Composite Functions PowerPoint
Composite Functions PowerPoint
Composite Functions
Learning Objective
To find composite functions.
Success Criteria
• To understand and interpret composite function notation.
• To find composite functions using two functions.
• To apply these skills to GCSE style questions.
Starter
Find the answer to each question.
Put your answers in terms of size, from smallest to
largest, to spell out a keyword.
Can you give a definition for this word?
1. The function d is such that d(x) = 4x + 2. Find the value of d(−3) −10
2. The function m is such that m(x) = 2x − 3. Find the value of m(1.5) 0
1
3. The function a is such that a(x) = x2. Find the value of a(¼) 1
6
4. The function o is such that o(x) = 3x + 4. Find the value of o-1(1) −1
5. The function n is such that n(x) = ⅔x − 7. Find the value of n-1(5) 18
6. The function i is such that i(x) = 2x2. Find the (positive) value of i-1(32) 4
domain - the set of x values that are the input of the function.
Composite Functions
A composite function is a function consisting of at least two functions.
It is written as fg(x) or gf(x) depending on the order.
To help you work out what order to do the functions in, try rewriting it.
Step two: Where you see g(x) appear in the brackets, substitute in 3x,
since we are told that g(x) = 3x.
f (g(x)) = f (3x)
Step three: Remember, if you see f (7), you substitute 7 every time you see x.
Here, we see f (3x), so we must substitute 3x every time we see x.
f (3x) = 2(3x) + 1
So fg(x) = 6x + 1
Worked Example
The functions f and g are defined as f (x) = 2x + 1 and g(x) = 3x. Find g f (x).
Step two: Where you see f (x) appear in the brackets, substitute in 2x + 1
since we are told that f (x) = 2x + 1.
g( f (x)) = g(2x + 1)
Step two: Where you see g(x) appear in the brackets, substitute in x + 5
since we are told that g(x) = x + 5.
f (g(x))= f (x + 5)
Step two: Where you see f (x) appear in the brackets, substitute in x + 4
since we are told that f (x) = x + 4.
g( f (x)) = g(x + 4)
1. Find f-1(x).
x + 28
f-1(x) = 12
fg(x) = 3kx2 – 2
fg(-2) = 3 × k × (-2)2 – 2
fg(-2) = 12k – 2
12k – 2 = 34
12k = 36
k=3