Senior High School – Grade 11

Science

Module Operations on Week

No. 2 Functions 3
Lesson

2 Operations on Functions

We said that function is like a machine – an input

goes in; something happens to it inside the machine;
afterwards, an output comes out. Another input goes
in; another output comes out. What's going on inside
the machine? If we know the machine's function rule
(or rules) and the input, we can predict the output. If
we know the rule(s) and an output, we can determine
the input. We also can imagine the machine asking,
"What's my rule?" If we answer this question, we can
say that the rule of a function machine is to describe
how to convert the input value (x) into an output value
(y). This rule is defined by the conditions and
operations on functions.

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Learning Objectives

At the end of this module you are expected to:

Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and composition of function

Highlights

Lesson 2: Operation on Functions

1. Sum of Function
2. Difference of Function
3. Product of Function
4. Quotient of Function
5. Composition of Function

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 Math Meter!
In our last module, you were presented on how to evaluate a function – where you just need to substitute the variable
of the given function with the given value of the independent variable x. Before we apply the different operations on
functions, let us have a quick recall. Evaluate the given function below.

If f(x) = x2 + 3x +5, find the function value if:

a. f(2) b. f(x+3) c. f(-x)

Check your answers!

Lesson 2.1 Sum of Functions

Sum of Function

If f and g are functions, their sum is the function defined as

(f + g) (x) = f(x) + g(x)

Example
Given f(x) = 3x2 – 4x +5 and g(x) = 2x3 + 6x – 2

Find (f + g) (x)

Solution:

We know that the expression (f + g) (x) is the same as the expression f(x) + g(x)

(f + g) (x) = f(x) + g(x)

Using the given value of f(x) and g(x), you can evaluate the function (f + g) (x) by substituting
f(x) and g(x).

(f + g) (x) = f(x) + g(x)

= (3x2 – 4x + 5) + ( 2x3 + 6x – 2)

= 3x2 -4x +5 + 2x3 + 6x – 2

Combine like terms so that you will get

= 2x3 + 3x2 + (-4x + 6x) + (5 – 2)

Now, the new function defined by adding functions f and g is

(f + g) (x) = 2x3 + 3x2 + 2x + 3

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 Let’s do a Mental Math!
Find the new defined function by adding functions g(x) and h(x).

1. g(x) = -2x2 ; h(x) = x

2. g(x) = -4x – 6 ; h(x) = x + 8
3. g(x) = x + 5 ; h(x) = x2 – 1
Check your answers!

Lesson 2.2 Difference of Functions

Difference of Function

If f and g are functions, their difference is the function defined as

(f – g) (x) = f(x) – g(x)

Example 1
Given f(x) = x2 – 1 and g(x) = x + 1

Find (f + g) (x)

Solution:

We know that the expression (f – g) (x) is the same as the expression f(x) – g(x)

(f – g) (x) = f(x) – g(x)

Using the given value of f(x) and g(x), you can evaluate the function (f – g) (x) by substituting
f(x) and g(x).

(f – g) (x) = f(x) – g(x)

= (x2 – 1) – (x + 1)

= x2 -1 – x – 1

Combine like terms so that you will get

= x2 – x – 2

Now, the new function defined by subtracting functions f and g is

(f – g) (x) = x2 – x – 2

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Example 2: Difference of Rational Expressions
What if the given functions are in rational expression? How are you going to perform the
difference of function?
2𝑥−5 6𝑥+9
Given f(x) = and g(x) =
3 4

Find (f – g) (x)

Solution:

We know that

(f – g) (x) = f(x) – g(x)

Even the given value of f(x) and g(x) are in rational form, the process of performing subtraction
is still the same. By substituting the f(x) and g(x) with the given, you can evaluate the new
defined function, (f – g) (x).

(f – g) (x) = f(x) – g(x)

2𝑥−5 6𝑥+9
=( )−( )
3 4

Since we are dealing with rational expressions with different denominators, we need to find
their least common denominators (LCD) to perform the operations (addition or subtraction).
Then simplify the equation
4(2𝑥−5)−3(6𝑥+9)
=
12
8𝑥−20−18𝑥−27
=
12
Combine like terms
8𝑥−20−18𝑥−27
=
12
Now, the new function defined by subtracting the rational functions f and g is
−𝟏𝟎𝒙−𝟒𝟕
(f – g) (x) =
𝟏𝟐

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 Time for Mental Math!
Solve for the difference of the function defined by functions a and b.

