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Algebraic Operations on Functions

Sep 19, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains how to perform basic algebraic operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—on two linear functions: F(x) = 5x + 3 and G(x) = 2x - 1.

Given Functions

  • F(x) = 5x + 3
  • G(x) = 2x - 1

Addition of Functions

  • (F + G)(x) = F(x) + G(x) = (5x + 3) + (2x - 1)
  • Combine like terms: 5x + 2x = 7x; 3 - 1 = 2
  • Final result: (F + G)(x) = 7x + 2

Subtraction of Functions

  • (F - G)(x) = F(x) - G(x) = (5x + 3) - (2x - 1)

  • Distribute the minus sign: (5x + 3) - 2x + 1

  • Combine like terms: 5x - 2x = 3x; 3 + 1 = 4

  • Final result: (F - G)(x) = 3x + 4

  • (G - F)(x) = G(x) - F(x) = (2x - 1) - (5x + 3)

  • Distribute the minus sign: 2x - 1 - 5x - 3

  • Combine like terms: 2x - 5x = -3x; -1 - 3 = -4

  • Final result: (G - F)(x) = -3x - 4

Multiplication of Functions

  • (F * G)(x) = (5x + 3)(2x - 1)
  • Multiply terms: (5x)(2x) = 10x²; (5x)(-1) = -5x; (3)(2x) = 6x; (3)(-1) = -3
  • Combine like terms: -5x + 6x = x
  • Final result: (F * G)(x) = 10x² + x - 3

Division of Functions

  • (F / G)(x) = (5x + 3)/(2x - 1)
  • (G / F)(x) = (2x - 1)/(5x + 3)

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Function — a relation that assigns each input exactly one output.
  • Like terms — terms in algebraic expressions that have the same variable part.
  • Polynomial multiplication — distributing each term in the first polynomial by each term in the second.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice these operations with different functions to reinforce understanding.