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Algebra (all content)
Intro to combining functions
Become familiar with the idea that we can add, subtract, multiply, or divide two functions together to make a new function.
Just like we can add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers, we can also add, subtract, multiply, and divide functions.
The sum of two functions
Part 1: Creating a new function by adding two functions
Let's add
Let's call this new function
Part 2: Evaluating a combined function
We can also evaluate combined functions for particular inputs.
Let's evaluate function
Method 1: Substitute
Method 2: Find
Since
First, let's find
Now, let's find
So
Notice that substituting
Now let's try some practice problems.
In problems 1 and 2, let
Problem 1
Problem 2
A graphical connection
We can also understand what it means to add two functions by looking at graphs of the functions.
The graphs of
Let
Challenge yourself to see that
Let's practice.
Problem 3
The graphs of
Other ways to combine functions
All of the examples we've looked at so far create a new function by adding two functions, but you can also subtract, multiply, and divide two functions to make new functions!
For example, if
... the difference.
... the product.
... the quotient.
In doing so, we have just created three new functions!
Challenge problem
Want to join the conversation?
For Part 2 evaluating a combined function, method 1 where did the 2 come from(12 votes)
We are substituting x=2 into the function.(3 votes)
where does (-5) come in the last practice problem?(3 votes)
Hello Gabriela. Sorry for a late response. You probably understand the question by now, but I'm going to answer for you anyways.
Basically, the (t) is like an x-value. If a number replaces the (t) then that is your x-value or your input. The letter on the left of the r(t) is your y-value.
The 'r' in r(t) =..... is your y-value/output. Your 't' is your input/x-value.
The 'p' in p(t) =..... is your y-value/output. Your 't' is your input/x-value.
The 'q' in q(t) =..... is your y-value/output. Your 't' is your input/x-value.
Of course just remember the positions and all because the letters and values changes. Lol.
In this case p(3) = t + 2 is synonymous for p = 3 + 2. Remember p is synonymous for y. So in this equation it is p = 5.
In q(3) = t - 1 Remember q is synonymous for y. It is same thing for THIS scenario. Plug in 3 into your x-value or 't'. They are the same thing. So it is q = 3 - 1. q =2
In r(3) = t. Essentially whatever is r(t) = t. So whatever is t on the left is t on the right. Think of it like (t) =t = r . (x) = x = y. So all the values are 3.
Now you just plug your answers in the coordinating spots.
(*Note the last 5 in the equation below is POSITIVE. So is the 3 before. You are just subtracting the two values.)
5 * 2 * 3 - 5
10*3 -5......Multiply first 5*2
30 - 5 ......Again, multiply 10*3
25.....Then subtract 30 -5
Your answer is 25.
Hopefully you and others will understand.(15 votes)
Are these functions like functions in programing in which you can write the function beforehand and then call it whenever you want?(6 votes)
Basically yes ,they are. You can create them based on the information given to you and then you can add, subtract, multiply, and divide it. But you don't neccesarily "call" the function rather you input a given value into the function. So they are similar to each other, but not the exact same.(5 votes)
- How would I solve the equations
Given f(x)=2x-3 and g(x)=0.5x+4 find f of g of x? [f of g](x)(3 votes)
In order to find [f of g](x), you need to substitute function g(x) into function f(x) (replace the x in f(x) with function g(x)).
[f of g](x) = 2(0.5x+4)-3 = x+8-3 = x+5
Therefore, [f of g](x) = x+5(8 votes)
on part 2 evaluating a combined function do you always replace x wit 2 or not becuse i am confused on how they got 2(4 votes)
Unless the function has a restricted domain, you can evaluate the function (including the combined function) for any value of "x". So, you will not always replace x with 2. You can evaluate the new combined function h(x) for any value of x. Sal just happened to use x=2 to demonstrate the process.(5 votes)
- Will this be on the SAT for March 9th, 2019?(2 votes)
Function combination may be on the SAT. It depends on the specific SAT given, and we have no way of finding out if it's on the test, but you should prepare for it nonetheless.(2 votes)
I dont understand how the addition of the functions in problem 3 is 9 shouldnt it be 6?(1 vote)- for graphing f(3) + g(3)
Why does f(3)=6 and g(3)=3?
I see no indicator as to why f(3) should = 6(1 vote)
Graphically, for any function f(x), the statement that f(a)=b means that the graph of f(x) passes through the point (a,b).
If you look at the graphs of f(x) and g(x), you will see that the graph of f(x) passes through the point (3,6) and the graph of g(x) passes though the point (3,3). This is why f(3)=6 and g(3)=3.(3 votes)
I am a doing Advanced Algebra 1 in sixth grade. Does that mean i do algebra 2 in eighth grade?(2 votes)
Im in Pre Cal right now...just looking back on Algebra II for the SAT...I got how the first 2 graphs worked...but to then add a parabola in the third question...just confuses me(1 vote)- Same here, I'm looking back just to refresh my memory.
It's simple, just find the x-coordinate that it asks you to, in this case a 3
Then find where the line intercepts to find the y value, which is for the parabola part, a 6, use the y-coordinates and, in this case, add them together, poof, tell me what you get(2 votes)