Basic Operations
Basic Operations
Adding Functions
The four main operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division can also be performed with functions. During this course, these basic operations will be further discussed in the polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic units.
To add functions, combine like terms.
Example Given f(x) = 3x2 +4x – 5 and g(x) = 2x2 - 6x + 5, find f(x) + g(x).
To add functions, combine like terms.
Example Given f(x) = 3x2 +4x – 5 and g(x) = 2x2 - 6x + 5, find f(x) + g(x).
Step 1. Replace f(x) and g(x) with their equivalent expressions.
f (x) + g(x)
(3x2 +4x – 5) + (2x2 - 6x + 5)
Step 2. Eliminate the parentheses and combine like terms.
3x2 +4x – 5 + 2x2 - 6x + 5
(3x2 + 2x2) + (4x – 6x) + (-5 + 5)
5x2 – 2x