General Mathematics 11
Lecture Notes: Operations on Functions
I. Arithmetic Operations on Functions
Definition: Functions can be combined using basic arithmetic operations: addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Notation:
o (f+g)(x)=f(x)+g(x)
o (f−g)(x)=f(x)−g(x)
o (f∗g)(x)=f(x)∗g(x)
o (f/g)(x)=f(x)/g(x), where g(x) =0
Example:
o Given f(x)=2x+3 and g(x)=x−1:
(f+g)(x)=(2x+3)+(x−1)=3x+2
(f−g)(x)=(2x+3)−(x−1)=x+4
(f∗g)(x)=(2x+3)(x−1)=2x2+x−3
(f/g)(x)=(2x+3)/(x−1), where x =1
Evaluating Arithmetic Operations:
o To evaluate (f+g)(−2), find f(−2) and g(−2), then add the results.
o Similarly for subtraction, multiplication, and division.
II. Composition of Functions
Definition: Composing functions means applying one function to the result of another.
Notation:
o (f∘g)(x)=f(g(x))
Example:
o Given f(x)=2x+1 and g(x)=x²−3:
(f∘g)(x)=f(g(x))=f(x²−3)=2(x²−3)+1=2x2−5
(g∘f)(x)=g(f(x))=g(2x+1)=(2x+1)2−3=4x²+4x−2
Evaluating Composition:
o To evaluate (f∘g)(4), find g(4) first, then use the result as input for f.
Important Considerations
Domain and Range: When performing operations, especially division and composition,
consider the domain and range of the involved functions.
o Division by zero is undefined.
o The domain of a composite function is restricted by the inner function.
Challenge Problem: Finding f(x) and g(x) such that (f∘g)(x)=x²+4x+3 requires creative
thinking and factorization skills.
By understanding these concepts and practicing the problems, you will develop a strong
foundation in operations on functions.
Problem Set #2: Operations on Functions
I. operations on functions
1. Given f(x) = 2x + 3 and g(x) = x – 1, find:
(f + g)(x)
(f – g)(x)
(f * g)(x)
(f / g)(x)
2. If f(x) = x² + 3x and g(x) = 2x – 1, find:
(f + g)(-2)
(f – g)(3)
(f * g)(1)
(f / g)(0)
II. Composition of functions
3. Given f(x) = 2x + 1 and g(x) = x² - 3, find:
(f ∘ g)(x)
(g ∘ f)(x)
(f ∘ f)(x)
(g ∘ g)(x)
4. If f(x) = √x and g(x) = x + 2, find:
(f ∘ g)(4)
(g ∘ f)(9)
Challenge Problem: Find two functions f(x) and g(x) such that (f ∘ g)(x) = x² + 4x + 3.
