Math Problem Statement

(MTH Quiz/Exam) Given f(x) = sqrt(x + 2) and g(x) = 1/(x - 1), which of the following are not defined at x = 1?

Solution

To analyze the problem:

We are tasked with determining which expressions are not defined at x=1x = 1 given the following:

  • f(x)=x+2f(x) = \sqrt{x + 2}
  • g(x)=1x1g(x) = \frac{1}{x - 1}

Step 1: Examine each function at x=1x = 1

  • f(x)=x+2f(x) = \sqrt{x + 2}: At x=1x = 1, f(1)=1+2=3f(1) = \sqrt{1 + 2} = \sqrt{3}, which is defined.

  • g(x)=1x1g(x) = \frac{1}{x - 1}: At x=1x = 1, g(1)=111=10g(1) = \frac{1}{1 - 1} = \frac{1}{0}, which is undefined.

Step 2: Analyze each option

  1. f(x)+g(x)f(x) + g(x): f(1)+g(1)f(1) + g(1) involves adding 3\sqrt{3} (defined) and 10\frac{1}{0} (undefined), so this expression is not defined at x=1x = 1.

  2. g(x)f(x)g(x) - f(x): g(1)f(1)g(1) - f(1) involves subtracting 3\sqrt{3} (defined) from 10\frac{1}{0} (undefined), so this expression is not defined at x=1x = 1.

  3. (fg)(x)(fg)(x) (product of f(x)f(x) and g(x)g(x)): f(1)g(1)=310f(1) \cdot g(1) = \sqrt{3} \cdot \frac{1}{0}, which involves multiplication with an undefined term, so this expression is not defined at x=1x = 1.

  4. g(f(x))g(f(x)) (composition of g(x)g(x) with f(x)f(x)): f(1)=3f(1) = \sqrt{3}, so g(f(1))=g(3)=131g(f(1)) = g(\sqrt{3}) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3} - 1}. This is defined because 310\sqrt{3} - 1 \neq 0.

Conclusion

The expressions not defined at x=1x = 1 are:

  • f(x)+g(x)f(x) + g(x)
  • g(x)f(x)g(x) - f(x)
  • (fg)(x)(fg)(x)

Would you like further clarification or detailed steps? Here are related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. What happens if x=2x = 2 for these functions?
  2. How does g(f(x))g(f(x)) behave for other values of xx?
  3. Why does division by zero make a function undefined?
  4. Could f(x)f(x) ever cause undefined behavior for g(f(x))g(f(x))?
  5. How can these concepts apply to composite functions in calculus?

Tip: Always evaluate domain restrictions carefully when dealing with square roots or divisions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Functions
Domain of Functions
Undefined Values

Formulas

Square root function f(x) = sqrt(x + c)
Rational function g(x) = 1/(x - c)

Theorems

Division by zero is undefined
Domain restrictions for square root and rational functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12