# Math Help - Composite f, g, and/or h

1. ## Composite f, g, and/or h

For questions 1 and 2 below, let f(x) = x^2, g(x) = 3x and
h(x) = (sqrt{x}) + 1. Express each function as a composite of f, g and/or h.

(1) P(x) = 3(sqrt{x}) + 3

(2) Q(x) = sqrt({sqrt{x} + 1}) + 1

NOTE:

For question 2, the square root of x lies within another square root.

We have a square root within a square root.

Clear?

2. Originally Posted by symmetry
For questions 1 and 2 below, let f(x) = x^2, g(x) = 3x and
h(x) = (sqrt{x}) + 1. Express each function as a composite of f, g and/or h.

(1) P(x) = 3(sqrt{x}) + 3

(2) Q(x) = sqrt({sqrt{x} + 1}) + 1

NOTE:

For question 2, the square root of x lies within another square root.

We have a square root within a square root.

Clear?
Hello,

to (1):

P(x)=g(h(x)) and then expand the bracket.

to (2):

Q(x)= h(h(x))

Substitute a complete term instead of the x of the "outer" function.

EB

3. ## ok

Sorry...but I don't follow what you're saying.

Can you show me by doing one of the questions?

Thanks!

4. Originally Posted by symmetry
For questions 1 and 2 below, let f(x) = x^2, g(x) = 3x and
h(x) = (sqrt{x}) + 1. Express each function as a composite of f, g and/or h.

(1) P(x) = 3(sqrt{x}) + 3

(2) Q(x) = sqrt({sqrt{x} + 1}) + 1
Second attempt:

to (1)

$P(x)=3 \sqrt{x} +3=3 \underbrace{(\sqrt{x} +1)}_{\text{this is h}}=\underbrace{3 \cdot h(x)}_{\text{this is g with h(x) instead of x}}$. Therefore:

$P(x)=g(h(x))$

to (2)

$Q(x)=\underbrace{\sqrt{\underbrace{(\sqrt{x} +1)}_{\text{this is h}}}+1}_{\text{this is h with h instead of x}}$. Therefore:

$Q(x)=h(h(x))$

EB

5. ## ok

Thanks. I now know what you are talking about.