SHS

General
Mathematics
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
Operation on Functions

1
General Mathematics – SHS
Quarter 1 - Week 1, Module 3: OPERATIONS ON FUNCTIONS

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ownership over them.

Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Arthur Lawrence T. Yee

Editor: Desiree R. Euste
Reviewers: Sarah Christine P. Godoy
Simeon D. Brillantes
Illustrator: John Ervin Babor
Layout Artist: Jhomar B. Jaravata
Cover Art: Jed Adra

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 Introduction

Functions, like integers, can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided. If you

know the four basic operations on polynomials, then these would be very easy for you.
In this module, you will learn how to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and
division of functions and function composition.

Objectives

At the end of the self-directed module’s learning activities, you will be able
perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division of functions and function composition.
M11GM-Ia-3

Vocabulary list

In exploring and answering this module, you will encounter the following terms
and concepts to help you use them appropriately in context:

Composition of the Function 𝑓 with 𝑔 is denoted by 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 and is defined by the

equation (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)), for all x in the domain of 𝑔 for which 𝑔(𝑥) is in
the domain of 𝑓.

Domain The domain of a relation is the set of all possible values that the variable x
can take. (DepEd’s General Mathematics Learner’s Material, page 4.)

Function is a relation where each element in the domain is related to only one value
in the range by some rule. (DepEd’s General Mathematics Learner’s Material,
page 1.)

Operations on Functions refers to the rule of Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication,

Division and Composition of Functions.

1
 Pre-test
Directions: This test will evaluate your knowledge and skills prior to starting this
module. Read each question and write the letter that corresponds to your answer.

1. Which of the following represents (𝑔 + 𝑓)(𝑥), if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2 and

𝑔(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 ?
a) −2𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 c) −8𝑥 − 2
2 d) −8𝑥 + 2
b) −2𝑥 − 8𝑥 + 2

2. If 𝑓(𝑥) = −10 + 𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 8𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 12 , What is (𝑓)(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)?

a. −8𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 22 c. 8𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 22
2
b. −8𝑥 − 5𝑥 + 2 d. 8𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 2

3. The function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 1 is the product of which two functions below?

I. r(x) = 2x + 1
II. s(x) = x2 – 2x + 2
x+1
III. t(x) = 2x+1

a. I and II b. II and III c. I and III d. I,II and III

𝑓
4. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 6 and ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 3, then what is ( ) (𝑥)?
ℎ
a. 2 d. 2𝑥 + 2
1
b.
2
c. 2𝑥 − 2

5. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥, which of the following represents (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)?

a. 𝑥 2 − 2 c. 𝑥 2 + 2
b. 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 2 d. 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2

2
 Learning Activities

You encounter the basic operations: addition, subtraction,

multiplication and division in dealing with problems related to real-
life situations. We also apply it in manipulating algebraic
expressions.
If you know how to perform the four basic operations on
polynomials, then you can also add, subtract, multiply, and divide
functions as well as the composition of functions. The notation will
look different at first—but applying how to perform the different
operations on functions can help you arrive at the correct answer.
Operations on functions are summarized as follows:
Sum, Difference, Product, and Quotient of Functions

Let 𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔 be functions:

SUM: 𝑓 + 𝑔; (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)
DIFFERENCE: 𝑓 − 𝑔; (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)
PRODUCT: 𝑓 ∙ 𝑔 ; (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓⁄ 𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
QUOTIENT: 𝑔 ; ( ) (𝑥) = , where 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥)

Learn from the succeeding examples to perform the different operations on functions.

Example 1
Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5, find;
a. (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) c. (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥)
𝑓
b. (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) d. (𝑔) (𝑥)

Solution 1a Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5

The sum of these functions can be written f(x) + g(x) or as (f + g)(x),
therefore;
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) Definition of Sum of Functions.
= (2𝑥 − 3) + (𝑥 2 − 5) Substitute the given values of 𝑓(𝑥) and (𝑥) .
= 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 8 Add and Combine like terms.
That’s it—the sum of the two functions is the sum of the two polynomials,
thus (𝒇 + 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟖. The domain (x-values) of the function are all real
numbers.

Note: Subtracting functions follows the same process. As long as you remember
how to subtract one polynomial from the other, you can figure out how to subtract
one function from another

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Solution 1b Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5
The difference of these functions can be written f(x) - g(x) or as
(f - g)(x), therefore;
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥) Definition of Difference of Functions.
2
= (2𝑥 − 3) − (𝑥 − 5) Substitute the given values of 𝑓(𝑥)
and 𝑔(𝑥).
= 2𝑥 − 3 − 𝑥 2 + 5 Distributive Property.
= −𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 2 Subtract and Combine like terms.

That’s it—the difference of the two functions is the difference of

the two polynomials, thus (𝒇 − 𝒈)(𝒙) = −𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟐. The domain (x-
values) of the function are all real numbers.

Multiplying and Dividing functions is also just like

Multiplying and Dividing polynomials. Let us take a look on
the solutions for 1c and 1d.

Solution 1c Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5

To find the product, multiply the two given functions.

(𝑓𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥) Definition of Product of Functions.

