Understanding the Combined Function

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 111 views

Introduction

In mathematics, functions are used to describe relationships between variables. When we have two or more functions, we can combine them to create new functions. In this article, we will explore how to combine two functions, s(x) and t(x), and write the expression for the combined function (t+s)(x).

Defining the Functions

The functions s(x) and t(x) are defined as follows:

s(x) = 4x^2
t(x) = 2x

These functions are defined for all real numbers x.

Combining the Functions

To combine the functions s(x) and t(x), we add them together. When we add functions, we add their corresponding outputs for a given input. In this case, we add the outputs of s(x) and t(x) for a given input x.

Let's write the expression for (t+s)(x):

(t+s)(x) = t(x) + s(x) = 2x + 4x^2

Understanding the Combined Function

The combined function (t+s)(x) is a quadratic function. It has a leading term of 4x^2, a linear term of 2x, and a constant term of 0.

Graphing the Combined Function

To graph the combined function (t+s)(x), we can use the graphing features of a calculator or computer software. The graph of the combined function will be a parabola that opens upward.

Properties of the Combined Function

The combined function (t+s)(x) has several properties that are worth noting:

Domain: The domain of the combined function is all real numbers x.
Range: The range of the combined function is all real numbers y.
Degree: The degree of the combined function is 2, since it has a leading term of 4x^2.
Leading Coefficient: The leading coefficient of the combined function is 4.

Real-World Applications

The combined function (t+s)(x) has several real-world applications. For example:

Physics: The combined function can be used to model the motion of an object under the influence of gravity and friction.
Engineering: The combined function can be used to design and optimize systems that involve quadratic relationships.
Economics: The combined function can be used to model the behavior of economic systems that involve quadratic relationships.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored how to combine two functions, s(x) and t(x), and write the expression for the combined function (t+s)(x). We also discussed the properties of the combined function and its real-world applications. By combining functions, we can create new functions that have a wide range of applications in mathematics and other fields.

References

[1] "Functions" by Math Open Reference. Retrieved from https://www.mathopenref.com/functions.html
[2] "Quadratic Functions" by Math Is Fun. Retrieved from https://www.mathisfun.com/algebra/quadratic-functions.html

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored how to combine two functions, s(x) and t(x), and write the expression for the combined function (t+s)(x). In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about combining functions.

Q: What is the difference between adding functions and multiplying functions?

A: When we add functions, we add their corresponding outputs for a given input. When we multiply functions, we multiply their corresponding outputs for a given input. For example, if we have two functions f(x) and g(x), then:

(f+g)(x) = f(x) + g(x)
(f*g)(x) = f(x) * g(x)

Q: Can we combine more than two functions?

A: Yes, we can combine more than two functions. For example, if we have three functions f(x), g(x), and h(x), then we can combine them as follows:

(f+g+h)(x) = f(x) + g(x) + h(x)

Q: What is the order of operations when combining functions?

A: When combining functions, we follow the order of operations (PEMDAS):

Parentheses: Evaluate expressions inside parentheses first.
Exponents: Evaluate any exponential expressions next.
Multiplication and Division: Evaluate any multiplication and division operations from left to right.
Addition and Subtraction: Finally, evaluate any addition and subtraction operations from left to right.

Q: Can we combine functions with different domains?

A: Yes, we can combine functions with different domains. However, the resulting function will have the domain of the function with the most restrictive domain.

Q: How do we graph the combined function?

A: To graph the combined function, we can use the graphing features of a calculator or computer software. We can also use the following steps:

Graph each individual function on the same coordinate plane.
Identify the points of intersection between the two functions.
Draw a smooth curve through the points of intersection to create the graph of the combined function.

Q: What are some real-world applications of combining functions?

A: Combining functions has many real-world applications, including:

Physics: Combining functions can be used to model the motion of an object under the influence of gravity and friction.
Engineering: Combining functions can be used to design and optimize systems that involve quadratic relationships.
Economics: Combining functions can be used to model the behavior of economic systems that involve quadratic relationships.

Q: Can we use combining functions to solve equations?

A: Yes, we can use combining functions to solve equations. For example, if we have an equation like:

f(x) + g(x) = h(x)

We can combine the functions f(x) and g(x) to create a new function, and then set it equal to h(x) to solve for x.

Conclusion

In this article, we answered some frequently asked questions about combining functions. We discussed the order of operations, combining functions with different domains, graphing the combined function, and real-world applications. By combining functions, we can create new functions that have a wide range of applications in mathematics and other fields.

References

[1] "Functions" by Math Open Reference. Retrieved from https://www.mathopenref.com/functions.html
[2] "Quadratic Functions" by Math Is Fun. Retrieved from https://www.mathisfun.com/algebra/quadratic-functions.html