Operations on Functions: A STUDY GUIDE

INSTRUCTIONS:
TASK: Utilize this study guide to master operations on functions (addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division, and composition) in preparation for your quiz on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Your goal is to thoroughly understand and be able to confidently apply these concepts.
GUIDANCE:
• Read: Carefully review each section of the study guide, paying close attention to the
definitions, formulas, and examples provided for each operation.
• Understand: Ensure you grasp the underlying logic behind each operation. Don't just
memorize; aim to comprehend why these operations work the way they do.
• Study: Actively engage with the material. Highlight key concepts, take notes, and create
summaries in your own words.
• Practice Answering: Work through all the examples provided in the study guide. Then,
seek out additional practice problems to solidify your understanding and build your
problem-solving skills.
• Apply: Focus on being able to apply these operations to various types of functions and
in different contexts.
By following these steps, you will be well-prepared for your quiz. Good luck!

OPERATIONS ON FUNCTIONS:
Addition: (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)

Subtraction: (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)

Multiplication: (𝑓 ⋅ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) ⋅ 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
Division: ( ) (𝑥) = , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥)

Composition: (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))

PRE-REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE: POLYNOMIALS

YOU CAN WATCH THE VIDEO LINK TO REVIEW YOUR NEEDED MATH SKILL!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvL9aDGNHqA

Addition: (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)

STEP 1: Identify like terms, then arrange
STEP 2: Combine like terms (same variable, raised to the same power)

Example:

𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 3
𝑔(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 1

Find: (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥)
Solution:
Step 1 Identify like terms, then arrange

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

= (2𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 3) + (4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1) identify like terms

= 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 𝑥 + 3 − 1 arrange in order placing the like terms next to each other then
Step 2 Combine like terms

= 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 𝑥 + 3 − 1

= 6𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2

Subtraction: (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)

STEP 1: Distribute the signs
STEP 2: Identify like terms, then arrange
STEP 3: Combine like terms (same variable, raised to the same power)

𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑 (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) 𝑖𝑓

𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2

𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 7.
Solution:
STEP 1: Distribute the signs
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)

= (3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2) − (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 7)
Distribute the negative sign to each term in g(x)

= (3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2) − (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 7)

= 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2 − 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 7
STEP 2: Identify like terms, then arrange

= 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2 − 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 7

= 3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 2 − 7
STEP 3: Combine like terms (same variable, raised to the same power)

= 3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 2 − 7

= 2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 9
TRY IT YOURSELF
Given:

𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 3

𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 5

ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4
Find:
1. 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)

2. 𝑓(𝑥) − ℎ(𝑥)
3. 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)

Multiplication: (𝑓 ⋅ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) ⋅ 𝑔(𝑥)

Review: Multiplying Binomials
Watch the video link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTC7RIwdZcE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyk3UGwCAms

When Multiplying Binomials (Polynomial with 2 terms)

[same process applies to multiplying functions with 2 terms]
STEP 1: Use FOIL METHOD

• Multiply F-first terms first

• Multiply O-outer terms next
• Multiply I-inner terms next
• Then L-last terms last.
STEP 2: Combine like terms
Example:
1. (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 1)
Solution:
STEP 1: Use FOIL METHOD

• Multiply F-first terms first

(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 1)
=𝑥 ∙𝑥
= 𝑥2

• Multiply O-outer terms next

(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 1)
= 𝑥 ∙ −1
= 𝑥2 − 𝑥

• Multiply I-inner terms next

(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 1)
=2∙𝑥
2
= 𝑥 − 𝑥 + 2𝑥
 • Then L-last terms last.
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 1)
= 2 ∙ −1
= 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 2
STEP 2: Combine like terms

= 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 2
= 𝑥2 + 𝑥 − 2
2 2
2. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 3𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 𝑥
Find 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)
Solution:

𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥) = (2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥) ∙ (𝑥 2 − 𝑥)

Step 1: FOIL METHOD

𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥) = (2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥) ∙ (𝑥 2 − 𝑥)

= 2𝑥 4 + 3𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2
Step 2: Combine like terms

= 2𝑥 4 + 3𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2

= 2𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2

When Multiplying Binomials (Polynomial with 2 terms) to Trinomials (Polynomial with 3 terms)
[same process applies to multiplying functions]
Step 1: Multiply the first term of your binomial to all the terms of the trinomial
Multiply the second term of your binomial to all the terms of the trinomial
Step 2: Combine like terms
Example:

Let's multiply the binomial (𝑥 + 2) by the trinomial (𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 4).

