How do you find the composition of function given f(x)=x+8 and g(x)=4x+1?

1 Answer
Mar 6, 2016

There are many different compositions possible. I'll show you one.

Explanation:

To complete a function composition, you must substitute one function in the place of x in the other. For example in f(g(x)), you must plug function g into f.

f(g(x))=(4x+1)+8

f(g(x))=4x+9

When finding the composition of functions think of working from the inside to the outside. So, if you have f(g(h(x))), you plug h into g and then you plug the result from that calculation. When there is a number in the place of x, you must plug that number in for x and then work your way out.

Practice exercises:

  1. Assuming functions a(x)=2x28x+6,b(x)=2x+3andc(x)=2x. Find:

a). c(a(b(x))

b). a(b(c(x))

c). b(c(b(3))

d). a(b(c(2))

Challenge problem:

Find two functions, f(x)andg(x), if their compositions give 2(2x1)2

Good luck!