2
= (2𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 5) Substitute the given values of 𝑓(𝑥) and (𝑥) .
3 2
= 2𝑥 − 10𝑥 − 3𝑥 + 15 Multiply(2𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 2 − 5).
= 𝟐𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎𝒙 + 𝟏𝟓 Combine like terms.
That’s it—the product of the two functions is the product of the two
polynomials, thus (𝒇𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎𝒙 + 𝟏𝟓. The domain (x-values) of
the function are all real numbers.

Solution 1d
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5
To find the quotient, divide 𝑓(𝑥) by 𝑔(𝑥) that can be written as
𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
(𝑔) (𝑥)𝑜𝑟 𝑔(𝑥)
. Definition of Quotient of Functions.
Substitute the given polynomials as values
𝑓 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑥)
(𝑔) (𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) of 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) in 𝑔(𝑥)
.
(2𝑥−3)
= (𝑥 2 −5) Divide polynomials. Write ", 𝐱 ≠ ±ξ𝟓”,
because 𝐱 = ±ξ𝟓 would make the
𝑓
≠ ±ξ𝟓 denominator 0, and (𝑔)
𝟐𝐱−𝟑 (𝑥) undefined.
= ,𝐱
𝒙𝟐 −𝟓

Therefore, the quotient of the two functions is the quotient of the two
𝑓 𝟐𝐱−𝟑 𝑓
polynomials, thus ( ) (𝑥) = 𝟐 , 𝐱 ≠ ±ξ𝟓. The domain of ( ) (𝑥) is the set of all
𝑔 𝒙 −𝟓 𝑔
real numbers except ±ξ𝟓.

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 Example 2

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 2 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 4, find;

a. (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) c. (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥)
𝑓
b. (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) d. (𝑔) (𝑥)

Solution 2

a. (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) Definition of Sum of Functions.

2
= (3𝑥 + 2) + (𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 4) Substitute the given values of 𝑓(𝑥)
and (𝑥) .
= 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟐 Add and Combine like terms

b. (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥) Definition of Difference of Functions.

= (3𝑥 + 2) − ൫𝑥2 + 3𝑥 − 4൯ Substitute the given values of 𝑓(𝑥)
and 𝑔(𝑥).
= 3𝑥 + 2 − 𝑥2 − 3𝑥 + 4 Distributive Property.
= −𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔 Subtract and Combine like terms.

c. (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥) Definition of Product of Functions.

= (3𝑥 + 2)(𝑥2 + 3𝑥 − 4) Substitute the given values of 𝑓(𝑥)
and 𝑔(𝑥).
= 3𝑥3 + 9𝑥2 − 12𝑥 + 2𝑥2 + 6𝑥 − 8 Multiply Polynomials.
= 𝟑𝒙𝟑 + 𝟏𝟏𝒙𝟐 − 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟖 Combine like terms.

𝑓 𝑓(𝑥) Definition of Quotient of Functions.

d. (𝑔) (𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥)
3𝑥+2
= 𝑥 2 +3𝑥−4
𝟑𝐱+𝟐
= (𝒙+𝟒)(𝒙−𝟏) , 𝐱 ≠ 𝟏 𝐚𝐧𝐝 − 𝟒
𝑓
The domain of (𝑔) (𝑥) is the
set of all real
except 𝟏 𝐚𝐧𝐝 − 𝟒.
Substitute the given polynomials as
𝑓(𝑥)
values of 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) in 𝑔(𝑥).
Divide Polynomials.
Write", 𝐱 ≠ 𝟏 𝐚𝐧𝐝 − 𝟒", it is because
𝐱 = 𝟏 𝐚𝐧𝐝 − 𝟒 would make the
𝑓
denominator 0, and (𝑔) (𝑥)
numbers undefined.

7
 Another operation on functions is called the composition of functions. In the
composition of functions, we substitute an entire function into another function

The Composition of Functions

Given the functions f and g, the composition of f
and g, denoted by 𝒇 ∘ 𝒈 is defined by the equation
(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒈(𝒙)), where 𝒇(𝒈(𝒙)) is read 𝒇 𝒐𝒇 𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒙.
It means that wherever there is an 𝑥 in the function 𝑓, it is
replaced with the function 𝑔(𝑥). The domain of (𝒇 ∘ 𝒈) is
the set of all 𝑥 such that;
1. 𝑥 is in the domain of 𝑔 ; and
2. 𝑔(𝑥) is in the domain of 𝑓.

Example 3

Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 5 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3, find:

a. (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)
b. (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥)

Solution 3a

Since (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) means 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)), we must replace each

occurrence of 𝑥 in the function 𝑓 by 𝑔(𝑥).
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 5
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓൫𝑔(𝑥)൯ = 3൫𝑔(𝑥)൯ − 5 Given the equation for 𝑓
= 3(2𝑥 − 3) − 5
Replace 𝑥 by 𝑔(𝑥)
= 6𝑥 − 9 − 5
Replace 𝑔(𝑥) by (2𝑥 − 3)
= 6𝑥 − 14
Apply Distribution Law
Combine like terms
Thus, (𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟏𝟒.

