Ch. 2 - Functions and Graphs

Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Not the one you use?Change textbook

Blitzer 8th Edition

Ch. 2 - Functions and Graphs

Problem 39c

Chapter 3, Problem 39c

Find fg and determine the domain for each function. f(x) = √x, g(x) = x − 4

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the problem. The goal is to find the composition of the functions f and g, denoted as fg(x) = f(g(x)). This means we will substitute g(x) into f(x).

Step 2: Substitute g(x) = x − 4 into f(x) = √x. This gives fg(x) = √(x − 4).

Step 3: Analyze the domain of fg(x). The square root function √x is only defined for x ≥ 0. Therefore, for fg(x) = √(x − 4), the expression inside the square root, x − 4, must be greater than or equal to 0.

Step 4: Solve the inequality x − 4 ≥ 0 to determine the domain. Add 4 to both sides to get x ≥ 4.

Step 5: Conclude that the domain of fg(x) is all x such that x ≥ 4. In interval notation, the domain is [4, ∞).

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.

Video duration:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Function Composition

Function composition involves combining two functions, where the output of one function becomes the input of another. In this case, fg means f(g(x)), which requires substituting g(x) into f(x). Understanding how to perform this substitution is crucial for finding the composite function.

Domain of a Function

The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values (x-values) for which the function is defined. For the function f(x) = √x, the domain is restricted to non-negative values of x, as square roots of negative numbers are not defined in the real number system. Identifying the domain of both f and g is essential for determining the overall domain of the composite function.

Square Root Function

The square root function, denoted as f(x) = √x, outputs the non-negative square root of x. This function is only defined for x ≥ 0, which directly impacts the domain when composing it with another function. Understanding the properties of square root functions is vital for correctly evaluating and determining the domain of the composite function fg.

Recommended video:

02:20

Imaginary Roots with the Square Root Property

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Find f−g and determine the domain for each function. f(x) = √x, g(x) = x − 4

898

views

Textbook Question

Find ƒ+g and determine the domain for each function. f(x) = √x, g(x) = x − 4

1032

views

Textbook Question

In Exercises 39-52, a. Find an equation for ƒ¯¹(x). b. Graph ƒ and ƒ¯¹(x) in the same rectangular coordinate system. c. Use interval notation to give the domain and the range of f and ƒ¯¹. f(x)=2x-1

597

views

Textbook Question

Find f/g and determine the domain for each function. f(x) = √x, g(x) = x − 4

1111

views

Textbook Question

Find $f+g$ , $f-g$ , $fg$ , and $\frac{f}{g}$ . Determine the domain for each function.

$f$\left$(x$\right$)=$\sqrt{x}$$ , $g$\left$(x$\right$)=x-5$

717

views

Textbook Question

Graph the given functions, f and g, in the same rectangular coordinate system. Select integers for x, starting with -2 and ending with 2. Once you have obtained your graphs, describe how the graph of g is related to the graph of f. f(x) = -2x, g(x) = -2x-1

625

views