Mathematics

Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

LESSON 2.4
Composition of Functions
Table of Contents
Introduction 1

Test Your Prerequisite Skills 2

DepEd Competencies 3

Objectives 3

Warm-Up! 3

Learn about It! 4

Let’s Practice 5

Check Your Understanding 8

Key Points 10

Bibliography 10
 Mathematics
●

Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Lesson 2.4
Composition of Functions

Fig. 1. Bananas for sale

Introduction
Op In big and small businesses, we use the profit function to solve for the profit. The profit
function denoted as 𝑃(𝑥) is equal to the revenue function 𝑅(𝑥) minus the expense function
𝐸(𝑥). Suppose that you wish to know your profit but in relation to the quantity sold, we can
use the formula for the revenue function 𝑅(𝑥) = 𝑝𝑞 (price times quantity). Therefore, our final
formula will be 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑝𝑞 − 𝐸(𝑥). This method is called function composition, which will be
discussed in this lesson.

1
 Mathematics
●

Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Test Your Prerequisite Skills

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. Simplify the given expressions using the appropriate laws of exponents.

a. 𝑥 2 ⋅ 𝑥 5
𝑦6
b. 𝑦4

c. (𝑎4 )3 ⋅ 𝑎7
5
𝑏9
d. (𝑏3 )
𝑚8
e.
𝑚12

f. 𝑥9 ⋅ 𝑥0
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

2
 Mathematics
●

Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

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, the learners should be able to do the following:

● Perform the composition functions.

● Solve problems involving composition of functions.

Warm-Up!

Input-Process-Output!

Materials
● paper and pen
● marker and cartolina
● drawing and coloring materials

Instructions
1. This activity may be done individually or by group.

3
 Mathematics
●

Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

2. The teacher will let you roam around the school to observe or imagine your day-to-
day activities. Recall all activities that involve processes wherein there is an input
material and an output product.
3. You will be given time to make an illustration regarding the said process focusing on
the flow: INPUT-PROCESS-OUTPUT.
4. A volunteer will be called to show and briefly explain their work.

Learn about It!

The activity in Warm Up! is a great way on how to envision functions in general. It functions
the same way as other machines that you may encounter in real life. As what we have
elaborated in the previous activity, some machines require an input in their process that will
result in a specific output. If you put dirty clothes in a washing machine and let it tumble and
wash, then you will have washed clothes.

The same idea is also present when we evaluate functions in terms of the value of 𝑥. However,
how will we proceed with our solution if the input to our function is another function?

The process of combining functions, where the output of one function is used as the input of
the other function, is known as function composition. Given two functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥),
their composite is denoted by (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)). It is read as “f composed with g of x” or “f of
g of x”.

Essential Question
How will you perform the composition of functions?

4
 Mathematics
●

Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

To have a better understanding of composition of functions, let’s study the examples below.

Given two functions 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 + 2 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 , find (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥).

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥 2 ) Substitute the inner function.
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 5(𝑥 2 ) + 2 Evaluate the main function in terms of the inner function.
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 + 2 Simplify.

Note that if there are more terms in the inner function, the main function gains more terms.

Let’s Practice
Example 1
What is (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 3 + 12𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 ?

Solution
Evaluate (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) by substituting the 𝑥 in 𝑓(𝑥) as 𝑔(𝑥).

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥 2 ) Substitute the given input function.
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 5(𝑥 2 )3 + 12(𝑥 2 )2 + 4(𝑥 2 ) Evaluate in terms of the input
function.
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 5𝑥 6 + 12𝑥 4 + 4𝑥 2 Simplify.

Thus, (𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝟓𝒙𝟔 + 𝟏𝟐𝒙𝟒 + 𝟒𝒙𝟐 .

5
 Mathematics
●

Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Try It Yourself!
What is (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 4𝑥?

Example 2
What is (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 3 + 12𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 6?

Solution
Evaluate (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) by substituting the 𝑥 in 𝑔(𝑥) as 𝑓(𝑥).

(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥))
(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔(5𝑥 3 + 12𝑥 2 + 4𝑥) Substitute.
(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = (5𝑥 3 + 12𝑥 2 + 4𝑥)2 + 6 Evaluate and simplify.
(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 25𝑥 6 + 120𝑥 5 + 184𝑥 4 + 96𝑥 3 + 16𝑥 2 + 6 Simplify.

