Given: $f(x) = 3-5x$.
Substitute $x =-4$ to obtain
$f(-4) = 3-5(-4) = 3 + 20 = 23$
Therefore, the result is $\boxed{f(-4) = 23}$
(Answer D)

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Problem Number 10

Given the function formula $f(x)=6-3x$. The value of $f(5)+f(-4)$ is $\cdots \cdot$
A. $18$                     C. $-15$
B. $9$                       D. $-27$

Solution

Given: $f(x) = 6-3x$.
Substitute $x = 5$ to obtain
$f(5) = 6-3(5) = 6-15 =-9$
Substitute $x =-4$ to obtain
$f(-4) = 6-3(-4) = 6 + 12 = 18$
Therefore, the result is $\boxed{f(5) + f(-4) =-9 + 18 = 9}$
(Answer B)

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Problem Number 11

Given the function $f(x) = 3x^2-2x-5$. The value of $f\left(-\dfrac{1}{2}\right) = \cdots \cdot$
A. $-4\dfrac{1}{4}$                      C. $3\dfrac{1}{4}$
B. $-3\dfrac{1}{4}$                      D. $4\dfrac{1}{4}$

Solution

Substitute the value $x =-\dfrac{1}{2}$ into the function $f$.
$\begin{aligned} f(x) & = 3x^2-2x-5 \\ f\left(-\dfrac{1}{2}\right) & = 3\left(-\dfrac{1}{2}\right)^2-2\left(-\dfrac{1}{2}\right)-5 \\ & = 3 \times \dfrac{1}{4} + 1-5 \\ & = \dfrac{3}{4}-4 \\ & =-3\dfrac{1}{4} \end{aligned}$
Therefore, the value of $\boxed{f\left(-\dfrac{1}{2}\right) =-3\dfrac{1}{4}}$
(Answer B)

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Problem Number 12

Given $f(x)=6x-5$. The value of $f(3a+1)$ is $\cdots \cdot$
A. $9a+1$                    C. $18a+1$
B. $9a-4$                     D. $18a-4$

Solution

Given: $f(x) = 6x- 5$.
Substitute $x = 3a + 1$ to obtain
$\begin{aligned} f(3a+1) & = 6(3a+1)-5 \\ & = 18a+6-5 \\ & = 18a+1 \end{aligned}$
Therefore, the result is $\boxed{f(3a+1) = 18a+1}$
(Answer C)

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Problem Number 13

The function $f$ is expressed by $f(x)=3x+5$. The result of $f(2b-3)$ is $\cdots \cdot$
A. $5b+8$                        C. $6b-4$
B. $5b+2$                        D. $6b-15$

Solution

Given: $f(x) = 3x + 5$.
Substitute $x = 2b-3$ to obtain
$\begin{aligned} f(2b-3) & = 3(2b-3) + 5 \\ & = 6b-9 + 5 \\ & = 6b-4 \end{aligned}$
Therefore, the result is $\boxed{f(2b-3) = 6b- 4}$
(Answer C)

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Read: Linear Inequations in One Variable: Concepts, Formulas, and Solved Problems

Problem Number 14

Given that the function $f(x)$ is linear. If the function $f(3x+2)=6x+10$, the value of $f(-5) = \cdots \cdot$
A. $-20$                     C. $16$
B. $-4$                       D. $19$

Solution

Given: $f(3x+2)=6x+10$
We will determine the value of $x$ that makes $3x + 2 =-5$ as follows.
$\begin{aligned} 3x + 2 & =-5 \\ 3x & =-7 \\ x & =-\dfrac{7}{3} \end{aligned}$
Substitute $x =-\dfrac73$ into $f(x)$ to obtain
$\begin{aligned} f\left(\cancel{3}\left(-\dfrac{7}{\cancel{3}}\right) + 2\right) & = \cancelto{2}{6}\left(-\dfrac{7}{\cancel{3}}\right) + 10 \\ f(-7+2) & = 2(-7) + 10 \\ f(-5) & =-4 \end{aligned}$
Therefore, the value of $\boxed{f(-5) =-4}$
(Answer B)