1. a (x) = -2x3 – 5x +4 ; b (x) = 3x2 + 2x – 6

5𝑥−2 −7𝑥+3
2. a (x) = ; b (x) =
3 4

Lesson 2.3 Product of Functions

Product of Function

If f and g are functions, their product is the function defined as

(𝒇 ∙ 𝒈) (𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) ∙ 𝒈(𝒙)

Example 1
Given f(x) = 4x - 1 and g(x) = 9x + 5

Find (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔) (𝑥)

Solution:

We know that the expression (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔) (𝑥) is the same as the expression 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)

(𝒇 ∙ 𝒈) (𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) ∙ 𝒈(𝒙)

Rewrite the function notation then, using the given value of f(x) and g(x), you can now evaluate
the function (f – g) (x) by substituting f(x) and g(x).

(𝒇 ∙ 𝒈) (𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) ∙ 𝒈(𝒙)

= (4𝑥 − 1) ∙ (9𝑥 + 5)

Use the FOIL method or Distribution method to multiply the two polynomials

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 Combine like terms

= 36𝑥 2 + 20𝑥 − 9𝑥 − 5

= 36𝑥 2 + 11𝑥 − 5

Now, the new function defined by multiplying functions f and g is

(𝒇 ∙ 𝒈) (𝒙) = 𝟑𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏𝟏𝒙 − 𝟓

Example 2: Product of Rational Expressions

What if the given functions are in rational expression? How are you going to perform the
difference of function?
𝑥 2 −3𝑥−4 𝑥 2 −4
Given f(x) = and g(x) =
𝑥 2 −𝑥−2 𝑥 2 +𝑥−20
Find (f – g) (x)

Solution:

We know that the expression (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔) (𝑥) is the same as the expression 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)

(𝒇 ∙ 𝒈) (𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) ∙ 𝒈(𝒙)

Using the given value of f(x) and g(x), you can now evaluate the function (f – g) (x) by
substituting f(x) and g(x).

(𝒇 ∙ 𝒈) (𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) ∙ 𝒈(𝒙)

𝑋 2 −3𝑥−4 𝑥 2 −4
=( )∙ ( )
𝑥 2 −𝑥−2 𝑥 2 +𝑥−20

Completely factor both the numerators and denominators of both fractions

(𝑥−4)(𝑥+1) (𝑥+2)(𝑥−2)
= ∙
(𝑋+1)(𝑋−2) (𝑥−4)(𝑥+5)

Simplify or Reduce the fraction by dividing out the common factors from the numerators and
denominators. Remember that you can only reduce factors that are EXACTLY THE SAME.

Rewrite the remaining Factor

(𝑥 + 2)
=
(𝑥 + 5)
Now, the new function defined by multiplying the rational functions f and g is
(𝒙 + 𝟐)
(𝒇 ∙ 𝒈)(𝒙) =
(𝒙 + 𝟓)

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 Time for Mental Math!
Solve for the product of the following functions.

1. f (x) = 4x – 5 ; g (x) = 2x + 5
2. h (x) = 6x – 7 ; p (x) = 3x2 + 4x + 5
2𝑥 2 +𝑥−6 𝑥 2 −7𝑥+12
3. r (x) = ; s (x) = 2𝑥 2 −7𝑥−4
3𝑥 2 −8𝑥−3
3𝑥 2 +9𝑥−30 2𝑥 2 −7𝑥−4
4. f (x) = ; h (x) = 6𝑥 2 −30𝑥+24
2𝑥 2 −9𝑥−5

Lesson 2.4 Quotient of Functions

Quotient of Function

If f and g are functions, the quotient is the function defined as

𝒇 𝒇(𝒙)
( ) (𝒙) =
𝒈 𝒈(𝒙)

Example 1
Given f(x) = 3x + 5 and g(x) = x + 16
𝑓
Find ( ) (𝑥)
𝑔

Solution:
𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
We know that the expression ( ) (𝑥) is the same as the expression
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥)

𝒇 𝒇(𝒙)
( ) (𝒙) =
𝒈 𝒈(𝒙)
Rewrite the function notation then, using the given value of f(x) and g(x), you can now evaluate
𝑓
the function ( ) (𝑥) by substituting f(x) and g(x).
𝑔

𝒇 𝒇(𝒙)
( ) (𝒙) =
𝒈 𝒈(𝒙)
𝟑𝒙+𝟓
=
𝒙+𝟏𝟔

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 Arrange each of the algebraic expressions from the highest degree to the lowest degree.
𝟑𝒙+𝟓
= Since the given was already arrange from
𝒙+𝟏𝟔 variable with highest degree to the lowest, we
will now proceed to the next step.

