Finding domain and ranges for composition function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the domain and range of composite functions, specifically (f+g)(x) and (f*g)(x), where f(x) and g(x) are defined as F(x) = 1/(x-1) and g(x) = sqrt(x), and another set of functions f(x) = x+3 and g(x) = -x-4. Participants are exploring the implications of these functions on their respective domains and ranges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss methods for determining the domain by identifying restrictive values for x. There are inquiries about how to find the range without graphing, and some suggest using graphing utilities for more precise results. Others express confusion regarding discrepancies between calculated ranges and those found in reference materials.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts at finding domains and ranges, questioning the accuracy of their methods, and discussing the potential use of graphing tools. There is no explicit consensus, but several productive lines of inquiry are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problems may have been misposted in a physics section, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the problem context. There is also mention of homework constraints and the expectation of precision in answers, which may not align with the methods being discussed.

Coco12
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Homework Statement



Find the domain and range of (f+g)(x)
Given that
F(x)= 1/(x-1) and g(x) = sqrt(x)

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I added the two functions to get 1/(x-1) + sqrt(x)

To get domain, i look at the restrictive x values for both to get x greater than 0 and not equal to 1.
However how do i find the range?
 
Last edited:
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Coco12 said:

Homework Statement



Find the domain and range of (f+g)(x)
Given that
F(x)= 1/(x-1) and g(x) = sqrt(x)

Another question let's say:
f(x) = x+3
G(x)= -x-4
Find the domain and range of (f*g)(x)

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I added the two functions to get 1/(x-1) + sqrt(x)To get domain, i look at the restrictive x values for both to get x greater than 0 and not equal to 1.
However how do i find the range?
Graph both functions separately, preferably using different colors for each graph. Then, using a third color, or a marker pen, go over the parts of the two graphs for which x ≥ 0 and x ≠ 1. From that graph it should be evident what the range of the sum function is.
Coco12 said:
2) I multiplied f(x) and g(x) together to get -x^2-7x-12
My domain I got all real numbers, again how do i get the range?
The graph of the product function is a parabola that opens downward. You should already have a technique for finding the vertex of a parabola. Let's say that the vertex is at (a, b). Then the range will be {y| -∞ < y ≤ b}.

BTW, you misposted this problem in one of the physics sections. This is a precalc type problem, so I moved it to this section.
 
is there another way to find the range without graphing it?
the answer is y less than -0.7886 or y greater than 2.2287.
How can you get to that precise of an answer when graphing it by hand??
 
They're probably using a graphing calculator or some graphing utility.
 
ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1387135472.474199.jpg

For the second graph (f+g)(x)
The range in the back of the book says y less than .75 but u can see clearly in the graph that it is less than 1 ... What is going on?
 
Mark44 said:
They're probably using a graphing calculator or some graphing utility.
ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1387136498.132607.jpg

I drew the graph out it is just a sketch and would not be accurate on the range.. Are you expected to know precisely where it is?
 
Coco12 said:
View attachment 64817
For the second graph (f+g)(x)
The range in the back of the book says y less than .75 but u can see clearly in the graph that it is less than 1 ... What is going on?
The graphs don't show the sum or difference of the two functions. Those (sum or difference) are the graphs of interest here.
 
Mark44 said:
The graphs don't show the sum or difference of the two functions. Those (sum or difference) are the graphs of interest here.

The thing is how do you graph 1/(x-1) + sqrt (x)?
 
You can get a rough graph by doing it by hand. Pick values of x there are in the common domain for both functions (x ≥ 0, and x ≠ 1), the calculate the y-values.

As I said before, they are probably using a graphing calculator or computer graphics package.
 
  • #10
So for example I would take 0.5 and plug it into the composite formula?
 
  • #11
But the range won't be accurate right?
 

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