2.6+Combinations+of+Functions+Composite+Functions

Combinations of Functions and Composite Functions

Overview of Combinations of Functions

  • Find the domain of a function. This includes identifying all values for which the function is defined based on its mathematical form and any potential restrictions, like divisions by zero or even roots of negative numbers.

  • Combine functions using the algebra of functions, specifying domains. Operators include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, with the requirement that the resulting domain reflects valid input for both functions involved.

  • Form composite functions. A composite function involves the application of one function to the results of another function. Understanding the order of operations is crucial here.

  • Determine domains for composite functions. It is essential to ensure that the output of the inner function falls within the domain of the outer function for calculations to remain valid.

  • Write functions as compositions. Transforming standard functions into composite forms can aid in simplification and reevaluation of behaviors.

Implied Domain of a Function

Definition of Implied Domain

  • The implied domain consists of all real numbers for which the function can be evaluated to yield real results. Identifying the implied domain simplifies the analysis of the function.

  • Common exclusions include:

    • Values leading to division by zero. For instance, for the function ( k(x) = \frac{2}{6 - x} ), ( x ) cannot equal 6 since that would cause division by zero.

    • Values leading to an even root of a negative number. For example, in ( h(x) = \sqrt{x - 3} + 2 ),( x ) must be greater than or equal to 3 to avoid taking the square root of a negative.

Exercise 1

  • Determine the implied domain for the following functions:

    • ( f(x) = -x + 3 ) - Domain: All real numbers (no restrictions)

    • ( g(x) = 2 - 4 ) - Domain: All real numbers (constant function)

    • ( h(x) = \sqrt{x - 3} + 2 ) - Domain: ( [3, \infty) )

    • ( k(x) = \frac{2}{6 - x} ) - Domain: All real numbers except ( x = 6 )

Operations with Functions

Addition, Subtraction, and Multiplication of Functions

Definitions:

  • Let ( f ) and ( g ) be two functions. The operations are defined as:

    • Sum: ( (f + g)(x) = f(x) + g(x) )

    • Difference: ( (f - g)(x) = f(x) - g(x) )

    • Product: ( (f * g)(x) = f(x) \cdot g(x) )

  • Domain: The domain of the resulting functions is the intersection of the domains of ( f ) and ( g ).

Division of Functions

Definitions:

  • For functions ( f ) and ( g ), the quotient is defined as:

    • Quotient: ( (\frac{f}{g})(x) = \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} )

  • Domain Considerations: The domain of the quotient is restricted to the intersection of the domains of ( f ) and ( g ), excluding any values where ( g(x) = 0 ), to prevent division by zero.

Exercise 2

  • Given functions ( f ) and ( g ): Compute ( f(3) ), ( g(3) ), ( (f + g)(3) ), ( (f - g)(3) ), ( (f * g)(3) ).

Exercise 3

  • Given functions ( f ) and ( g ): Determine the formula for: ( (f - g)(x) ), ( (f * g)(x) ) and identify the domain of these compositions.

Composing Functions

Definition of Function Composition

  • Let ( f ) and ( g ) be two functions; the composition is defined as:

    • Composition: ( (f \circ g)(x) = f(g(x)) )

  • Understanding Composition: It is crucial to note that composition is distinct from multiplication; the notation can be misleading as it resembles multiplication but requires applying one function to the output of another.

Exercise 4

  • Given ( f ) and ( g ) defined as pairs: Calculate ( (f \circ g)(-1) ), ( (f \circ g)(3) ), ( (f \circ g)(2) ).

Exercise 5

  • Given functions ( f ) and ( g ): Find the value of ( (f \circ g)(2) ); find and simplify the formula for ( (f \circ g)(x) ) and ( (g \circ f)(x) ).

Exercise 6

  • Find the value of: ( (f \circ g)(3) ) and ( (g \circ f)(-1) ).

Domain of Compositions

Understanding the domain of a composition:

  • Both functions ( f ) and ( g ) must be defined for valid composition. The output from ( g ) must fall within the domain of ( f ).

Example Clarification:

  • Given functions ( f(x) = \sqrt{x} ) and a function ( g(x) ): if evaluating ( g(-3) = 4 ), which is plugged into ( f ): As ( f ) is defined at 4, even though -3 is not in the domain of ( g ), the output allows for valid composition.

Exercise 7

  • Given functions ( f ) and ( g ): Find ( (f \circ g)(9) ) and provide the formula and domain for ( (f \circ g)(x) ).