Factor both the numerator and denominator then simplify the equation.
𝟑𝒙+𝟓
= Since the given are already in its simplest
𝒙+𝟏𝟔 form, then that would be our final answer

Now, the new function defined by dividing functions f and g is

𝒇 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓
( ) (𝒙) =
𝒈 𝒙 + 𝟏𝟔

Example 2
Given f(x) = 2x2 + 15x - 8 and g(x) = x2 + 10x + 16
𝑓
Find ( ) (𝑥)
𝑔

Solution:
𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
We know that the expression ( ) (𝑥) is the same as the expression
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥)

𝒇 𝒇(𝒙)
( ) (𝒙) =
𝒈 𝒈(𝒙)
Rewrite the function notation then, using the given value of f(x) and g(x), you can now evaluate
𝑓
the function ( ) (𝑥) by substituting f(x) and g(x).
𝑔

𝒇 𝒇(𝒙)
( ) (𝒙) =
𝒈 𝒈(𝒙)

𝟐𝒙𝟐 +𝟏𝟓𝒙−𝟖
=
𝒙𝟐 +𝟏𝟎𝒙+𝟏𝟔

Arrange each of the algebraic expressions from the highest degree to the lowest degree.

𝟐𝒙𝟐 +𝟏𝟓𝒙−𝟖 Since the given was already arrange from variable
=
𝒙𝟐 +𝟏𝟎𝒙+𝟏𝟔 with highest degree to the lowest, we will now
proceed to the next step.

Factor both the numerator and denominator then simplify the equation.
(𝟐𝒙−𝟏)(𝒙+𝟖) After factoring the numerator and denominator,
= look for the same factors then reduce the equation
(𝒙+𝟐)(𝒙+𝟖)
to simplify.

(𝟐𝒙−𝟏)(𝒙+𝟖) Rewrite the simplified term then check if the

= expression can be simplified further. If not, then
(𝒙+𝟐)(𝒙+𝟖)
that’s the final answer

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 Now, the new function defined by dividing functions f and g is

𝒇 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏
( ) (𝒙) =
𝒈 𝒙+𝟐
Example 3: Quotient of Rational Expressions
What if the given functions are in rational expression? How are you going to perform the division
of function?
𝑥 2 −8𝑥+15 𝑥 2 +𝑥−20
Given f(x) = and g(x) =
𝑥 2 −𝑥−6 𝑥 2 −6𝑥+8
Find (f – g) (x)

Solution:
𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
We know that the expression ( ) (𝑥) is the same as the expression
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥)

𝒇 𝒇(𝒙)
( ) (𝒙) =
𝒈 𝒈(𝒙)
Rewrite the function notation then, using the given value of f(x) and g(x), you can now evaluate
𝑓
the function ( ) (𝑥) by substituting f(x) and g(x).
𝑔

𝒇 𝒇(𝒙)
( ) (𝒙) =
𝒈 𝒈(𝒙)

𝑥2 −8𝑥+15
( )
𝑥2 −𝑥−6
= 𝑥2 +𝑥−20
( 2 )
𝑥 −6𝑥+8

Get the reciprocal of the denominator then change the operation from division to
multiplication.
𝑥2 −8𝑥+15
( )
𝑥2 −𝑥−6
= 𝑥2 +𝑥−20
( 2 )
𝑥 −6𝑥+8

𝑥2 −8𝑥+15 𝑥2 −6𝑥+8
=
𝑥2 −𝑥−6
∙ 𝑥2 +𝑥−20
Completely factor both the numerators and denominators of both fractions
(𝑥−5)(𝑥−3) (𝑥−2)(𝑥−4)
= ∙
(𝑥+2)(𝑥−3) (𝑥−4)(𝑥+5)

Simplify or Reduce the fraction by dividing out the common factors from the numerators and
denominators. Remember that you can only reduce factors that are EXACTLY THE SAME.

