Introduction To Mathematics (Math 101)

3.3 Function Operations and

Composition

Page 1 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Chapter 3: Graphs and Functions
3.3 Function Operations and Composition

3.3.1 Arithmetic Operations on Functions

3.3.2 The Difference Quotient

3.3.3 Composition of Functions and Domain

3.3.4 Decomposing Functions

Page 2 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

3.3.5 Operations on Functions
Functions can be defined in terms of other functions. For example, the
function defined by ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 is the sum of

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 8𝑥

Thus, if we are given any two functions 𝑓 and 𝑔, we can define the four
𝑓
new functions 𝑓 + 𝑔, 𝑓 − 𝑔, 𝑓𝑔, and as follows.
𝑔

Definition 1: Definitions of Operations on Functions

If 𝑓 and 𝑔 are functions with domains 𝐷𝑓 and 𝐷𝑔 , respectively, then we

define the sum, difference, product, and quotient of 𝑓 and 𝑔 as

• Sum: (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) 𝐷𝑓+𝑔 = 𝐷𝑓 ∩ 𝐷𝑔 .

• Difference: (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥) 𝐷𝑓−𝑔 = 𝐷𝑓 ∩ 𝐷𝑔 .
• Product: (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) ⋅ 𝑔(𝑥) 𝐷𝑓𝑔 = 𝐷𝑓 ∩ 𝐷𝑔 .
𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
• Quotient: (𝑔) (𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) 𝐷𝑓/𝑔 = 𝐷𝑓 ∩ 𝐷𝑔 , 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0.

Example 1

If 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 − 2 and 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 + 6. Find

𝑓
(a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥 ) (b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥 ) (c) (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥 ) (d) ( ) (𝑥 )
𝑔

Solution

(a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 𝑓 (𝑥 ) + 𝑔(𝑥 )

= (3𝑥 − 2) + (𝑥 2 + 6) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 4

(b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 𝑓 (𝑥 ) − 𝑔(𝑥 )

= (3𝑥 − 2) − (𝑥 2 + 6) = −𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 8

Page 3 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

(c) (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 𝑓(𝑥 ) ⋅ 𝑔(𝑥 )

= (3𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 2 + 6) = 3𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 18𝑥 − 12

𝑓 𝑓(𝑥) 3𝑥−2
(d) ( ) (𝑥 ) = = 2
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥 +6

Example 2

𝑓
If 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 1 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4, find the domains of 𝑓 + 𝑔, 𝑓 − 𝑔, 𝑓𝑔,
𝑔
𝑔
and .
𝑓

Solution

𝑓(𝑥 ) = √𝑥 − 1, 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 − 4.

𝐷𝑓 = [1, ∞), 𝐷𝑔 = ℝ.

⇒ 𝐷𝑓+𝑔 = 𝐷𝑓−𝑔 = 𝐷𝑓𝑔 = 𝐷𝑓 ∩ 𝐷𝑔 = [1, ∞) ∩ ℝ = [1, ∞)

𝐷𝑓/𝑔 = 𝐷𝑓 ∩ 𝐷𝑔 , 𝑔(𝑥 ) ≠ 0.

𝑔(𝑥 ) = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 2 − 4 = 0 ⇒ (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2) = 0

⇒ 𝑥 = ±2

∴ 𝐷𝑓/𝑔 = 𝐷𝑓 ∩ 𝐷𝑔 \{−2,2} = [1, ∞)\{2} = [1,2) ∪ (2, ∞).

𝐷𝑔/𝑓 = 𝐷𝑔 ∩ 𝐷𝑓 , 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ 0

𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 0 if √𝑥 − 1 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 = 1.

∴ 𝐷𝑔/𝑓 = 𝐷𝑔 ∩ 𝐷𝑓 = ℝ ∩ [1, ∞) ∖ {1} = [1, ∞) ∖ {1} = (1, ∞).

