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) ).