Properties of the Composite Function

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 133 views

Composition of Functions: Finding f(g(x)) and g(x)

In mathematics, the composition of functions is a fundamental concept that allows us to create new functions from existing ones. Given a function ${$ h(x) $}$, we want to find two functions ${$ f(x) $}$ and ${$ g(x) $}$ such that ${$ h(x) = f(g(x)) $}$. This means that we need to find a function ${$ f(x) $}$ and a function ${$ g(x) $}$ such that when we plug ${$ g(x) $}$ into ${$ f(x) $}$, we get ${$ h(x) $}$.

In this article, we will explore three different scenarios where we are given a function ${$ h(x) $}$ and we need to find ${$ f(x) $}$ and ${$ g(x) $}$ such that ${$ h(x) = f(g(x)) $}$. We will use the given functions to find the composite functions and discuss the properties of the resulting functions.

Scenario (a): ${$ h(x) = (x-5)^3 + 3(x-5)^2 $}$

Let's start with the first scenario where ${$ h(x) = (x-5)^3 + 3(x-5)^2 $}$. To find ${$ f(x) $}$ and ${$ g(x) $}$, we need to look for a function ${$ g(x) $}$ that can be plugged into ${$ f(x) $}$ to get ${$ h(x) $}$.

One possible function that comes to mind is ${$ g(x) = x-5 $}$. If we plug this function into ${$ f(x) $}$, we get:

${$ f(g(x)) = f(x-5) = (x-5)^3 + 3(x-5)^2 $}$

This is exactly the function ${$ h(x) $}$ that we were given. Therefore, we can conclude that ${$ f(x) = x^3 + 3x^2 $}$ and ${$ g(x) = x-5 $}$.

Properties of the Composite Function

Now that we have found ${$ f(x) $}$ and ${$ g(x) $}$, let's discuss some properties of the composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$. One important property is that the domain of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is the same as the domain of ${$ g(x) $}$. In this case, the domain of ${$ g(x) = x-5 $}$ is all real numbers, so the domain of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is also all real numbers.

Another property is that the range of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is the same as the range of ${$ f(x) $}$. In this case, the range of ${$ f(x) = x^3 + 3x^2 $}$ is all real numbers, so the range of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is also all real numbers.

Scenario (b): ${$ h(x) = \frac{(x+5)^3}{(x-4)3} $}$

Let's move on to the second scenario where ${$ h(x) = \frac{(x+5)^3}{(x-4)3} $}$. To find ${$ f(x) $}$ and ${$ g(x) $}$, we need to look for a function ${$ g(x) $}$ that can be plugged into ${$ f(x) $}$ to get ${$ h(x) $}$.

One possible function that comes to mind is ${$ g(x) = \frac{x+5}{x-4} $}$. If we plug this function into ${$ f(x) $}$, we get:

${$ f(g(x)) = f\left(\frac{x+5}{x-4}\right) = \left(\frac{x+5}{x-4}\right)^3 $}$

This is exactly the function ${$ h(x) $}$ that we were given. Therefore, we can conclude that ${$ f(x) = x^3 $}$ and ${$ g(x) = \frac{x+5}{x-4} $}$.

Properties of the Composite Function

Now that we have found ${$ f(x) $}$ and ${$ g(x) $}$, let's discuss some properties of the composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$. One important property is that the domain of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is the same as the domain of ${$ g(x) $}$. In this case, the domain of ${$ g(x) = \frac{x+5}{x-4} $}$ is all real numbers except ${$ x = 4 $}$, so the domain of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is also all real numbers except ${$ x = 4 $}$.

Another property is that the range of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is the same as the range of ${$ f(x) $}$. In this case, the range of ${$ f(x) = x^3 $}$ is all real numbers, so the range of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is also all real numbers.

Scenario (c): ${$ h(x) = \sqrt{3x-5} $}$

Let's move on to the third scenario where ${$ h(x) = \sqrt{3x-5} $}$. To find ${$ f(x) $}$ and ${$ g(x) $}$, we need to look for a function ${$ g(x) $}$ that can be plugged into ${$ f(x) $}$ to get ${$ h(x) $}$.

One possible function that comes to mind is ${$ g(x) = 3x-5 $}$. If we plug this function into ${$ f(x) $}$, we get:

${$ f(g(x)) = f(3x-5) = \sqrt{3x-5} $}$

This is exactly the function ${$ h(x) $}$ that we were given. Therefore, we can conclude that ${$ f(x) = \sqrt{x} $}$ and ${$ g(x) = 3x-5 $}$.

