COMBINING FUNCTIONS

NOTES & EXAMPLES

Chapter 4

Name: _________________________________

Pre-Calculus 40S Math

Pre-Calculus 40S
Combining Functions

Functions Review Notes

A function is a relation that uniquely associates members of one set with members of another
set. For example, the equation 𝒚 = 𝟓𝒙 − 𝟑 defines a function because there is exactly one
value of y for every value of x.

Notation: We can replace y with f(x) to mean the function of x. We read aloud “f of x”.

Example: Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 − 3, determine:

𝑓(−2)

𝑓(𝑥 + 1)

A function is a mapping between one set called the domain and a second set called the range
such that for every member of the domain there is exactly one member in the range.

We call the set of all possible values of x the domain of the function and all possible values of y
the range of the function.
𝑥
Example: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−8

What is the domain of 𝑓(𝑥)?

What is the range of 𝑓(𝑥)?

Note: Every function is a relation, but not every relation is a function.

Since a function has only one value of y for each value of x, given a graph, we can determine if
the graph is that of a function by applying the vertical line test.

The Vertical Line Test: A graph on the coordinate plane represents the graph of a function
provided that any vertical line intersects the graph at most one point.

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Pre-Calculus 40S
Combining Functions

A one-to-one function is a special function that maps every element of the range to exactly one
element of its domain i.e., the outputs never repeat.

Note: A function 𝑓(𝑥) has an inverse that is a function, 𝑓 −1 (𝑥), if and only if the function 𝑓(𝑥)
is one-to-one.

If we are given the graph of a function, we can determine if it is a one-to-one function using the
horizontal line test.

The Horizontal Line Test: A function is a one-to-one function provided that any horizontal line
intersects its graph in at most one point.

Example: Sketch 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 1. y

Is this a function?

Is it one-to-one? x

Sketch a graph of a one-to-one function on the graph below:

y

How do you know that it is one-to-one?

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Pre-Calculus 40S
Combining Functions

4.2 Combining Functions Algebraically Notes

Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1.

Determine: 𝑓(2) 𝑔(2)

Example: Determine the sum, difference, product, and quotient of the functions when 𝑥 = 2.

a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(2) This notation means evaluate 𝑓(2) + 𝑔(2)

b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(2) This notation means evaluate 𝑓(2) − 𝑔(2)

c) (𝑓𝑔)(2) This notation means evaluate 𝑓(2) ∙ 𝑔(2)

𝑓 𝑓(2)
d) (𝑔) (2) This notation means evaluate 𝑔(2)

e) (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(2) This notation means evaluate 𝑓(𝑔(2))

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Pre-Calculus 40S
Combining Functions

Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1.

Next, let's consider the sum, difference, product and quotient of the functions, and write those
equations.

a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) This notation is asking for an expression for 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)

b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) This notation is asking for an expression for 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)

c) (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥) This notation is asking for an expression for 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)

𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
d) (𝑔) (𝑥) This notation is asking for an expression for 𝑔(𝑥) Note: For rational
functions you
must state any
restrictions.

e) (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) This notation is asking for an expression for Note: When determining the
𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)). This is called a composition of composition of functions,
order is important:
functions. 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) ≠ 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)) in most
cases.

f) (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) This notation is asking for an expression for 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥))

✏️ Practice: Combining Functions Worksheet 1

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Pre-Calculus 40S
Combining Functions

4.2 Combining Functions Algebraically Notes Continued

Write a function f(x) as the sum, difference, product, or quotient of two or more functions.
Note: There are multiple correct answers.

Examples:
1. Write the function ℎ(𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 1 as a sum of two or more functions.

2. Write the function ℎ(𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 1 as a difference of two or more functions.

3. Write the function ℎ(𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 1 as a product of two or more linear functions.

4. Write the function ℎ(𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 1 as a quotient of two or more Note: Make sure that the
domain of the quotient of
functions. functions matches the given
function.

5. Find two functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥)such that ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) where ℎ(𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 1)5 .

✏️Practice: Section 4.2 Page 278 #3-12, Multiple Choice

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Pre-Calculus 40S
Combining Functions

4.1 Combining Functions Graphically Notes

Sketch the graph of a function that is the sum, difference, product, or quotient of two
functions, given their graphs.

