GENERAL MATHEMATICS Lesson 1.
4: Composition of Functions
Composition of Functions - another method of
CHAPTER 1:FUNCTIONS &THEIR GRAPHS contributing a function from two given functions;
Lesson 1: Functions consists of using the range element of one function as
the domain element of another function
Function- a relation in which each element of the The composite of function or composition of f by g, is
domain corresponds to exactly one element of range; a given by (g o f) (x)=g[f(x)] for all x in the domain of f
relation where each element in the domain is related to such that f(x) is in the domain of g
only one value in the range by some rule; is a set of Lesson 2.1: Rational Equations
ordered pairs (x,y) such that no two ordered pairs have Rational Equations- equations that contain rational
the same x-value but different y-values. Using expressions; it can be solved using the techniques for
functional notation, we can write f(x) = y, read as “f of performing operations with rational expressions and for
x is equal to y.” In particular, if (1, 2) is an ordered pair solving algebraic equations
associated with the function f, then we say that f(2) = 1 Rational Function- a function of the form f(x)=
Domain- set of the first coordinates or the x( the set D P(x)/Q(x) where P and Q are polynomials. The domain
is the domain of f) are consists of all real nos. x except those for which the
Range- set of the second coordinates or the y ( the set R denominator is zero.
is the range of f) Lesson 2.2: Rational Inequality
Relation- a rule that relates values from a set of values rational Inequality - is an inequality which contains a
(called the domain) to a second set of values (called the rational expression. The trick to dealing with rational
range); set of ordered pairs (x,y). inequalities is to always work with zero on one side of
Functions Defined by Equation the inequality.
Defining a function by displaying the rule of Lesson 2.3: Rational Functions
correspondence in a table or listing all the ordered Rational Function- a function of the form f(x)=P
pairs only works if the domain and range are finite. (x)/Q(x) where P&Q are polynomials. The domain of a
Vertical Line Test for a Function - if each vertical rational function consists of all real nos. x except those
line in a rectangular coordinate system passes through for which the denominator is zero
at most one point on the graph of the equation but if it x- a^- : x approaches a from the left
passes through two or more points on the graph then the x- a^+ : x approaches a from the right
equation does not define a function x(negative infinity): x goes to negative infinity; that is,
Domain of a Function- set of all inputs for the x decreases without bound
function; may be stated explicitly x(positive infinity): x goes to infinity; that is, x
Piecewise Function- known as compound function; increases without bound
defined by multiple sub-functions where each sub- Vertical Asymptotes- the line x= a of the function
function applies to a certain interval of the main y=f(x) if y approaches (pos.&neg.)infinity as x
functions of the domain approaches a from the right or left
Lesson 1.2: Evaluating a Function Horizontal Asymptote- the line y=b of the function
Evaluating a function- finding the value of the y=f(x) if y approaches b as x approaches (pos.&neg.
function for a given value of the variable infinity)
Theorem on Vertical Asymptote- If the real nos. a is
Lesson 1.3: Operations on a Function a zero of the denominator Q(x), then the graph of f(x)=
Operations on a Function- for all the values of x for P(x)/Q(x), where P(x) and Q(x) have no common
which both g(x) and h(x) are defined factors, has the vertical asymptote x=a
SUM: (g + h)(x)= g(x)+h(x) Oblique Asymptote- also known as diagonal or slant
DIFFERENCE: (g-h)(x)= g(x)-h(x) asymptote; the line y= mx+b is an oblique asymptote
PRODUCT: (gh)(x)= g(x) . h(x) for the graph of f(x); if f(x) gets close to mx+b or x gets
QUOTIENT: (g/h)(x)= g(x)/h(x); h(x) #0 really large or really small