Page 4 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Checkpoint 1

1
If 𝑓(𝑥 ) = √𝑥 − 1 − 2 and 𝑔(𝑥 ) = .
𝑥−1
(i) Find
𝑓
(a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥 ) (b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥 ) (c) (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥 ) (d) ( ) (𝑥 )
𝑔
𝑓 𝑔
(ii) Find the domains of 𝑓 + 𝑔, 𝑓 − 𝑔, 𝑓𝑔, and .
𝑔 𝑓
Answer:
𝐷𝑓+𝑔 = 𝐷𝑓−𝑔 − 𝐷𝑓𝑔 = 𝐷𝑓 ∩ 𝐷𝑔 = (1, ∞)
𝐷𝑓/𝑔 = (1, ∞)
𝐷𝑔/𝑓 = (1,5) ∪ (5, ∞)

Solution

Page 5 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Evaluate Functions

Example 3

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 9 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 6. Find

𝑓
(a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(5) (b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(−2) (c) (𝑓𝑔)(−1) (d) ( ) (4)
𝑔

Solution

(a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(5) = 𝑓(5) + 𝑔(5)

= ((5)2 − 9) + (2(5) + 6)

= 16 + 16 = 32.

(b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(−2) = 𝑓 (−2) − 𝑔(−2)

= ((−2)2 − 9) − (2(−2) + 6)

= −5 − 2 = −7

(c) (𝑓𝑔)(−1) = 𝑓 (−1) ⋅ 𝑔(−1)

= [(−1)2 − 9][2(−1) + 6]

= (−8)(4) = −32.

𝑓 𝑓(4) 42 −9 7 1
(d) ( ) (4) = = = = .
g 𝑔(4) 2(4)+6 14 2

Page 6 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Example 4

The Figure below shows the graph of functions 𝑓 and 𝑔. Use their graph
to calculate:
(a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(1) (b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(2) (c) (𝑓𝑔)(1) (d) (𝑓𝑔)(0)
𝑓 𝑔 𝑓
(e) ( ) (0) (f) ( ) (0) (e) ( ) (2)
𝑔 𝑓 𝑔

Solution

(𝑓 + 𝑔)(1) = 𝑓(1) + 𝑔(1)

= 1 + (−1) = 0
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(2) = 𝑓(2) − 𝑔(2)
= 4 − 0 = 4.
(𝑓𝑔)(1) = 𝑓(1)𝑔(1)
= (1)(−1) = −1

(𝑓𝑔)(0) = 𝑓(0) ⋅ 𝑔(0) = (0)(−2) = 0

𝑓 𝑓(0) 0
( ) (0) = = =0
𝑔 𝑔(0) −2
𝑔 𝑔(0) −2
( ) (0) = = (undefined).
𝑓 𝑓(0) 0
𝑓 𝑓(2) 4
( ) (2) = = (undefined).
𝑔 𝑔(2) 0

Page 7 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 𝑓 𝑔
The Figures below represent the graphs of 𝑓 + 𝑔, 𝑓 − 𝑔, 𝑓𝑔, and ,
𝑔 𝑓

respectively in the example above.

Page 8 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Checkpoint 2

Use the graphs of 𝑓 and 𝑔 in the previous Example to calculate:

𝑔
(a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(0) (b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(1) (c) (𝑓𝑔)(−1) (d) ( ) (2)
𝑓
Answer:
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(0) = −2
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(1) = 2
(𝑓𝑔)(−1) = −3
(𝑔/𝑓)(2) = 0
Solution

Page 9 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Difference Quotient
The expression

𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
, ℎ≠0
ℎ

is called the difference quotient of 𝑓.

It enables us to study the manner in which a function changes in value as

the independent variable changes.

Example 5

Determine the difference quotient of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 7.

