Is the Composition of Functions $F$ and $G$ Correct?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the composition of two functions, $F(x)$ and $G(x)$, and the correct definition of the composition $G \circ F$. There is a disagreement about how to define the function and it is determined that the original definition is not a function, but a relation. Finally, someone mentions that they have graphed the composition and it looks correct, prompting a request for the exact commands used to produce the graph.
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
$F(x) = x + 5\qquad\qquad G(x) = \frac{|x|}{x}, \ \text{if} \ x\neq 0, \ G(0) = 1$

$G(F(x)) = G(x + 5) = \frac{|x + 5|}{x + 5} = \begin{cases}
1 & \text{if} \ x \geq 0\\
-1 & \text{if} \ x\in (0,-5)\cup (-5,\infty)
\end{cases}$

Is the correct for the composition?
 
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  • #2
I'm not sure I'd quite agree yet. I would do
$$G(F(x))=G(x+5)=\begin{cases}\frac{|x+5|}{x+5}, \quad & x+5\not=0\\
1, \quad & x+5=0\end{cases},$$
and go from there.
 
  • #3
Ackbach said:
I'm not sure I'd quite agree yet. I would do
$$G(F(x))=G(x+5)=\begin{cases}\frac{|x+5|}{x+5}, \quad & x+5\not=0\\
1, \quad & x+5=0\end{cases},$$
and go from there.

View attachment 325
I just graphed it and it looks right.
 
  • #4
I agree with Ackbach. Perhaps it would be better if you just worked with the definition of $G$ as given instead of breaking it into exact expressions.
 
  • #5
dwsmith said:
$F(x) = x + 5\qquad\qquad G(x) = \frac{|x|}{x}, \ \text{if} \ x\neq 0, \ G(0) = 1$

$G(F(x)) = G(x + 5) = \frac{|x + 5|}{x + 5} = \begin{cases}
1 & \text{if} \ x \geq 0\\
-1 & \text{if} \ x\in (0,-5)\cup (-5,\infty)
\end{cases}$

Is the correct for the composition?

Your definition has a conflict in it. Suppose $x=1$. Then it satisfies $x\geq 0$ as well as being in the interval $(-5,\infty)$. So $G \circ F$ would evaluate both to $+1$ and $-1$. Therefore, the composition you have defined there is not a function, but a relation. Either that, or it's an ill-defined function.
 
  • #6
dwsmith said:
View attachment 325
I just graphed it and it looks right.

What exact commands did you execute to produce this graph?
 

FAQ: Is the Composition of Functions $F$ and $G$ Correct?

What is the definition of composition of functions?

The composition of functions is a mathematical operation that combines two functions, f and g, by passing the output of one function as the input of the other. The resulting function is denoted as f(g(x)) and is read as "f of g of x".

How do I determine if the composition of two functions is correct?

To determine if the composition of two functions, f and g, is correct, you need to make sure that the range of g is a subset of the domain of f. This means that the output of g must be a valid input for f. Additionally, you can plug in values for x and see if the resulting output matches the expected output.

Can the order of functions be switched in composition?

No, the order of functions cannot be switched in composition. The composition of functions is not commutative, which means that f(g(x)) does not always equal g(f(x)). Therefore, it is important to write the functions in the correct order when performing composition.

Can a function be composed with itself?

Yes, a function can be composed with itself. This is known as function iteration and is denoted as f^2(x) or f(f(x)). Function iteration can be used to simplify complex functions or to find patterns in sequences.

How is the composition of functions used in real life?

The composition of functions is used in various fields, such as engineering, economics, and computer science. In engineering, it is used to model complex systems and analyze their behavior. In economics, it is used to model supply and demand curves. In computer science, it is used in programming to create more efficient and reusable code.

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