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Functions and Relations – CHAPTER 5

COMPOSITE FUNCTIONS

We now investigate another way in which we can combine functions, namely composition.
Consider the two functions f ( x ) = 3x and g ( x ) = x 2 + 1 . Observe what happens to the value
x = 2 as we first apply the function f ( x ) and then the function g ( x ) to the image of the first
mapping, i.e.,
f ( x ) = 3x g( x ) = x2 + 1
2
2 3×2 6 6 +1 37
Value of x from Image of 2 using Image of 6 using
the domain of f. f(x) = 3x. g(x) = x 2 + 1
Such a combination of functions leads to the question

“Is there a third function that will enable us to produce the same result in one step?”

We consider any value x that belongs to the domain of f and follow ‘its path’:

1. This value of x, has as its image the value f ( x ) = 3x.

2. The resulting number, 3 x, now represents an element of the domain of g.
3. The image of 3x under the mapping g is given by g ( 3x ) = ( 3x ) 2 + 1 = 9 x 2 + 1.
Step 1 Step 2
multiply x by 3: square (3x) and add 1

x Apply f(x) rule 3x Apply g(x) rule 9x 2 + 1

g( f ( x)) This path will provide the end result in one step.

We can now test our result by using the value of x = 2 with the mapping x 9 x 2 + 1.
For x = 2, we have 9 ( 2 ) 2 + 1 = 9 × 4 + 1 = 37 , which agrees with our previous result.

The two critical steps in this process are:

1. That the image under the first mapping must belong to the domain of the second mapping.
2. The expression g ( f ( x ) ) exists.

Notation
The expression g ( f ( x ) ) is called the composite function of f and g and is denoted by g o f .

(Notice that although f is applied first, it is placed second in the expression g o f .)

EXAMPLE 5.30 Given the functions f ( x ) = x 2 + 1 and g ( x ) = ln ( x – 1 ) , find the

composite function ( g o f ) ( x ) .

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S
o The composite function ( g o f ) ( x ) = g ( f ( x ) )
l = ln ( f ( x ) – 1 )
u = ln ( x 2 + 1 – 1 )
t
i = ln x 2
o
n

In Example 5.30 we have ( g o f ) ( – 1 ) = ln ( – 1 ) 2 = ln 1 = 0 and ( g o f ) ( 2 ) = ln 2 2 = ln 4 .

EXAMPLE 5.31 Given the functions f ( x ) = 2 – x and g ( x ) = x – 1 , find the composite

function ( g o f ) ( x ) .

S
o The composite function ( g o f ) ( x ) = g ( f ( x ) )
l
= f ( x) – 1
u
t = (2 – x) – 1
i
= 1–x
o
n

In Example 5.31 we have ( g o f ) ( – 1 ) = 1 – ( – 1 ) = 2 but ( g o f ) ( 2 ) = 1 – 2 = – 1 is

undefined! So what went wrong? To answer this question let’s take another look at the
composition process.

The process is made up of two stages:

Stage 1: An element from the domain of the first function, f ( x ) is used to produce
an image. That is, using x = a we produce the image f ( a ) .

Stage 2: Using the second function, g ( x ) , the image, f ( a ), is used to produce a

second image g ( f ( a ) ) .

Stage 1 Stage 2

f g
a f (a) f (a) g( f (a))

df rf dg rg
f (a) ∈ r f

From the diagram, the result of stage 1 is f ( a ) (which belongs to the range of f ) we also observe
that at stage 2, when using the value f ( a ) (produced from stage 1) we have assumed that f ( a )
belongs to the domain of g ( x ) . This is where problems can arise – as seen in Example 5.31.

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To overcome this difficulty we need to strengthen our definition of composition of functions as
well as ensuring the existence of composite functions.

What we need to prove is that all values produced from stage 1, i.e., f ( a ) , are values in the
domain of the function in stage 2, i.e., f ( a ) ∈ d g. Making use of a mapping diagram, we show
the inter-relation between the range of f, r f , and the domain of g, d g .
f

x
f ( x)
rf
df
dg g

(go f )( x) g( f ( x))
For ( g o f ) ( x ) = g ( f ( x ) ) to exist, then r f ⊆ d g.
rg

What is the domain of g o f ?

If we refer to the diagram alongside, we see that

f g
if r f ⊆ d g , then d go f = d f . x g( f ( x))
rf

This means that we can substitute values of x that belong to

df dg
the domain of f directly into the expression g ( f ( x ) ) (once go f
we have established that it exists).

EXAMPLE 5.32 If f ( x ) = x + 1, x ∈ (0 ,∞) and g ( x ) = x 3, x ∈ , determine if g o f

exists, and find an expression for g o f if it does.

