Math Problem Statement

Find the composition of the functions F(x) = x^2 - 1 and g(x) = 1/x, and determine (F∘g)(x).

Solution

The problem asks for the composition of two functions, F(x)=x21F(x) = x^2 - 1 and g(x)=1xg(x) = \frac{1}{x}, where we are tasked with finding (Fg)(x)(F \circ g)(x), which is the composition of FF and gg, also written as F(g(x))F(g(x)).

Let's break it down:

  1. First, identify g(x)g(x): g(x)=1xg(x) = \frac{1}{x}

  2. Now substitute g(x)g(x) into F(x)F(x): F(g(x))=F(1x)F(g(x)) = F\left( \frac{1}{x} \right) Since F(x)=x21F(x) = x^2 - 1, we replace xx with 1x\frac{1}{x}: F(1x)=(1x)21=1x21F\left( \frac{1}{x} \right) = \left( \frac{1}{x} \right)^2 - 1 = \frac{1}{x^2} - 1

Thus, the composition (Fg)(x)=F(g(x))(F \circ g)(x) = F(g(x)) is: (Fg)(x)=1x21(F \circ g)(x) = \frac{1}{x^2} - 1

Would you like more details, or do you have any further questions? Here are some related questions you might consider:

  1. How do you find the domain of a composite function?
  2. What happens if you compose gF(x)g \circ F(x) instead of Fg(x)F \circ g(x)?
  3. How do you handle compositions with trigonometric functions?
  4. What are common mistakes when composing functions?
  5. How can we visually interpret function compositions?

Tip: When composing functions, always substitute carefully, paying close attention to where the inner function replaces the variable in the outer function!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Function Composition
Algebra

Formulas

F(g(x)) = F(1/x)
F(x) = x^2 - 1
g(x) = 1/x

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12