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 Rewrite the remaining Factor
(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 − 2)
=
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 5)
Now, the new function defined by dividing the rational functions f and g is
(𝒙 − 𝟓)(𝒙 − 𝟐)
(𝒇 ∙ 𝒈)(𝒙) =
(𝒙 + 𝟐)(𝒙 + 𝟓)

Time for Mental Math!

Solve for the quotient of the given functions using the operation describe in each item.
𝒇
1. (𝒈) (𝒙)
f (x) = 4x – 5 ; g (x) = 2x + 5
𝒑
2. ( ) (𝒙)
𝒉
h (x) = 6x – 7 ; p (x) = 3x2 + 4x + 5
𝒓
3. (𝒔) (𝒙)
2𝑥 2 +𝑥−6 𝑥 2 −7𝑥+12
r (x) = ; s (x) =
3𝑥 2 −8𝑥−3 2𝑥 2 −7𝑥−4
𝒇
4. ( )
𝒉
(𝒙)
3𝑥 2 +9𝑥−30 2𝑥 2 −7𝑥−4
f (x) = ; h (x) =
2𝑥 2 −9𝑥−5 6𝑥 2 −30𝑥+24

Lesson 2.5 Composition Functions

What are Composite Functions?

Composition of functions is when one function is inside of another function.

Composition of Function

If f and g are functions, the composite function f with g is defined as

(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒈(𝒙))

For example
f(x) = (2x – 1)2
If we look at the function, we can say that this function, f(x), was formed by the composition of two
other functions, the inside function and the outside function. In the case of f(x) = (2x – 1)2, the inside
function is 2x-1 and the outside function is variable2. If we suppose that the variable for variable2 is g
so that it would be g2, notice that if we put the inside function, 2x – 1, into the outside function, g2 , we
would get g2 = (2x – 1)2 , which is our original function f(x).

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 The notation used for the composition of functions looks like this, (f o g)(x). this is read as “f circle
g of x”. So what does (f o g)(x) mean?

In the composite function (f o g ) (x), the composition of the function f with g is defined as:

(f o g)(x) = f(g(x))

Notice that in the case the function g is inside of the function f. This definition means that in computing
for (f o g)(x), first, apply the function g to x and then the function f to g(x).

In composite functions it is very important that we pay close attention to the order in which the
composition of the functions is written. In many cases (f o g)(x) is not the same as (g o f )(x). Let’s look at
why the order is so important:

(f o g)(x) = f(g(x)), the g function is inside of the f function

(g o f )(x) = g(f(x)), the f function is inside of the g function

(f o g)(x) and (g o f )(x) are different because in the composite (f o g)(x), f(x) is the outside function and
g(x) is the inside function. Whereas in the composite (g o f )(x), g(x) is the outside function and f(x) is the
inside function. This difference in order will often be the reason why we will get different answers for (f o
g)(x) and (g o f )(x). This means we need to make sure that we pay close attention to the way the problem
is written when we are trying to find the composition of two functions.

How do you find the composition of functions?

Here are the steps we can use to find the composition of two functions:

Step 1: Rewrite the composition in a different form. For example, the composition(f o g)(x)
needs to rewritten as f(g(x)).
Step 2: Replace each occurrence of x found in the outside function with the inside function.
For example, in the composition of (f o g)(x) = f(g(x)), we need to replace each x
found in f(x), the outside function, with g(x), the inside function.
Step 3: Simplify the answer.

Example 1
Given f(x) = –4x + 9 and g(x) = 2x – 7

Find (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)

Solution:

We know that the expression (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) is the same as the expression 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))

(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒈(𝒙))

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 Rewrite the function notation then, using the given value of f(x) and g(x), you can now evaluate
the function 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))by substituting f(x) and g(x).
Since the inside function in f(g(x)) is g(x), all the value of x in
(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒈(𝒙)) function f must be replaced with the given value of function
g. in this case it is given that f(x) = -4x + 9, therefore, we
replace the x with the given value of g(x), which is 2x + 7
(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = −𝟒𝒙 + 𝟗
(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = −𝟒(𝟐𝒙 − 𝟕) + 𝟗
Simplify the answer by distributing and combining like terms.