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Problem Number 15

A function is formulated by $f(3x+3)=(x-4)(x+10)$. The value of $f(21)$ is $\cdots \cdot$
A. $18$                       C. $32$
B. $22$                       D. $72$

Solution

Given: $f(3x+3)=(x-4)(x+10)$
We will determine the value of $x$ that makes $3x + 3 = 21$ as follows.
$\begin{aligned} 3x + 3 & = 21 \\ 3x & = 18 \\ x & = \dfrac{18}{3} = 6 \end{aligned}$
Substitute $x = 6$ into $f(x)$ to obtain
$\begin{aligned} f(3(6)+3) & = (6-4)(6+10) \\ f(18+3) & = 2 \times 16 \\ f(21) & = 32 \end{aligned}$
Therefore, the value of $\boxed{f(21) = 32}$
(Answer C)

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Problem Number 16

Given the function formula $f(x)=2x+5$. If $f(a)=11$, the value of $a$ is $\cdots \cdot$
A. $2$                            C. $5$
B. $3$                            D. $6$

Solution

Given: $f(x) = 2x + 5$ and $f(a) = 11$
Substitute $x = a$ to obtain
$\begin{aligned} f(a) & = 2a + 5 \\ 11 & = 2a + 5 \\ 6 & = 2a \\ a & = 3 \end{aligned}$
Therefore, the value of $a$ is $\boxed{3}$
(Answer B)

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Problem Number 17

A function $f(x)=4x-1, f(a)=-9$, and $f(2)=b$. The value of $a-b$ is $\cdots \cdot$
A. $-9$                    C. $5$
B. $-5$                    D. $9$

Solution

Given: $f(x) = 4x- 1$.
Substitute $x = a$ to obtain
$\begin{aligned} f(a) & = 4a-1 \\-9 & = 4a-1 \\-8 & = 4a \\ a & =-2 \end{aligned}$
Substitute $x = 2$ to obtain
$f(2) = 4(2)-1 = 8-1 = 7$
This means that the value of $b$ is $7$.
Therefore, the result is $\boxed{a-b =-2-7 =-9}.$
(Answer A)

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Problem Number 18

The function $f$ is expressed by the formula $f(x)=4x+3$. If $f(a)=7$ and $f(-2)=b$, then the value of $a+b$ is $\cdots \cdot$
A. $6$                      C. $-4$
B. $4$                      D. $-6$

Solution

Given: $f(x) = 4x + 3$.
Substitute $x = a$ to obtain
$\begin{aligned} f(a) & = 4a + 3 \\ 7 & = 4a + 3 \\ 4 & = 4a \\ a & = 1 \end{aligned}$
Substitute $x =-2$ to obtain
$f(2) = 4(-2) + 3 =-8+3 =-5$
This means that the value of $b$ is $-5$.
Therefore, the result is $\boxed{a+b = 1 +(-5) =-4}$
(Answer C)

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Problem Number 19

Given the function formula $f(x)=2x-3$. If $f(m)=5$ and $f(-2)=n$, then the value of $m+n$ is $\cdots \cdot$
A. $5$                       C. $-3$
B. $2$                       D. $-6$

Solution

Given: $f(x)= 2x-3$.
For $x = m$, we obtain
$\begin{aligned} f(m) & = 2m-3 \\ 5 & = 2m-3 \\ 8 & = 2m \\ m & = 4 \end{aligned}$
For $x =-2$, we obtain
$f(-2) = 2(-2)-3 =-7$
thus the value of $n$ is $-7$.
Therefore, the value of $\boxed{m+n=4+(-7)=-3}$
(Answer C)

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Problem Number 20

A function $f$ is formulated by $f(x)=px+q$. If $f(2)=5$ and $f(-2)=-11$, the value of $f(-6) = \cdots \cdot$
A. $-27$                      C. $-9$
B. $-18$                      D. $-3$

