Mathematics

Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

LESSON 2.1
Addition and Subtraction of Functions
Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Test Your Prerequisite Skills 2

DepEd Competencies 3

Objectives 3

Warm-Up! 4

Learn about It! 5

Let’s Practice 7

Check Your Understanding 14

Key Points 15

Bibliography 15
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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Lesson 2.1
Addition and Subtraction of Functions

Introduction
Mathematics is everywhere from computers to aircrafts, from the kitchen to the most
sophisticated laboratories. Math is evident in all fields of sciences, and its application to daily
life is abundant. Hence, it is imperative to have a good understanding of one of the most
important concepts in mathematics, functions.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

We define a function as a relation between given sets of elements. These relationships are
evident either numerically, algebraically, or through numerous models of real-life situations.
Everyday objects like the washing machine, oven toaster, computer, and smartphone in your
pockets revolve around the idea of relations and functions. The underlying concepts in these
machines may be technological, but ultimately they are mathematical in nature.

In your journey through Mathematics, you have encountered linear, quadratic, and even
polynomial functions. These functions, like real numbers, can also be added, subtracted,
multiplied, or divided with each other. The entire unit will help you learn the four different
operations on functions, along with a special operation known as composition. For this lesson,
we will learn how to add and subtract functions.

Test Your Prerequisite Skills

Instructions: Before you get started, answer the following items on a separate sheet of paper.
This will help you assess your prior knowledge and practice some skills that you will need in
studying this lesson. Show your complete solution.

1. Perform the indicated operation.

a. (2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1) + (−7𝑥 + 4)
b. 3(4𝑥 − 5𝑦 + 2) + 2(𝑦 + 7𝑥 − 8)
c. (3𝑎 − 2𝑏) − (𝑏 − 4𝑎)
d. −3(𝑚 − 2𝑛) − 2(4𝑚 − 3𝑛 + 1)
e. (2𝑥 − 7) + (4𝑦 − 1) − (𝑥 − 8𝑦)

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

2. Evaluate the following functions based on the given value of 𝑥.

a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 5; 𝑥 = −1
b. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 12; 𝑥 = 3
c. 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 5; 𝑥 = −2
d. ℎ(𝑥) = 4(−𝑥 4 + 𝑥 − 3𝑥 2 ); 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 2 +3𝑥−2
e. ℎ(𝑥) = ; 𝑥=5
𝑥+5

DepEd Competencies
At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to do the following:

● Performs addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and composition

of functions (M11GM-Ia-3).

● Solves problems involving functions (M11GM-Ia-4).

Objectives
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to do the following:

● Perform addition and subtraction of functions.

● Solve problems involving functions.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Warm-Up!

Let’s Roll!

Materials
● colored papers
● pair of dice
● cartolina
● marker

Instructions
1. This activity can be played by pair or by group.
2. Your teacher will prepare 6 different sets of algebraic expressions to be written on
colored papers.
3. Each expression will be assigned a number from one to six.
4. You will be given time to roll the pair of dice 5 times.
5. Record the results of your rolls for each pair and write the corresponding
expression.
6. For each pair of expressions, roll a dice again. If the resulting number is odd, add
the expressions. However, if the result is even, subtract the expressions.
7. Perform the indicated operation based on your roll and show your solution by
writing it on your paper or cartolina.
8. Your teacher will call volunteers to explain their work in front of the class.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Learn about It!

Let’s say that the expressions you have encountered in the Warm Up! activity denote a
function. As a recall, we define a function as a special type of relation wherein each input has
only one output.

Functions can be used to model situations in real life. Since they are algebraic in nature, the
basic operations can be applied as what you have seen in Warm Up!.

Essential Questions
● How will you add or subtract functions?
● How will you solve problems involving addition and subtraction of
functions?

Sum and Difference of Functions

Given two functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥), their sum is denoted by (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥). This is defined by
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥).

By the definition of the sum of two functions, we just add the two given expressions for 𝑓(𝑥)
and 𝑔(𝑥).

Given the functions 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 + 2 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 8 + 6𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 , let us find (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥).

(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = (5𝑥 + 2) + (8 + 6𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 ) Substitute the given functions.

(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = (2 + 8) + (5𝑥 + 6𝑥) − 2𝑥 2 Group similar terms together.
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 10 + 11𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 Combine similar terms.

Hence, (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 10 + 11𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 or (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = −2𝑥 2 + 11𝑥 + 10.

If we are given two functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥), then we can also find their difference, denoted
by (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) as (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥).

Since a function is being subtracted from another function, every term of the subtrahend is
being subtracted from the minuend. Recall that when we subtract algebraic expressions, we
copy the minuend, then change the operation from subtraction to addition, and change the
signs of all the terms in the subtrahend.

Given the functions 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 + 2 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 8 + 6𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 , let us find (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥).

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = (5𝑥 + 2) − (8 + 6𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 ) Substitute the given functions.