Properties of the Composite Function

Now that we have found ${$ f(x) $}$ and ${$ g(x) $}$, let's discuss some properties of the composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$. One important property is that the domain of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is the same as the domain of ${$ g(x) $}$. In this case, the domain of ${$ g(x) = 3x-5 $}$ is all real numbers such that ${$ 3x-5 \geq 0 $}$, which is equivalent to ${$ x \geq \frac{5}{3} $}$. Therefore, the domain of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is also all real numbers such that ${$ x \geq \frac{5}{3} $}$.

Another property is that the range of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is the same as the range of ${$ f(x) $}$. In this case, the range of ${$ f(x) = \sqrt{x} $}$ is all non-negative real numbers, so the range of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is also all non-negative real numbers.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored three different scenarios where we are given a function ${$ h(x) $}$ and we need to find ${$ f(x) $}$ and ${$ g(x) $}$ such that ${$ h(x) = f(g(x)) $}$. We have used the given functions to find the composite functions and discussed the properties of the resulting functions.

We have seen that the domain and range of the composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ are the same as the domain and range of the function ${$ g(x) $}$. We have also seen that the range of the composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is the same as the range of the function ${$ f(x) $}$.

These properties are important to keep in mind when working with composite functions, as they can help us to better understand the behavior of the resulting functions.

References

[1] "Calculus" by Michael Spivak
[2] "Differential Equations" by Lawrence Perko
[3] "Mathematics for Computer Science" by Eric Lehman and Tom Leighton

Q: What is the difference between a function and a composite function?

A: A function is a relation between a set of inputs (called the domain) and a set of possible outputs (called the range). A composite function, on the other hand, is a function that is formed by combining two or more functions.

Q: How do I find the composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$?

A: To find the composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$, you need to plug the function ${$ g(x) $}$ into the function ${$ f(x) $}$. This means that you need to replace the variable ${$ x $}$ in the function ${$ f(x) $}$ with the function ${$ g(x) $}$.

Q: What are the properties of the composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$?

A: The composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ has the following properties:

The domain of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is the same as the domain of ${$ g(x) $}$.
The range of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is the same as the range of ${$ f(x) $}$.
The composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is a function of the variable ${$ x $}$.

Q: How do I determine the domain and range of the composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$?

A: To determine the domain and range of the composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$, you need to consider the domains and ranges of the functions ${$ f(x) $}$ and ${$ g(x) $}$. The domain of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is the set of all values of ${$ x $}$ for which ${$ g(x) $}$ is defined. The range of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ is the set of all possible values of ${$ f(g(x)) $}$.

Q: Can I have multiple composite functions?

A: Yes, you can have multiple composite functions. For example, if you have two functions ${$ f(x) $}$ and ${$ g(x) $}$, you can form a composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ and then form another composite function ${$ f(f(g(x))) $}$.

Q: How do I simplify a composite function?

A: To simplify a composite function, you need to use the properties of the functions involved. For example, if you have a composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ and you know that ${$ g(x) $}$ is a linear function, you can simplify the composite function by using the properties of linear functions.

Q: Can I use composite functions to solve equations?

A: Yes, you can use composite functions to solve equations. For example, if you have an equation ${$ f(g(x)) = k $}$, where ${$ k $}$ is a constant, you can use the properties of the composite function to solve for ${$ x $}$.

Q: How do I graph a composite function?

A: To graph a composite function, you need to graph the functions ${$ f(x) $}$ and ${$ g(x) $}$ separately and then use the properties of the composite function to determine the graph of the composite function.

Q: Can I use composite functions to model real-world phenomena?

A: Yes, you can use composite functions to model real-world phenomena. For example, if you have a system that involves two or more variables, you can use composite functions to model the behavior of the system.

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some common questions related to the composition of functions. We have discussed the properties of the composite function ${$ f(g(x)) $}$ and how it relates to the functions ${$ f(x) $}$ and ${$ g(x) $}$. We have also provided examples and explanations to help you understand the concepts.

References

[1] "Calculus" by Michael Spivak
[2] "Differential Equations" by Lawrence Perko
[3] "Mathematics for Computer Science" by Eric Lehman and Tom Leighton