Given functions f and g, find (b)(g∘ƒ)(x) and its domain. See Examples 6 and 7.
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Recall that the composition of functions (g \(\circ\) f)(x) means g(f(x)), which is the function g applied to the output of f(x).
Start by substituting f(x) into g(x). Since f(x) = \(\frac{2}{x}\), replace the input of g with \(\frac{2}{x}\), so (g \(\circ\) f)(x) = g\(\left\)(\(\frac{2}{x}\)\(\right\)).
Now, apply the function g to \(\frac{2}{x}\). Since g(x) = x + 1, replace x in g(x) with \(\frac{2}{x}\), giving (g \(\circ\) f)(x) = \(\frac{2}{x}\) + 1.
Next, determine the domain of (g \(\circ\) f)(x). The domain consists of all x-values for which f(x) is defined and for which g(f(x)) is defined. Since f(x) = \(\frac{2}{x}\), x cannot be zero (division by zero is undefined). Also, check if g has any restrictions on its input; since g(x) = x + 1 is defined for all real numbers, no further restrictions come from g.
Therefore, the domain of (g \(\circ\) f)(x) is all real numbers except x = 0.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Function Composition
Function composition involves applying one function to the result of another, denoted as (g∘f)(x) = g(f(x)). It means you first evaluate f at x, then use that output as the input for g. Understanding this process is essential to correctly find (g∘f)(x).
The domain of a function is the set of all input values for which the function is defined. When composing functions, the domain of (g∘f) includes all x-values in the domain of f for which f(x) is in the domain of g. Identifying domain restrictions is crucial to avoid undefined expressions.
A rational function is a ratio of two polynomials, like f(x) = 2/x, which is undefined where the denominator is zero. Recognizing these restrictions helps determine the domain of f and, consequently, the domain of the composition (g∘f).