Arithmetic Operations On Functions


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In these lessons, we will look at how functions can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided. You may also want to look at the lessons on composite functions.




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When we talk about arithmetic operations on functions, we mean combining two or more functions using the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to create a new function.

The following diagram shows the operations with functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions on function operations.

Function Operations
 

Functions Can Be Added

Example:
Add the functions f(x) = x + 2 and g(x) = 5x – 6

Solution:
(f + g)(x)
= f(x) + g(x)
= (x + 2) + (5x – 6)
= 6x – 4

Functions Can Be Subtracted

Example:
Given f(x) = x + 2 and g(x) = 5x – 6, find (f – g)(x)

Solution:
(f – g)(x)
= f(x) – g(x)
= (x + 2) – (5x – 6)
= –4x + 8




Functions Can Be Multiplied

Example:
Add the functions f(x) = x + 2 and g(x) = 5x – 6

Solution:
(f • g)(x)
= f(x) • g(x)
= (x + 2)(5x – 6)
= 5x2 + 4x – 12

Functions Can Be Divided

Example:
Given f(x) = x + 2 and g(x) = 5x – 6, find

Solution:
Divide Functions for g(x) ≠ 0

Functions: Adding And Subtracting

Examples:

  1. f(x) = x2 + 3x
    g(x) = 8x + 9
    (f+g)(x) = f(x) + g(x) = ?
  2. f(x) = x2 + 2x + 8
    g(x) = 3x2 - x + 7
    (f-g)(x) = f(x) - g(x) = ?

Functions: Multiplying And Dividing

Example:
f(x) = (x2 - 1)
g(x) = (x + 1)
(fg)(x) = ?
(f/g)(x) = ?



Combining Functions By Addition Subtraction Multiplication And Division

Example:
f(x) = 3x2 + 4
g(x) = x - 5
(f + g)(x) = ?
(f - g)(x) = ?
(fg)(x) = ?
(f/g)(x) = ?

Sum, Difference, Product And Quotient Of Two Functions

How to find the sum, difference, product and quotient of two functions and determine the domain?

Example:
f(x) = 5x - 4
g(x) = -9x + 6
(f + g)(x) = ?
(f - g)(x) = ?
(fg)(x) = ?
(f/g)(x) = ?



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