Solution

𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥) [(𝑥 + ℎ)2 + 7] − [𝑥 2 + 7]

=
ℎ ℎ
[𝑥 + 2𝑥ℎ + ℎ2 + 7] − [𝑥 2 + 7]
2
=
ℎ
𝑥 + 2𝑥ℎ + ℎ + 7 − 𝑥 2 − 7
2 2
=
ℎ
2𝑥ℎ + ℎ2 ℎ(2𝑥 + ℎ)
= = = 2𝑥 + ℎ, ℎ ≠ 0.
ℎ ℎ

Note that

𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) ≠ 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑓(ℎ).

Page 10 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Checkpoint 3

Determine the difference quotient of 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥.

Answer:
4𝑥 + 2ℎ − 1.
Solution

Page 11 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 3.3.6 Composition of Functions and Domain
Composition of functions is another way in which functions can be
combined.

This method of combining functions uses the output of one function as

the input for a second function.

For instance, when 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 4, the composition of 𝑓 with

𝑔 is given by

𝑓(𝑔(𝑥 )) = √𝑔(𝑥)
= √𝑥 + 4
In particular,

𝑔(0) = 0 + 4 = 4 and 𝑓(4) = √4 = 2.

So, if we apply these two functions consecutively, we get

𝑓(𝑔(0)) = 𝑓(4) = 2

In a diagram, this would look like

Page 12 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Definition 2: Definition of the Composition of Two Functions

• Let 𝑓 and 𝑔 be two functions such that 𝑔(𝑥) is in the domain of 𝑓 for all
𝑥 in the domain of 𝑔.
• Then the composition of the two functions, denoted by 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔, is the
function whose value at 𝑥 is given by

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓[𝑔(𝑥)].

Page 13 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 is read as " 𝑓 composed with 𝑔 " (also called the composite of 𝑓 and 𝑔).

Example 6

Consider the functions 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 1 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3.

Find (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(−1).

Solution

The expression (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(−1) or, equivalently, 𝑓[𝑔(−1)] means to evaluate

the function 𝑓 at 𝑔(−1).

𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 − 3
𝑔(−1) = (−1)2 − 3
= −2 Evaluate 𝑔 at − 1.
𝑓(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 − 1
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(−1) = 𝑓[𝑔(−1)] = 𝑓 (−2) Replace 𝑥 with 𝑔(−1).
= 2(−2) − 1 = −5 𝑔(−1) = −2

A graphical depiction of the composition (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(−1) would look something

like the Figure below.

Page 14 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

We can find a general expression for 𝑓[𝑔(𝑥 )] by evaluating 𝑓 at 𝑔(𝑥 ).

𝑓(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 − 1 - Replace 𝑥 with 𝑔(𝑥).

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 𝑓 [𝑔(𝑥 )] = 2[𝑔(𝑥 )] − 1 - Replace 𝑔(𝑥) with 𝑥2 − 3.

= 2[ 𝑥 2 − 3] − 1 - Simplify.

= 2𝑥 2 − 7 (∗)

If we evaluate this function at −1 , we have

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 2 − 7

⇒ (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(−1) = 2(−1)2 − 7 = 2 − 7 = −5

This is the same as the result that was obtained early.

Page 15 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

In general, the composition of functions is not a commutative operation.
That is,

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) ≠ (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) .

To verify this, we will compute (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔[𝑓(𝑥)], again using the

functions 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 1 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3.
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3
𝑔[𝑓(𝑥)] = [𝑓(𝑥)]2 − 3 ⋅ Replace 𝑥 with 𝑓(𝑥).
= [2𝑥 − 1]2 − 3 ⋅ Replace 𝑓(𝑥) with 2𝑥 − 1.
= 4𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 2 (∗∗) ⋅ Simplify.

From (∗) and (∗∗), we conclude that (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) ≠ (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) , therefore,

composition is not a commutative operation.

Checkpoint 4

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1, find

(a) (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) (b) (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) (c) (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(0) (d) (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(0)
Answer:
(a) (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 1.
(b) (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 4𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 2.
(c) (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(0) = −2.
(d) (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(0) = 1.

Solution

Page 16 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Page 17 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi
• To evaluate (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑐) for some constant 𝑐, you can use either of the
following methods.