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = (5𝑥 + 2) + (−8 − 6𝑥 + 2𝑥 2 )
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = (2 − 8) + (5𝑥 − 6𝑥) + 2𝑥 2
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = −6 − 𝑥 + 2𝑥 2
Change the operation from subtraction to
addition. Change the signs of all the terms
in the subtrahend.
Group similar terms together.
Combine similar terms.

Hence, (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = −6 − 𝑥 + 2𝑥 2 or (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 6.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Let us study some other examples to better understand addition and subtraction of functions.

Let’s Practice
Example 1
Given the functions 𝑔(𝑥) = 8 + 6𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 and ℎ(𝑥) = 4(−𝑥 4 + 𝑥 − 3𝑥 2 ), find (𝑔 + ℎ)(𝑥).

Solution
Step 1: Substitute the given functions to the definition of sum of functions.

(𝑔 + ℎ)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) + ℎ(𝑥)

(𝑔 + ℎ)(𝑥) = (8 + 6𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 ) + 4(−𝑥 4 + 𝑥 − 3𝑥 2 )

Step 2: Distribute 4 to all of the terms inside the parentheses.

(𝑔 + ℎ)(𝑥) = (8 + 6𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 ) + (−4𝑥 4 + 4𝑥 − 12𝑥 2 )

Step 3: Group similar terms together.

(𝑔 + ℎ)(𝑥) = (−4𝑥 4 ) + (−2𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 2 ) + (6𝑥 + 4𝑥) + 8

Step 4: Combine similar terms.

(𝑔 + ℎ)(𝑥) = −4𝑥 4 − 14𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 + 8

Therefore, (𝑔 + ℎ)(𝑥) = −4𝑥 4 − 14𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 + 8.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Try It Yourself!
Given the functions 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 4 + 6𝑥 − 3 and ℎ(𝑥) = 2(−𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 + 4𝑥 2 ), find
(𝑔 + ℎ)(𝑥).

Example 2
What is (𝑓 − 𝑔)(4) if 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 + 2 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 15𝑥 + 6?

Solution
Step 1: Substitute the given functions into the definition of difference of functions.

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = (5𝑥 + 2) − (15𝑥 + 6)

Step 2: Change the operation from subtraction to addition, then change the signs of
all the terms in the subtrahend.

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = (5𝑥 + 2) + (−15𝑥 − 6)

Step 3: Group similar terms together.

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = (2 − 6) + (5𝑥 − 15𝑥)

Step 4: Combine similar terms.

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = −4 − 10𝑥

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Step 5: Substitute 𝑥 = 4 into the resulting function.

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(4) = −4 − 10(4)
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(4) = −4 − 40
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(4) = −44

Therefore, (𝑓 − 𝑔)(4) = −44.

Try It Yourself!
What is (𝑓 − 𝑔)(3) if 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 15𝑥 + 6?

Example 3
𝑥+7 𝑥−2
Find (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) given 𝑓(𝑥) = and 𝑔(𝑥) = .
𝑥+1 𝑥+3

Solution
Step 1: Substitute the given functions into the definition of sum of functions.

(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)

𝑥+7 𝑥−2
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = +
𝑥+1 𝑥+3

Step 2: Find the LCD of the two expressions.

The LCD of the two expressions is the product of their denominators. Thus, the
LCD is (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 3) or 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Step 3: Add the expressions using their LCD.

𝑥+7 𝑥−2
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = +
𝑥+1 𝑥+3
(𝑥 + 7)(𝑥 + 3) + (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1)
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3

Step 4: Simplify the numerator by multiplying each set of binomials. Then, combine
similar terms.

(𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 + 21) + (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2)
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3
(𝑥 2 + 𝑥 2 ) + (10𝑥 − 𝑥) + (21 − 2)
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3
2𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 19
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 2
𝑥 + 4𝑥 + 3

2𝑥 2 +9𝑥+19
Therefore, (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 +4𝑥+3
.

Try It Yourself!
𝑥+7 𝑥−2
Find (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) given 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥+3.

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Real-world Problems
Example 4
The HR Department informed Karl that his salary as a car sales
agent will be based on the number of cars 𝑥 he sells in a
month. His salary will be based on the function model of
𝑓(𝑥) = 100𝑥 2 + 2 000𝑥 + 150 where 𝑓(𝑥) is in pesos. He will
receive an additional amount described by the model
function 𝑔(𝑥) = 20𝑥 2 + 300𝑥 − 500, where 𝑔(𝑥) is in pesos, as
incentive if he is able to meet the company quota for six
months. What will be his new salary after six months if he
meets the quota?

Solution
To find his new salary after six months, add his starting salary and the incentive.

Step 1: Substitute the given functions into the definition of sum of functions.

(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)

(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = (100𝑥 2 + 2 000𝑥 + 150) + (20𝑥 2 + 300𝑥 − 500)

Step 2: Group similar terms.