Step 1: Multiply the first term of your binomial to all the terms of the trinomial.
The first term of the binomial is x. We multiply it by each term of the trinomial:

(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 4).

• 𝑥 ⋅ 𝑥 2 = 𝑥 1+2 = 𝑥 3
[Review laws of exponents: Note that when you are multiplying exponents with the same base (variables),
you are just going to copy the same base (variable) then add the exponents]

• 𝑥 ⋅ (−3𝑥) = −3𝑥 1+1 = −3𝑥 2

• 𝑥 ⋅ 4 = 4𝑥

So, the result of this part is 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 4𝑥.

Step 1 (continued): Multiply the second term of your binomial to all the terms of the
trinomial.
The second term of the binomial is 2. We multiply it by each term of the trinomial:
 • 2⋅ 𝑥 2 = 2𝑥 2

• 2 ⋅ (−3𝑥) = −6𝑥
• 2⋅4 = 8

So, the result of this part is 2𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 8.

Step 2: Combine like terms.
Now, we add the results from the two parts of Step 1:

(𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 4𝑥) + (2𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 8)

= 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 6𝑥 + 8

= 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 8
Example:
Given:
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2
ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2
1. Find 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)
Solution:
Given: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 (𝐵𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑎𝑙) 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2 (𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑎𝑙)
Step 1: Multiply each term of f(x) by each term of g(x).
𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥) ∙ (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2)

= (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥) ∙ (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2)

= 𝑥 4 − 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥
Step 2: Combine like terms.

= 𝑥 4 − 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥
= 𝑥 4 − 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥
= 𝑥 4 + 2𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥
2. Find 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ ℎ(𝑥)
Solution:
Given: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 (𝐵𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑎𝑙) ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2 (𝐵𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑎𝑙)
Step 1: Multiply each term of f(x) by each term of h(x) (using FOIL or distribution).

𝑓(𝑥) ∙ ℎ(𝑥) = (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥)(𝑥 + 2)

= 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 2 + 6𝑥

Step 2: Combine like terms.

= 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 2 + 6𝑥

= 𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 + 6𝑥
TRY IT YOURSELF
Given:

𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3

𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2

ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥
Find:
1. 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)

2. 𝑔(𝑥) ∙ ℎ(𝑥)

𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
Division: ( ) (𝑥) = , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥)

Review: Factoring and Dividing polynomials

Click the video link to review the concept
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6FndtdgpcA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yq7-paS0S8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHXWAp7UGo&t=108s
Core Idea: Divide one function by another, remembering the denominator cannot be zero.
In math, dividing by zero is undefined because it leads to contradictions and doesn't have a
meaningful answer within our usual number system. It's like trying to split something into zero
parts – it's just not a process we can complete.
So, when we have a function where we're dividing by another function, the function in the
bottom (the denominator) can't be zero at any specific x value, because at that x value, the
division becomes impossible and the resulting function wouldn't have a defined outpu
Steps for Dividing Functions (Simplified):
Step 1: Find a Factor/Factor Out Numerator (and Denominator if helpful), and Identify
Domain Restrictions.
𝑓(𝑥)
• Write the division as .
𝑔(𝑥)

• Factor the numerator f(x) if possible.

• Factor the denominator g(x) if possible. This is crucial for identifying values of x that
make g(x)=0.
• Determine the values of x that make the original denominator g(x) equal to zero.
These must be excluded from the domain.
Step 2: Simplify the Expression.
• Cancel out any common factors that appear in both the factored numerator and the
factored denominator.
• State the simplified form of the quotient function and its domain (remembering the
restrictions from Step 1).
Examples:
𝑓(𝑥)
Example 1: 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 2. Find
𝑔(𝑥)
Step 1: Find a Factor/Factor Out Numerator, and Identify Domain Restrictions.
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 2 − 4
=
𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥−2

• Factor numerator:

𝑥 2 − 4 = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)
• Factor denominator:
𝑥 − 2 (𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑑)

• Denominator is zero when 𝑥 − 2 = 0 ⟹ 𝑥 = 2. Domain restriction: 𝑥 ≠ 2.

Step 2: Simplify the Expression.
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)
𝑥−2
• Cancel the common factor (x−2).
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)
𝑥−2

• Simplified function: x+2

• Domain: All real numbers except x=2.
• Result:
𝑓(𝑥)
=𝑥+2
𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥)
Example 2: 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3. 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑
𝑔(𝑥)

Step 1: Find a Factor/Factor Out Numerator, and Identify Domain Restrictions.