(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = −𝟖𝒙 + 𝟐𝟖 + 𝟗
(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = −𝟖𝒙 + 𝟑𝟕
Thus, the new function defined by the composition of function f with g is

(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = −𝟖𝒙 + 𝟑𝟕

Example 2
Given f(x) = –4x + 9 and g(x) = 2x – 7

Find (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥)

Solution:

We know that the expression (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) is the same as the expression 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥))

(𝒈 ∘ 𝒇)(𝒙) = 𝒈(𝒇(𝒙))
Rewrite the function notation then, using the given value of f(x) and g(x), you can now evaluate
the function 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))by substituting f(x) and g(x).
Since the inside function in g(f(x)) is f(x), all the value of x in
(𝒈 ∘ 𝒇)(𝒙) = 𝒈(𝒇(𝒙)) function g must be replaced with the given value of
function f. in this case it is given that g(x) = 2x – 7,
therefore, we replace the x with the given value of f(x),
(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟕 which is -4x + 9.

(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝟐(−𝟒𝒙 + 𝟗) − 𝟕
Simplify the answer by distributing and combining like terms.

(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = −𝟖𝒙 + 𝟏𝟖 − 𝟕
(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = −𝟖𝒙 + 𝟏𝟏
Thus, the new function defined by the composition of function g with f is

(𝒈 ∘ 𝒇)(𝒙) = −𝟖𝒙 + 𝟏𝟏

Notice that in Examples 1 and 2 the functions f(x) = –4x + 9 and g(x) = 2x – 7 were the same, but
(f o g)(x) and (g o f )(x) produced different answers. These two examples should help us understand
why we need to be very specific when we are asked to find either (f o g)(x) or (g o f )(x). The way we
write down the problem can make a big difference in our answer.

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 Time for Mental Math!
Solve for the new defined function of the following composite functions:

a. (g o h)(x) b. (h o g)(x)

1. g (x) = -2x3 – 5x +4 ; b (x) = 3x2 + 2x – 6

2. g (x) = −6𝑥 + 5 ; b (x) = −9𝑥 − 11

Good Luck

Additional Readings and Materials

If you have trouble with doing the following concepts, visit the link provided to refresh your previous learned
concepts.

Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions/Fractions:

https://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/unit16/adding-subtract-unlike-fractions

Composition of Functions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVOydI0TcDs

Factoring Polynomials
https://youtu.be/KUMhpKGwpCY

Factoring Rational Expressions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrCuFacXCRw

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Answers to Math Meter:

If f(x) = x2 + 3x +5, find the function value if:

a. f(2) b. f(x+3) c. f(-x)

Solutions

a. f(2)
f(2) = (2)2 + 3(2) + 5 b. f(x+3) c. f(-x)
f(2) = 4 + 6 + 5 f(x+3) = (x+3)2 + 3(x+3) + 5 f(-x) = (-x)2 + 3(-x) + 5
f(2) = 15 f(x+3) = (x+3)(x+3) + 3x + 9 + 5 f-x2) = x2 – 3x + 5
f(x+3) = x2 + 6x + 9 + 3x + 9 + 5
f(x+3) = x2 + 9x + 23

<< Back

References
▪ Banigon, Ricardo Jr. B. & Camilon, Maita G. (2019). General Mathematics for Senior High School, Revised Edition. Educational Resources
Corporation
▪ Esparrago, Mirla S. & Reyes, Nestor Jr. V. (2004). Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, and Statistics. Phoenix Publishing House
▪ Wow Math. (2020, May 15). Functions II Grade 11 General Mathematics Q1 [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-
Pr3NoB9S9k&list=PLPPsDIdbG32ABexFREmJ1F9Tc47Z5nSGi&index=1
▪ Rowena Olofernes. (2020, September 15). Functions I SHS Grade 11 General Mathematics Quarter 1 Module 1 Lesson 1 [video file]. Retrieved
from https://youtu.be/8t875zSYkOc
▪ Mesacc.edu.(n.d.). Multiplying Polynomial Functions). Retrieved from
http://www.mesacc.edu/~scotz47781/mat120/notes/polynomials/functions/mult_functions.html#:~:text=Example%201%20%E2%80%93-
,Step%201%3A%20Rewrite%20the%20function%20notation%20as%20the%20multiplication%20of,Step%203%3A%20Combine%20like%20te
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▪ Mesacc.edu.(n.d.). Multiplying Rational Expressions. Retrieved from
http://www.mesacc.edu/~scotz47781/mat120/notes/rational/multiplying/multiplying.html

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