S
o For g o f to exist we must have that r f ⊆ d g.
l
Using the TI–83 we obtain the range of f from its sketch, in this case, r f = (1 ,∞).
u
t The domain of g is (–∞,∞) (i.e., the real field).
i Then, given that (1 ,∞) ⊆ (– ∞ ,∞) , g o f does exist.
o We are now able to determine g o f .
n
First we determine the equation g ( f ( x ) ) : g ( f ( x ) ) = g ( x + 1 )
= ( x + 1 )3
3⁄2
= ( x + 1) .
Next we need the domain of g o f . As we have seen, d go f = d f , ∴d go f = (0 ,∞) .
3⁄2
Therefore, g o f :(0 ,∞) , (go f )( x) = ( x + 1) .

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Hint on setting out

When solving problems that involve the use of composition, it is useful to set up a domain–range
table in order to help us determine the existence of the composition. Such a table includes
information about the domain and range of both the functions under consideration:
domain range
f df rf
g dg rg

The existence of g o f can then be established by looking at r f and d g . Similarly, the existence of
f o g can be established by comparing r g and d f .

EXAMPLE 5.33 1
Find g o f and its range, given that g ( x ) = -------------, x ∈ \ { – 1 } and
x+1
f ( x ) = 2 x, x ∈ .
S
o We first sketch the graphs of both functions to help us complete the domain–range table:
l 1
u g ( x ) = ------------
x + 1-
, x ∈ \ {–1 } , f ( x ) = 2 x, x ∈ . We now complete the table:
t
i
domain range
o
n f ]0, ∞[
g \ {–1 } \ {0 }

Using the table we see that r f ⊆ d g ⇒ g o f exists.

1 1
We can now determine g o f : g ( f ( x ) ) = ----------------------
f ( x ) + 1- = 2---------------
x + 1-
.

We also have that d go f = d f , ∴d go f = . 1

1 1
Therefore, g o f : , where ( g o f ) ( x ) = --------------- -. (0 , --2-)
x
2 +1
Making use of the TI–83 we see that the range of g o f is ] 0, 1[.

EXAMPLE 5.34 Given that f ( x ) = x – 1 and g ( x ) = ln x . Does f o g exist? If so, define

fully the function f o g . If not, find a suitable restriction on the domain of g so that f o g exists.

S
o For f o g to exist it is necessary that r g ⊆ d f. To determine the range of g we need to know the
l
domain of g. Using the implied domain we have that d g = ] 0, ∞[ and so, r g = .
u
t However, the implied domain of f is [1, ∞[ . Then, as r g ⊄ d f , f o g does not exist.
i
o In order that f o g exists we need to have r ⊆ [ 1, ∞[ , i.e., we must have that g ( x ) ≥ 1. What
g
n
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Functions and Relations – CHAPTER 5

remains then, is to find those values of x such that g ( x ) ≥ 1 .
Now, g ( x ) = ln x therefore, g ( x ) ≥ 1 ⇔ ln x ≥ 1 ⇔ x ≥ e .

So, if the domain of g is restricted to [e, ∞[ or any subset of [e, ∞[, then f o g will exist.

Does go f = f o g ?

In general the answer is no! However, there exist situations when ( f o g ) ( x ) = ( g o f ) ( x ) – we

will look at such cases in the next section.

1
Consider Example 5.33, where g ( x ) = -------------, x ∈ \ { – 1 } and f ( x ) = 2 x, x ∈ .
x+1
1
From our previous working, we have that ( g o f ) ( x ) = ---------------
x
-.
2 +1

To determine if ( f o g ) ( x ) exists, we will need to determine if r g ⊆ d f . Using the domain–range

table we have that r g = \ {0 } and d f = . Therefore as r g ⊆ d f ⇒ f o g does exist.

1
g( x) ------------
We then have, ( f og)( x) = f (g( x)) = 2 = 2x + 1 .

To determine the domain of f o g , we use the fact that, d f og = d g so that d g = \ {– 1 }.

1
------------
Then, f o g: \ {– 1 } ,where ( f o g ) ( x ) = 2 x + 1.

Clearly then, in this case, ( f o g ) ( x ) ≠ ( g o f ) ( x ) .

EXAMPLE 5.35 Given f ( x ) = x 2 + 1, where x ≥ 0 and g ( x ) = x – 1, where x ≥ 1 ,

determine the functions ( f o g ) ( x ) and ( g o f ) ( x ) (if they exist). For the composite functions that
exist, find the image of x = 3.

S
o We first set up the domain–range table:
l y y = f ( x) y
u y = g( x) domain range
t
f [0, ∞[ [1, ∞[
i
o g [1, ∞[ [0, ∞[
(0,1)
n
x (1,0) x From the table we see that r g ⊆ d f and r f ⊆ d g ,
and so, both ( f o g ) ( x ) and ( g o f ) ( x ) exist. We
can now determine both composite functions.
We start with ( f o g ) ( x ) :
( f og )( x ) = f ( g( x ) ) = ( g( x ) )2 + 1 = ( x – 1 )2 + 1

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As d f og = d g = [ 1, ∞[ , we have that ( f o g ) ( x ) = ( x – 1 ) 2 + 1, where x ≥ 1

Next, we find ( g o f ) ( x ) :
( go f )( x ) = g( f ( x ) ) = f ( x ) – 1 = ( x2 + 1 ) – 1
= x2

Similarly, d go f = d f = [ 0, ∞[ , and so, ( g o f ) ( x ) = x 2, where x ≥ 0.