Example: Given the graphs of f(x) and g(x) below, sketch the graphs of (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥), (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥),
𝑓
(𝑓𝑔)(𝑥), and ( ) 𝑥.
𝑔

x f(x) g(x) f(x) + g(x) f(x) – g(x)

a) (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) b) (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥)
y y

x x

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Pre-Calculus 40S
Combining Functions

𝑓
x f(x) g(x) (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥) ( )𝑥
𝑔

𝑓
c) (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥) d) (𝑔) 𝑥

y y

x x

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Pre-Calculus 40S
Combining Functions

𝑓(𝑥)
Example: Given the graphs of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑦 = 𝑔(𝑥) below, sketch the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔(𝑥).
𝑓(𝑥)
State the domain of 𝑦 = 𝑔(𝑥).

✏️Practice: Section 4.1 Page 268 #1-3

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 (og((( or f(y(x) (C)
the input of 5
Pre-Calculus 40S
Combining Functions The function
g((s) is
a in a function
function
4.3 Composite Functions Notes
Example 1: Use these tables to determine each value below.

a) 𝑓(𝑔(−2)) b) 𝑓(𝑓(−1))

2
-
I

Example 2: Given the graphs of f(x) and g(x), determine each value
below.

a) 𝑓(𝑔(0)) b) 𝑔(𝑓(−3))

G ·
3

Note: In general, 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) and 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)) are usually different. If 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑥 for all
values of x, then the two functions are inverses of each other.

Example 3: Use composition of functions to determine whether the functions are inverse
1
functions: 𝑦 = 2 𝑥 + 6 and 𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 12

f((( ) =
=
24 + b g(() = IH2

= 2(2x + b) 12
F(3(()) 12) + 6
-

z(2x
= -

= x + 12
-
12

= x -

6 +b = x

= (7
inveje
: They are

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 Pre-Calculus 40S
Combining Functions

Example 4: Given that 𝑓(𝑥) = −2𝑥 + 4 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1, determine an explicit equation for
each composite function, then state its domain and range. Sketch the composite function.

a) 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) b) 𝑔(𝑔(𝑥))
7 (x 1)
+4 -

= (1 ) 1
f(x +
- -
E

27+ 2 + 4
== = Il 2
-

=
-
21L+ 6
-

y y
&
>

↓ ...
: & E
EIR
9

Y E
,

L &

YEAR 12 &
x x

1
Example: Given that 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 3, determine an explicit equation for 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)),
then sketch the graph.
f((-3) +
N
=

y M

!
N I =
= D ,
)
4 3 (2 , 1
-
-

⑧ I =

x
E >
1 T
-

E
&
2-3

↓
✏️Practice: Combining Functions Worksheet 2 &
• Section 4.3 Page 298 #4-11, Multiple Choice

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 Pre-Calculus 40S
Combining Functions

4.4 Determining Restrictions on Composite Functions Notes

0
: =
D
D : x2-3
R
: 320 Riy3

Example 1: Given the functions 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 1 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 4 − 𝑥 2 ,

a. State the domain and range of each function.

5(x) (1)
C
underest
linear
X E
CLEA y =4
YE b. Determine 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)). State the domain of this function. +
(2)
+ (4 (4 x3 + /D :
-

= -

2
R : YE
Inside faction -
=
+5
1 .

has no
domain 11

Restrictions
 Pre-Calculus 40S
ER
Combining Functions : >
O D:
D
Example 2: Given the functions 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4,
a. Determine an explicit equation for 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)). Then, state the domain of 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)).
f(g(x)) = Inside functions has a

111 -2
, 22
no
restrictions
D :

y
b. Determine an explicit equation for 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)). Then, state the domain of 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)).
(5(32 4
g( + ((()) Since theinsider function
-
=

= (( -
4) D: x 20
has a domain of 10 and
linear
a
function has N
restrictions , domain %
=

Example 3: Given the functions 𝑓(𝑥) = √2 − 𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = log 2 𝑥, determine an explicit
equation for each function below, then state its domain.

log (E)
a. 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥))
+ (1)
=

g(t((() 2

D:
)
&
↑us to be
positive

<1 4

e(g(x))
-
(g(x) D &.composite function
: 0
-
b. 𝑓(𝑥)(𝑔(𝑥))
-
2-10gz)
↑
g((L)
Inside full
=
↓
<130
↑ li
firm

D: tot
2
than
Example 4: Determine possible functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) such that 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)).
a. 𝑦 = √𝑥 − 3 /

b. 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 2)2

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Pre-Calculus 40S
Combining Functions

Example 5: Graph 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)) for each function below where 𝑔(𝑥) = |𝑥|.

a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1 b. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 4

y y

x x

c.
𝑓(𝑥)

✏️Practice: Section 4.4 Page 314 #3-6, 9, 10, Multiple Choice

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