• Method 1: First evaluate 𝑔(𝑐). Then substitute this result for 𝑥 in 𝑓(𝑥).

• Method 2: First determine 𝑓[𝑔(𝑥)]. Then substitute 𝑐 for 𝑥.

Example 7

Evaluate (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(3), where 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 7 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 4.

Solution

Method 1:
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(3) = 𝑓 [𝑔(3)]
= 𝑓[(3)2 + 4] Evaluate 𝑔(3).

= 𝑓(13)
= 2(13) − 7 = 19 Substitute 13 for 𝑥 in 𝑓.

Method 2:
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥 )) = 2[𝑔(𝑥 )] − 7 Form 𝑓[𝑔(𝑥)].

= 2[ 𝑥 2 + 4] − 7
= 2𝑥 2 + 1
Then (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(3) = 2(3)2 + 1 = 19 Substitute 3 for 𝑥.

Page 18 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

3.3.7 Domain of Composite Function
Some care must be used when forming the composition of functions.

For instance, if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 1 and 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 4, then

(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(2) = 𝑔[𝑓(2)] = 𝑔(3) = √3 − 4 = √−1

which is not a real number.

Definition 3: The domain of the composite function 𝒇 ∘ 𝒈

The domain of the composite function 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 is the set of all 𝑥 such

that:

(1) 𝑥 is in the domain of 𝑔,

(2) and 𝑔(𝑥) is in the domain of 𝑓.

Page 19 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

In the 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 diagram above, we can see that
✓ 𝐷𝑓∘𝑔 ⊆ 𝐷𝑔
✓ 𝑅𝑓∘𝑔 ⊆ 𝑅𝑓
✓ If 𝑔(𝑥) ∈ 𝑅𝑔 ⋂𝐷𝑓 ⇒ 𝑥 ∈ 𝐷𝑓∘𝑔

Page 20 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

We need to be careful in determining the domain for a composite function.

Excluding Values from the Domain of (𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒈(𝒙))

The following values must be excluded from the input 𝑥 :

• If 𝑥 is not in the domain of 𝑔, it must not be in the domain of 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔.

i.e. if 𝑥 ∉ 𝐷𝑔 ⇒ 𝑥 ∉ 𝐷𝑓∘𝑔
• Any 𝑥 for which 𝑔(𝑥) is not in the domain of 𝑓 must not be in the
domain of 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔.

i.e. if 𝑔(𝑥) ∉ 𝐷𝑓 ⇒ 𝑥 ∉ 𝐷𝑓∘𝑔 .

For instance, in the diagram below, we con see that

𝑥 ∈ 𝐷𝑔 and 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑥′ ∈ 𝐷𝑓 ⇒ 𝑥 ∈ 𝐷𝑓∘𝑔 .

𝑦 ∈ 𝐷𝑔 but 𝑔(𝑦) = 𝑦′ ∉ 𝐷𝑓 ⇒ 𝑦 ∉ 𝐷𝑓∘𝑔 .
𝑧 ∉ 𝐷𝑔 ⇒ 𝑧 ∉ 𝐷𝑓∘𝑔 .

Page 21 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Example 8

2 3
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = and 𝑔(𝑥) = , find
𝑥−1 𝑥
(a) (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) (b) the domain of 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔.

Solution

2
(a) Because (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) means 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)), we must replace 𝑥 in 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥−1

with 𝑔(𝑥).

2 2 2 2𝑥
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = = = =
𝑔(𝑥) − 1 3 − 1 3 − 𝑥 3 − 𝑥
𝑥 𝑥

2𝑥
Thus, (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = .
3−𝑥

(b) We determine values to exclude from the domain of (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) in two

steps.

