Is the Composition of Functions $F$ and $G$ Correct?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the composition of two functions, \( F(x) = x + 5 \) and \( G(x) = \frac{|x|}{x} \) for \( x \neq 0 \) with \( G(0) = 1 \). Participants are examining the correctness of the composition \( G(F(x)) \) and its implications, including potential conflicts in the definition of \( G \).

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the composition \( G(F(x)) \) and provides a piecewise definition based on the value of \( x \).
  • Another participant expresses disagreement with the initial interpretation and suggests a different approach to defining \( G(F(x)) \), emphasizing the need to consider cases where \( x + 5 \) is zero.
  • A later reply reiterates the alternative approach to defining \( G(F(x)) \) and mentions that they graphed the function, finding it to appear correct.
  • Another participant agrees with the alternative approach and suggests working directly with the definition of \( G \) instead of breaking it into expressions.
  • Concerns are raised about a potential conflict in the definition of \( G \), specifically regarding the evaluation of \( G(F(x)) \) for certain values of \( x \) that could lead to multiple outputs, questioning whether it defines a function or merely a relation.
  • One participant again mentions that they graphed the function and found it to look correct, prompting a request for the specific commands used to generate the graph.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the composition \( G(F(x)) \). Multiple competing views and interpretations of the function definitions remain present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the definition of \( G \) and its implications for the composition, particularly concerning the evaluation of \( G(F(x)) \) at specific points.

Dustinsfl
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$F(x) = x + 5\qquad\qquad G(x) = \frac{|x|}{x}, \ \text{if} \ x\neq 0, \ G(0) = 1$

$G(F(x)) = G(x + 5) = \frac{|x + 5|}{x + 5} = \begin{cases}
1 & \text{if} \ x \geq 0\\
-1 & \text{if} \ x\in (0,-5)\cup (-5,\infty)
\end{cases}$

Is the correct for the composition?
 
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I'm not sure I'd quite agree yet. I would do
$$G(F(x))=G(x+5)=\begin{cases}\frac{|x+5|}{x+5}, \quad & x+5\not=0\\
1, \quad & x+5=0\end{cases},$$
and go from there.
 
Ackbach said:
I'm not sure I'd quite agree yet. I would do
$$G(F(x))=G(x+5)=\begin{cases}\frac{|x+5|}{x+5}, \quad & x+5\not=0\\
1, \quad & x+5=0\end{cases},$$
and go from there.

View attachment 325
I just graphed it and it looks right.
 
I agree with Ackbach. Perhaps it would be better if you just worked with the definition of $G$ as given instead of breaking it into exact expressions.
 
dwsmith said:
$F(x) = x + 5\qquad\qquad G(x) = \frac{|x|}{x}, \ \text{if} \ x\neq 0, \ G(0) = 1$

$G(F(x)) = G(x + 5) = \frac{|x + 5|}{x + 5} = \begin{cases}
1 & \text{if} \ x \geq 0\\
-1 & \text{if} \ x\in (0,-5)\cup (-5,\infty)
\end{cases}$

Is the correct for the composition?

Your definition has a conflict in it. Suppose $x=1$. Then it satisfies $x\geq 0$ as well as being in the interval $(-5,\infty)$. So $G \circ F$ would evaluate both to $+1$ and $-1$. Therefore, the composition you have defined there is not a function, but a relation. Either that, or it's an ill-defined function.
 
dwsmith said:
View attachment 325
I just graphed it and it looks right.

What exact commands did you execute to produce this graph?
 

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