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Solution 3b

Since (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) means 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)), we must replace each

occurrence of 𝑥 in the function 𝑔 by𝑓(𝑥) .

𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 Given the equation for 𝑔

(𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔൫𝑓(𝑥)൯ = 2൫𝑓(𝑥)൯ − 3 Replace 𝑥 by 𝑓(𝑥)

= 2(3𝑥 − 5) − 3 Replace 𝑓(𝑥) by (3𝑥 − 5)

Apply Distribution Law
= 6𝑥 − 10 − 3
Combine like terms
= 6𝑥 − 13
Thus, (𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟏𝟑.

Now, it’s your turn to try,

ARE YOU READY?

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 Practice Task 1

Direction: Determine whether or not each statement is True or False. If the statement is
False, write an argument to make the statement correct.

1. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 4 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3 then (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = −7.

2. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 5𝑥 then (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 + 3.

3. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 + 9 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 3 then (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 5𝑥 + 12.

𝑓
4. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 6 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 4𝑥 then ( ) (2) = 1.
𝑔

5. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 4 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3 then (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 2.

I know, you
can do it!!!

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 Practice Task 2

DIRECTION:
Two functions are given below. Choose
the best Operations on Functions performed in RIDDLE:
Column B that gives the answer in Column A, and
then write the corresponding letter of your answer Until I am measured
below the number to answer the riddle. I am not known
Yet how you miss me
GIVEN: When I have flown.
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 3 and Who am I?
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3

COLUMN A COLUMN B
𝒙+𝟑
1. T - (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥)
𝟑

2. 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 M - (𝑔 − 𝑓)(𝑥)
𝒈
3. 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 6 I - ( 𝒇 )(𝑥)

4. 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 12 A - (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥)
E - (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)

Write your
answer at the
right.

3 1 2 4

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 Practice Task 3

Direction: Perform the given operation on functions.

1 9
1. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 5 − 3𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 8𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 5, find;
a. (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥)
b. (𝑔 − 𝑓)(𝑥)

2 1
2. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 6 𝑥, find;
a. (𝑓 ∙ 𝑔)(𝑥)
𝑔
b. (𝑓 ) (𝑥)

1 1
3. Let ℎ(𝑥) = 4𝑥+1 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥, find 𝑔(ℎ(𝑥)).

12
 Post-test

Directions: This test will evaluate your knowledge and skills after completing this
module. Read each question carefully then write the letter of your answer.

1. Which of the following represents (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥), if 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 5 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 7𝑥 + 5 ?

a. 2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 c. 2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 10
b. 2𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 10 d. 2𝑥 2 + 10

2. If 𝑓(𝑥) = −6 + 𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 1 , find (𝑔)(𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)?

a. 6𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 5 c. 6𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 7
b. 6𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 5 d. 6𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 7

2
3. Which two functions below have the quotient of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−2 ?
I. 𝑟(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 6
II. 𝑠(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6
III. 𝑡(𝑥) = 4𝑥 + 12

a. I and II b. II and III c. I and III d. I,II and III

4. If 𝑓(𝑥) = −7𝑥 + 2 and ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 , then what is (𝑓 ∙ ℎ)(𝑥)?

a. −7𝑥 4 + 5𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 c. −7𝑥 4 − 5𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2
b. −7𝑥 4 + 5𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 d. −7𝑥 4 − 5𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2

5. If ℎ(𝑥) = 3𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 + 12 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 14, which of the following represents

(𝑔 ∘ ℎ)(𝑥)?

a. 3𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 − 26 c. 3𝑥 4 − 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 + 2
b. 3𝑥 4 − 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 + 26 d. 3𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 − 2

Good Job!!!

13
 Assignment

Solve the following problems.

Given:
a.) r(x) = 2x + 1
b.) s(x) = x2 – 2x + 2
2x + 1
c.) t(x) =
x–1

1. Express the function f1(x) = x2 + 3 as the sum of two functions above.

2. Express the function f2(x) = x2 – 4x + 1 as the difference of two functions above.

References:
Department of Education. (2016). General Mathematics Learner’s Material
First Edition. Lexicon Press Inc.
Oronce, O.A. (2016). General Mathematics. Rex Bookstore, Inc.

14
 Answer key

PRE-TEST
1. D
2. B
3. C
4. A
5. D

PRACTICE TASK 1
1. True
2. False, 5𝑥 2 + 15𝑥
3. False, 5𝑥 + 6
4. True
5. True

PRACTICE TASK 2

3 1 2 4

T I M E

PRACTICE TASK 3
1. a. (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 8𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 2
8
b. (𝑔 − 𝑓)(𝑥) = 8𝑥 2 − 𝑥 +
5
4 1
2. a. (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 − 3 𝑥 2 + 9
𝑥
𝑔 𝑥
b. ( ) (𝑥) =
𝑓 4
3. ൫𝑔(ℎ)൯(𝑥) = 4𝑥 + 1

POST TEST
1. A
2. B
3. A
4. C
5. D

ASSIGNMENT
1. 𝑟(𝑥) + 𝑠(𝑥) 2. 𝑠(𝑥) − 𝑟(𝑥)

15
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