Composite Functions

A composite function is a combination of two functions. You apply one

function to the result of another
The composition of the function with the function is written as
( ), which is read f of g of x, or (o)(), which is read f
composed with g on x
A composite function applies one function to the result of another and is
defined by o = ( )
Let = 2 + 1 and = 3
2
4
Find
a) 2

b) ()
Let = 2 + 1 and = 3
2
4
a) 2
You work from the inside out so first you have to substitute -2 into the
function f
2 = 2 2 + 1 = 3
Then substitute the value you have just found into the function g
3 = 3 (3)
2
4 = 23
Let = 2 + 1 and = 3
2
4
()
We work from the inside out. So first write down g(x)
= 3
2
4
We now insert the function g into the function f
= 3
2
4

= 2 3
2
4 + 1
= 6
2
8 + 1 = 6
2
7
We have done the same
process as we did before with
the numbers but instead
substituted an expression for x
into the next function.