Thus, (𝒈 ∘ 𝒇)(𝒙) = 𝟐𝟓𝒙𝟔 + 𝟏𝟐𝟎𝒙𝟓 + 𝟏𝟖𝟒𝒙𝟒 + 𝟗𝟔𝒙𝟑 + 𝟏𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔.

Try It Yourself!
What is (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 + 4 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 1?

Example 3
Find (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(2) given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 − 5 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 .

Solution
Evaluate (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) by substituting the 𝑥 in 𝑔(𝑥) as 𝑓(𝑥).

6
 Mathematics
●

Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥 2 ) Substitute the given input function.
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 2(𝑥 2 )3 − 4(𝑥 2 )2 − 5 Evaluate in terms of the input
function.
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 2𝑥 6 − 4𝑥 4 − 5 Simplify.
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(2) = 2(2)6 − 4(2)4 − 5 Evaluate in terms of the given value
of 𝑥.
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(2) = 128 − 64 − 5 Simplify.
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(2) = 59

Thus, (𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝟐) = 𝟓𝟗.

Try It Yourself!
What is (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(4) if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 12 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2?

Real-world Problems
Example 4
Angelo works 45 hours a week at a printing press. He
receives a weekly salary of ₱1 500 plus 2% commission
for every 1 000 printouts. If Angelo makes enough
printouts this week to earn his commission, what is the
composition that represents his commission, given the
functions 𝑃(𝑥) = 0.02𝑥 and 𝑅(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1000?

Solution
The composition (𝑃 ∘ 𝑅)(𝑥) means to take the number of printouts 𝑥, subtract the 1 000
printouts, and then multiply by 2%.

7
 Mathematics
●

Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

(𝑃 ∘ 𝑅)(𝑥) = 𝑃(𝑅(𝑥))
(𝑃 ∘ 𝑅)(𝑥) = 𝑃(𝑥 − 1000) Substitute the given input function.
(𝑃 ∘ 𝑅)(𝑥) = 0.02(𝑥 − 1000) Evaluate in terms of the input function.
(𝑃 ∘ 𝑅)(𝑥) = 0.02𝑥 − 20 Simplify.

Thus, the composite function for his commission is (𝑃 ∘ 𝑅)(𝑥) = 0.02𝑥 − 20.

Try It Yourself!
The radius of a spherical balloon inflates at a rate of 𝑟(𝑡) = 3𝑡 centimeters
per 𝑡 seconds. How large is the balloon from one side to the other side if
it can be totally inflated in five seconds?
4
Hint: 𝑉 = 3 𝜋𝑟 3

Check Your Understanding

1. Consider the following functions:
𝑎(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 1 𝑑(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1
𝑥+1
𝑏(𝑥) = 3𝑥 𝑒(𝑥) =
2𝑥
𝑥2 − 𝑥 + 5
𝑐(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥−2

8
 Mathematics
●

Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Find:
a. 𝑎(𝑏(𝑥)) f. 𝑒(𝑏(𝑥))
b. 𝑏(𝑐(𝑥)) g. 𝑒(𝑎(𝑥))
c. 𝑑(𝑐(𝑥)) h. 𝑐(𝑑(𝑥))
d. 𝑐(𝑎(𝑥)) i. 𝑎(𝑒(𝑥))
e. 𝑑(𝑏(𝑥)) j. 𝑓(𝑐(𝑥))

2. Consider the following functions:

𝑓(𝑥) = 9 − 𝑥
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥
ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2

a. Evaluate (𝑓 ∘ ℎ)(−3).
b. Evaluate (ℎ ∘ 𝑓)(2).
c. Evaluate (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(1).
d. Evaluate (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(−2).
e. Evaluate (𝑓 ∘ 𝑓)(3).
f. Evaluate (𝑔 ∘ ℎ)(5).

3. Every person needs to pay taxes due to him or her. Suppose a freelance editor is
accountable to pay 10% tax each month. Jill, a freelance editor, earns 𝑥 pesos daily for
20 days each month. How much tax will she pay? Express your answer as a
composition of functions.

9
 Mathematics
●

Grade 11 • Unit 2: Operations on Functions

Key Points

● The composition of two functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) is denoted by (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥). This
composition is defined as (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)). We read this as “𝑓 composed of 𝑔 of 𝑥”
or “𝑓 of 𝑔 of x”.

Bibliography
"Dividing functions." Khan Academy. Retrieved 05 Feb 2019 from https://bit.ly/2DxSxTI

"Operations on Functions." Purplemath. Retrieved 05 Feb 2019 from

https://www.purplemath.com/modules/fcnops.htm

10