(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = (100𝑥 2 + 20𝑥 2 ) + (2 000𝑥 + 300𝑥) + (150 − 500)

Step 3: Combine similar terms.

(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 120𝑥 2 + 2 300𝑥 − 350

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Therefore, Karl’s monthly salary will be 120𝑥 2 + 2 300𝑥 − 350 pesos if he will be able to meet
the quota after six months.

Try It Yourself!
A real estate company informed Miggy that his salary as a condominium sales agent will
be based on the number of condominiums 𝑥 he sells in a month. His salary will be based
on the function model of 𝑓(𝑥) = 150𝑥 2 + 1 500𝑥 + 250 where 𝑓(𝑥) is in pesos. He will
receive an additional amount described by the model function 𝑔(𝑥) = 30𝑥 2 + 500𝑥 −
750, where 𝑔(𝑥) is in pesos, as incentive if he is able to meet the company quota for six
months. What will be his new salary after six months if he meets the quota?

Example 5
Christian is making a cabinet. He bought a slab of wood that is
𝑓(𝑥) = 9𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2 feet long. What is the length of the wood
after 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 4 feet have been cut off?

Solution
Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 9𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2 be the original length of the wood and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 4 be the part
that was cut off. To find the length of the remaining wood, subtract the measure of the part
of the wood that was cut off from the original length.

Step 1: Substitute the given functions into the definition of difference of functions.

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = (9𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2) − (2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 4)

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Step 2: Change the operation from subtraction to addition, then change the signs of
all the terms in the subtrahend.

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = (9𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2) + (−2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 4)

Step 3: Group similar terms together.

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = (9𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 2 ) + (−3𝑥 − 5𝑥) + (2 + 4)

Step 4: Combine similar terms.

(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 7𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 6

Therefore, the length of the remaining wood is (7𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 6) feet.

Try It Yourself!
Johnny is making a balance sheet for his monthly allowance. He already had two entries
on his debit and three entries on his credit. If his debit entries are 𝑥 5 and 4𝑥 4 , while the
entries for his credit are 𝑥 3 + 3, −𝑥 2 , and 𝑥 3 , express his total allowance (𝑑 − 𝑐)(5) in
terms of his total debit and total credit defined by 𝑑(𝑥) and 𝑐(𝑥), respectively. (Assume
that all values are in pesos.)

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Check Your Understanding

1. Consider the following functions:

𝑎(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 8 𝑥−2
𝑑(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3 𝑔(𝑥) =
𝑥+7 𝑥−3
𝑏(𝑥) = 𝑒(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 7 𝑥−1
𝑥+2 ℎ(𝑥) =
2𝑥 − 3 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 4 𝑥+1
𝑐(𝑥) = 𝑖(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 8
𝑥+2

Find:

a. (𝑑 + 𝑒)(𝑥) d. (𝑓 − 𝑒)(𝑥) g. (𝑓 − 𝑑)(𝑥)

b. (𝑑 + 𝑓)(−3) e. (𝑏 + 𝑐)(2) h. (𝑔 + ℎ)(𝑥)
c. (𝑒 + 𝑎)(𝑥) f. (𝑏 − 𝑐)(−1) i. (𝑖 − 𝑎)(1)

2. Consider the following functions:

𝑝(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 𝑡(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1
2𝑥 + 1 𝑢(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 1
𝑞(𝑥) =
𝑥−1 𝑣(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 − 1
𝑟(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1
𝑠(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 5

a. Express 𝑓1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2 as a sum or difference of any two given functions.

b. Express 𝑓2 (𝑥) = 𝑥 3 as a sum or difference of any two given functions.
c. Express 𝑓3 (𝑥) = −𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 as a sum or difference of any two given functions.
d. Express 𝑓4 (𝑥) = −5𝑥 − 4 as a sum or difference of any two given functions.
e. Express 𝑓5 (𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 6 as a sum or difference of any two given functions.

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𝑥+3
3. Joanna is making a cake. The flour mixture is 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−5 grams, while the other

ingredients are 𝑖(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 25 grams. What is the total weight 𝑚(𝑥) of the mixture if
the flour is added to the other ingredients?

Key Points

● Given two functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥), their sum is denoted by (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥). This is defined
by (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥).
● Given two functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥), their difference is denoted by (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥). This is
defined by (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥).

Bibliography

Pearson Education. “Function Operations and Composition.” Accessed April 16, 2018.
https://www.pvamu.edu/universitycollege/wp-content/uploads/sites/71/CACFC2.pdf

Math is Fun. “Functions.” Accessed April 16, 2018.

http://www.mathisfun.com/definitions/function.html

Math Motivation. “The Algebra of Functions.” Accessed January 7, 2017.

http://www.mathmotivation.com/lectures/Algebra-Of-Functions.pdf

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