𝑓(𝑥) 2𝑥 2 + 6𝑥
=
𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥+3
• Factor numerator and Factor denominator: x+3 (already factored):
2𝑥(𝑥 + 3)
=
𝑥+3
• Denominator is zero when 𝑥 + 3 = 0 ⟹ 𝑥 = −3. Domain restriction: 𝑥 ≠ −3.
Step 2: Simplify the Expression.
• Cancel the common factor (x+3).
2𝑥(𝑥 + 3)
=
𝑥+3
2𝑥(𝑥 + 3)
=
𝑥+3
= 2𝑥

𝑓(𝑥)
Example 3: 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1. 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑
𝑔(𝑥)
Step 1: Find a Factor/Factor Out Numerator, and Identify Domain Restrictions.
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥2 − 1
= 2
𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 1

• Factor numerator: 𝑥 2 − 1 = (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)

𝑓(𝑥) (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)
= 2
𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 1

• Factor denominator: 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1 = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 1)

𝑓(𝑥) (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)
=
𝑔(𝑥) (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 1)

• Denominator is zero when (𝑥 + 1)2 = 0 ⟹ 𝑥 = −1. 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: 𝑥 ≠ −1.

Step 2: Simplify the Expression.
𝑓(𝑥) (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)
=
𝑔(𝑥) (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 1)
• Cancel the common factor (x+1).
𝑓(𝑥) (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)
=
𝑔(𝑥) (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 1)
𝑥−1
=
𝑥+1

TRY IT YOURSELF
Given:

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2

ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9
𝑗(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 3
Find:
𝑓(𝑥)
1.
𝑔(𝑥)
ℎ(𝑥)
2.
𝑗(𝑥)

Composition: (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))

Core Concept: Composition of functions involves using the output of one function as the input
for another function. It's like a function within a function.
Notation:
• (g∘f)(x) is read as "g of f of x" or "g composed with f at x". It means you first apply the
function f to x, and then apply the function g to the result.
 • (f∘g)(x) is read as "f of g of x" or "f composed with g at x". It means you first apply the
function g to x, and then apply the function f to the result.
Key Idea: Order Matters! In general, (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) ≠ (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥). The order in which you apply the
functions changes the result.
Steps to Find the Composition of Functions:
1. Understand the Notation:
• (g∘f)(x) means substitute the entire expression for f(x) into every place you see x in the
expression for g(x).
• (f∘g)(x) means substitute the entire expression for g(x) into every place you see x in the
expression for f(x).
2. Perform the Substitution:
• Carefully replace the variable in the outer function with the entire expression of the inner
function. Use parentheses to avoid errors with signs and distribution.
3. Simplify the Resulting Expression:
• Expand any powers, distribute any multiplication, and combine like terms to get the final
expression for the composite function.
Example 1 : 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥.

Find (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥)

(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥))

substitute the entire expression for f(x) into every place you see x in the expression for g(x).
𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)) = 2𝑥

𝑔(𝑥 + 3) = 2(𝑥 + 3)
Simplify. Multiply 2 to the terms inside the parentheses
𝑔(𝑥 + 3) = 2(𝑥 + 3)
= 2𝑥 + 6

Find (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)
substitute the entire expression for g(x) into every place you see x in the expression for f(x).

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))

𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑥 + 3

𝑓(2𝑥) = (2𝑥) + 3
Simplify
= 2𝑥 + 3

Example 2 : 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1.

Find (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥)

(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥))

𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑥 − 1.

𝑔(𝑥 2 ) = (𝑥 2 ) − 1

= 𝑥2 − 1
 Find (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))

𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑥 2

𝑓(𝑥 − 1) = (𝑥 − 1)2

= 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1
Key Points to Remember:
• Pay attention to the order of composition. (g∘f)(x) and (f∘g)(x) are generally different.
• Substitute the entire inner function expression.
• Simplify the resulting expression carefully.

TRY IT YOURSELF
Given:
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2
ℎ(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2
𝑗(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 3
Find:
1. (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)
2. (ℎ ∘ 𝑗)(𝑥)

"The path to understanding is paved with diligent

effort. Study this manual, good luck on your quiz this
Tuesday, April 15th. May your focus be sharp and your
knowledge be your guide."

Prepared by:
Abbie S. Ederosas, MSc