Excluding Values from the Domain of 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔

3
Step 1: 𝑥 ∉ 𝐷𝑔 𝑔(𝑥 ) = , 𝑥 ≠ 0 ⇒ 0 ∉ 𝐷𝑓∘𝑔
𝑥
2 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 1 ⇒ 𝑥 ∉ 𝐷𝑓∘𝑔 ,
Step 2: 𝑥 ∉ 𝐷𝑓 𝑓(𝑥 ) = , 𝑥 ≠ 1.
𝑥−1
(We need to find 𝑥)
3
⇒ =1⇒𝑥=3
𝑥
⇒ 3 ∉ 𝐷𝑓∘𝑔

We see that 0 and 3 must be excluded from the domain of 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔. The

domain of 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 is

ℝ\{0,3} = (−∞, 0) ∪ (0,3) ∪ (3, ∞).

Page 22 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 To find the excluded values from the domain of 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 in a fast way:

• substitute 𝑔 into 𝑓 without doing any simplifications,

• then you can exclude all values that make 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 undefined from
this step.

For the example above,

2 2
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = =3 .
𝑔(𝑥)−1 −1
𝑥
2
We can see that the last expression, 3 is defined if:
−1
𝑥

✓𝑥≠0 (From the denominator in 𝑥 )

3

3
✓ −1≠0 (From the denominator in 3
2
)
𝑥 𝑥
−1

⇒𝑥≠3
⇒ {0,3} ∉ 𝐷𝑓∘𝑔 ⇒ 𝐷𝑓∘𝑔 = ℝ\{0,3}

Example 9

1
Given 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = − 1 and 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 5, find 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔, 𝑔 ∘ 𝑓 and state their
𝑥
domain.
Solution

We can see that

1
𝑓(𝑥 ) = − 1, 𝑥 ≠ 0
𝑥

𝑔(𝑥 ) = √𝑥 − 5, 𝑥 ⩾ 5

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥 ) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥 ))

= 𝑓(√𝑥 − 5)

1
= − 1, 𝑥 > 5.
√𝑥−5

Page 23 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

It is clear that 𝐷𝑓∘𝑔 = (5, ∞).

(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥 ) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥 ))

1
= 𝑔 ( − 1)
𝑥

1 1
= √( − 1) − 5, ( − 1) − 5 ⩾ 0
𝑥 𝑥

1 1
= √ − 6, −6⩾0
𝑥 𝑥

1 1 1
= √ − 6, 0 < 𝑥 ≤ . (Exercise: Solve the inequality −6⩾0)
𝑥 6 𝑥

1
∴ 𝐷𝑔∘𝑓 = (0, ]
6

Checkpoint 5

4 1
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = and 𝑔(𝑥) = , find
𝑥+2 𝑥
(a) (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) (b) (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) (c) the domain of 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 and 𝑔 ∘ 𝑓
Answer:
4𝑥 1
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥 ) = , 𝑥 ≠ 0, 𝑥 ≠ − .
1+2𝑥 2
𝑥+2
(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥 ) = , 𝑥 ≠ −2.
4

Solution

Page 24 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 ‫ملحق‬

Appendix

Page 25 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

3.3.8 Decomposing Functions

✓ When you form a composite function, you "compose" two functions

to form a new function.
✓ It is also possible to reverse this process.

That is, you can "decompose" a given function and express it as a

composition of two functions.

✓ Although there is more than one way to do this, there is often a

"natural" selection that comes to mind first.

Example 10

Express ℎ(𝑥) as a composition of two functions:

ℎ(𝑥) = (3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1)5 .

Solution

The function ℎ takes 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1 and raises it to the power 5 .

A natural way to write ℎ as a composition of two functions is to raise the

function 𝑔(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1 to the power 5.

Thus, if we let

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 5 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1, then

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑓(3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1) = (3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1)5

Note that we can write ℎ in many ways. For instance

𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1)5
{
𝑔(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥

Page 26 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 2)5
{
𝑔(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 1

𝑓(𝑥) = (3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1)5

{
𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑥

for all these choices: ℎ = 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔.

Checkpoint 6

3
Express ℎ(𝑥) as a composition of two functions: ℎ(𝑥) = √𝑥 2 + 1 .

Solution

Page 27 of 27 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi