Functions 7 - Composite functions

In this seventh installment of Functions, you'll discover how to compute the value of composite functions, using examples with f(x), g(x), and h(x). By understanding the definition and notation of composite functions, you can figure out what g of negative 2 is or find the value of h of f of negative 5. Through hands-on exercises, you'll learn how to combine the different functions, calculate the square root of x, and use the distributive property to add like terms. You'll also see how solving f of g of x yields the same answer as plugging in a particular number.

Learn how to compute the value of composite functions.

• What is (f o g)(-2) if f(x) = x^2 - 3x + 5, g(x) = -4x + 1, and h(x) = square root of x?
• What is (h o g)(-2) if f(x) = x^2 - 3x + 5, g(x) = -4x + 1, and h(x) = square root of x?
• What is (g o f)(4) if f(x) = x^2 - 3x + 5, g(x) = -4x + 1, and h(x) = square root of x?
• What is (h o f)(-5) if f(x) = x^2 - 3x + 5, g(x) = -4x + 1, and h(x) = square root of x?
• What is (f o g)(x) if f(x) = x^2 - 3x + 5, g(x) = -4x + 1, and h(x) = square root of x?
• How do you compute the value of composite functions?
• How do you know which function to compute first in a composite function?