Solution

For $x = 2$, we obtain
$f(2) = 2p + q = 5.$
For $x =-2$, we obtain
$f(-2) =-2p + q =-11.$
We obtain the system of linear equations: $\begin{cases} 2p+q = 5 \\-2p+q=-11 \end{cases}$
Using the elimination-substitution method, we obtain
$\begin{aligned} \! \begin{aligned} 2p + q & = 5 \\-2p+q & =-11 \end{aligned} \\ \rule{2.5 cm}{0.8pt}- \\ \! \begin{aligned} 4p & = 16 \\ p & = 4 \end{aligned} \end{aligned}$
Next, substitute $p=4$ into one of the equations, for example $2p+q=5.$
$2(4)+q = 5 \Leftrightarrow q =-3.$
Therefore, the values are $\boxed{p=4}$ and $\boxed{q=-3}$.
Thus, $f(x) = 4x-3.$
For $x=-6$, we obtain
$\boxed{f(-6) = 4(-6)-3 =-27}$
(Answer A)

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Read: System of Linear Equations in Two Variables: Complete Problems and Step-by-Step Solutions

Problem Number 21

Observe the following arrow diagram.
Arrow Diagram
The function formula from $A$ to $B$ is $\cdots \cdot$
A. $f(x)=2x+7$
B. $f(x)=5x-12$
C. $f(x)=3x-2$
D. $f(x)=2x+3$

Solution

Test each provided option.
Option A: $f(x) = 2x + 7$
For $x = 6$, we obtain $f(6) = 2(6) + 7 = 19$ (incorrect), it should be $15$.
Option B: $f(x) = 5x- 12$
For $x = 6$, we obtain $f(6) = 5(6)-12 = 18$ (incorrect), it should be $15$.
Option C: $f(x) = 3x- 2$
For $x = 6$, we obtain $f(6) = 3(6)-2= 16$ (incorrect), it should be $15$.
Option D: $f(x) = 2x + 3$
For $x = 5$, we obtain $f(5) = 2(5) + 3 = 13$ (correct).
For $x = 6$, we obtain $f(5) = 2(6) + 3 = 15$ (correct).
For $x = 8$, we obtain $f(5) = 2(8) + 3 = 19$ (correct).
(Answer D)

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Problem Number 22

Observe the following arrow diagram.
Arrow Diagram
The function formula from $P$ to $Q$ is $\cdots \cdot$
A. $f(x)=4(2x+5)$
B. $f(x)=3(2x+3)$
C. $f(x)=2(3x+9)$
D. $f(x)=\dfrac12(6x+18)$

Solution

Test each provided option.
Option A: $f(x) = 4(2x + 5)$
For $x = 2$, we obtain $f(2) = 4(2(2) + 5) = 4(9) = 36$ (incorrect), it should be $21$.
Option B: $f(x) = 3(2x+3)$
For $x = 2$, we obtain $f(2) = 3(2(2) + 3) = 3(7) = 21$ (correct).
For $x = 6$, we obtain $f(6) = 3(2(6) + 3) = 3(15) = 45$ (correct).
For $x = 10$, we obtain $f(10) = 3(2(10) + 3) = 3(23) = 69$ (correct).
Option C: $f(x) = 2(3x + 9)$
For $x = 2$, we obtain $f(2) = 2(3(2) + 9) = 2(15) = 30$ (incorrect), it should be $21$.
Option D: $f(x) =\dfrac12(6x + 18) = 3x + 9$
For $x = 2$, we obtain $f(2) = 3(2) + 9 = 15$ (incorrect), it should be $21$.
(Answer B)

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Problem Number 23

The graphs of the two linear functions $f(x) = \dfrac{1}{a}x+b$ and $h(x)=bx-a$ are parallel lines. The possible values of $b-a$ if $\dfrac{h(-1)}{f(1)} = -\dfrac52$ are $\cdots \cdot$
A. $\pm \dfrac12$                       C. $\pm \dfrac52$
B. $\pm \dfrac32$                       D. $\pm \dfrac72$