To find the image of 3, we substitute x = 3 into the final equations.

( f o g ) ( 3 ) = ( 3 – 1 ) 2 + 1 = 2 2 + 1 = 5 , whereas, ( g o f ) ( 3 ) = ( 3 ) 2 = 9 .

EXERCISES 5.4.1
1. Fully define the functions (a) f +g (b) fg
given that i. f ( x) = x2 and g ( x ) = x
1
ii. f ( x ) = ln x and g ( x ) = --x-

iii. f ( x) = 9 – x 2 and g ( x ) = x2 – 4
Find the range for case (a).

2. Fully define the functions (a) f –g (b) f ⁄g

given that i. f ( x) = ex and g ( x ) = 1 – ex
ii. f ( x ) = x + 1 and g ( x ) = x + 1
iii. f ( x ) = x – 2 and g ( x ) = x + 2
Find the range for case (a).

3. All of the following functions are mappings of unless otherwise stated.

(a) Determine the composite functions ( f o g ) ( x ) and ( g o f ) ( x ) , if they exist.
(b) For the composite functions in (a) that do exist, find their range.
i. f ( x ) = x + 1, g ( x ) = x 3 ii. f ( x ) = x 2 + 1, g ( x ) = x, x ≥ 0
1 1
iii. f ( x ) = ( x + 2 ) 2, g ( x ) = x – 2 iv. f ( x ) = ---, x ≠ 0, g ( x ) = --x-, x ≠ 0,
x
1
v. f ( x ) = x 2, g ( x ) = x, x ≥ 0 vi. f ( x ) = x 2 – 1, g ( x ) = ---, x ≠ 0
x
1 1
vii. f ( x ) = ---, x ≠ 0, g ( x ) = ----2-, x ≠ 0 viii. f ( x ) = x – 4, g ( x ) = x
x x
ix. f ( x ) = x 3 – 2, g ( x ) = x + 2 x. f ( x) = 4 – x, x ≤ 4, g ( x ) = x 2
x
xi. f ( x ) = -------------, x ≠ – 1, g ( x ) = x 2 xii. f ( x ) = x 2 + x + 1, g ( x ) = x
x+1

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1
xiii. f ( x ) = 2 x, g ( x ) = x 2 xiv. f ( x ) = -------------, x ≠ – 1, g ( x ) = x – 1
x+1
2
xv. f ( x ) = -----------------, x > 1, g ( x ) = x 2 + 1 xvi. f ( x ) = 4 x, g ( x ) = x
x–1

4. Given the functions f : x 2 x + 1, x ∈ ]–∞,∞[ and g: x x + 1, x ∈ ]–∞,∞[

Find the functions (a) ( f og) (b) (go f ) (c) (fof)

5. Given that f : x x + 1, x ∈ and g o f : x x 2 + 2x + 2, x ∈ , determine the function g.

1
6. The functions f and g are defined by f : x x + 1, x ∈ andg: x x + ---, x ∈ \ {0 } .
x
Find the composite functions (where they exist) of
(a) f og (b) go f (c) gog stating the range in each case.

7. If g: x x 3 + 1, x ∈ and f : x x, x ∈ [ 0, ∞[ , evaluate (a) (go f )(4)

(b) ( f og)(2)

8. Given that f : x x + 5, x ∈ and h: x x – 7, x ∈ , show that ( f o h ) ( x ) is

equal to ( h o f ) ( x ) for all x ∈ .

9. Solve the equation ( f o g ) ( x ) = 0 , where

(a) f :x x + 5, x ∈ and g: x x 2 – 6, x ∈ .
(b) f :x x2 – 4, x ∈ and g: x x + 1, x ∈ .

10. Given that f : x 2 x + 1, x ∈ determine the two functions g, given that

1 1
(a) ( g o f ) ( x ) = ----------------
2x + 1- (b) ( f o g ) ( x ) = ----------------
2x + 1-

 x 2 + 4, x ≥ 1
11. Find ( h o f ) ( x ) , given that h ( x ) =  and f : x x – 1, x ∈ .
 4 – x, x < 1
Sketch the graph of ( h o f ) ( x ) and use it to find its range.

12. (a) Given three functions, f, g and h, when would h o g o f exist?

(b) If f : x x + 1, x ∈ , g: x x 2, x ∈ and h: x 4 x, x ∈ , find ( h o g o f ) ( x ) .

1
13. Given the functions f ( x ) = e 2 x – 1 and g ( x ) = --- ( ln x + 1 ) find, where they exist
2
(a) ( f og) (b) (go f ) (c) (fof)
In each case find the range of the composite function.

1
14. Given that h ( x ) = log ( 4x – 1 ), x > --- and k ( x ) = 4x – 1, x ∈ ]–∞, ∞[ , find, where
10 4
they exist, (a) (hok ) (b) (koh) .

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