Solution

Given $f(x) = \dfrac{1}{a}x+b$ and $h(x)=bx-a$. Since the graphs of $f(x)$ and $h(x)$ are parallel, their gradients must be equal, namely $m_f = m_g \Rightarrow \dfrac{1}{a} = b$, equivalent to $ab = 1$.
Next, we obtain
$\begin{aligned} \dfrac{h(-1)}{f(1)} & = -\dfrac52 \\ \dfrac{b(-1)-a}{\dfrac{1}{a}(1)+b} & = -\dfrac52 \\ \dfrac{-a-b}{\dfrac{1}{a}+b} & = -\dfrac52 \\ \text{Multiply both}~&\text{sides by}~-1 \\ \dfrac{a+b}{\dfrac{1}{a}+b} \color{blue}{\times \dfrac{a}{a}} & = \dfrac52 \\ \dfrac{a^2+ab}{1+ab} & = \dfrac52 \\ \text{Substitute}~& ab = 1 \\ \dfrac{a^2+1}{1+1} & = \dfrac52 \\ \dfrac{a^2+1}{2} & = \dfrac52 \\ a^2+1 & = 5 \\ a^2 & = 4 \\ a & = \pm 2 \end{aligned}$
We obtain two possible values for $a$, namely $a = 2$ or $a = -2$. From $ab = 1$, we can determine the value of $b$.

  1. If $a = 2$, then we obtain $b = \dfrac12$ so that $b-a = \dfrac12-2 = -\dfrac32$.
  2. If $a = -2$, then we obtain $b = -\dfrac12$ so that $b-a=-\dfrac12-(-2) = \dfrac32$.

Thus, there will be two values for $b-a$, namely $\boxed{\pm \dfrac32}$
(Answer B)

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Problem Number 24

Given $H(\sqrt{x+5}) = x$ and $H(x^2) = x^a-b$. The value of $a+b=\cdots \cdot$
A. $16$                      C. $4$
B. $9$                        D. $3$

Solution

Given $H(\sqrt{x+5}) = x$.
Change $x \to x-5$ so that we obtain
$\begin{aligned} H\left(\sqrt{(x-5)+5}\right) & = x-5 \\ H(\sqrt{x}) = x-5 \end{aligned}$
Change $x \to x^4$ so that we obtain
$\begin{aligned} H(\sqrt{x^4}) & = x^4-5 \\ H(x^2) & = x^4-5 \end{aligned}$
Thus, we obtain that $a=4$ and $b=5$ so that the value of $\boxed{a+b=4+5=9}$
(Answer B)

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Essay Section

Problem Number 1

From the following curve sketches, which curves represent a function? Assume the domain is the set of real numbers.
a. Parabola Curve
b. Sine Curve
c. Circle Curve
d. Square Curve
e. Heart Curve
f. Spiral Curve
g.Hyperbola Curve

Solution

A curve drawn on the Cartesian plane is said to be a function if each value of $x$ corresponds to exactly one value of $y$. Note that the horizontal axis is called the $X$-axis, while the vertical axis is called the $Y$-axis.
Simply put, we draw a vertical dashed line intersecting the curve. If we find more than one intersection point or no intersection point at all, then the curve is not the graph of a function.

Answer a)
Parabola CurveWe only find one intersection point when drawing a dashed line from any position. Therefore, the curve represents a function.

Answer b)
Sine CurveWe only find one intersection point when drawing a dashed line from any position. Therefore, the curve represents a function.

Answer c)
Circle CurveWe find two intersection points when drawing a dashed line from the position shown in the figure. Therefore, the curve does not represent a function.

Answer d)
Square CurveWe find two intersection points when drawing a dashed line from the position shown in the figure. Therefore, the curve does not represent a function.

Answer e)
mathematics function
We find two intersection points when drawing a dashed line from the position shown in the figure. Therefore, the curve does not represent a function.
Answer f)

Spiral CurveWe find three intersection points when drawing a dashed line from the position shown in the figure. Therefore, the curve does not represent a function.
Answer g)
Hyperbola CurveWe find two intersection points when drawing a dashed line from the position shown in the figure. In addition, if we draw a dashed line coinciding with the $Y$-axis, we will not find any intersection point. Therefore, the curve does not represent a function.

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