Functions: Composite Functions
Composite functions

Overview
A composite function is created when the output from the first is used as the input for the second.
For h(x) = f(g(x)), the output of g(x) becomes the input for f(x).
If f(x) = (x + 3)2 and g(x) = 5x,
then h(x) = f(g(x)) = f(5x)
f(5x) = (5x + 3)2 = 25x2 + 30x + 9
For more on this topic, have a look at our CfE Higher Mathematics Study Guide, p22-23.
Related Videos
Clip about composite functions:
Quizzes
Click a link below to take a topic quiz:
Thoughts
1. The functions f and g are defined by f(x) = x2 + 1 and g(x) = 3x – 4, on the set of real numbers. Find g(f(x)). (2)
2. Functions f and g are defined on the set of real numbers by
f(x) = x2 + 3
g(x) = x + 4
Find expressions for:
(a) f(g(x)) (2)
(b) g(f(x)) (1)
3. Functions f and g are defined on suitable domains by
f(x) = x(x – 1) + q, and
g(x) = x + 3
Find an expression for f(g(x)). (2)
4. Functions f and g are defined on suitable domains by f(x) = cosx and g(x) = x + π6
. What is the value of f(g(π6
))? (3)
5. Functions f, g and h are defined on the set of real numbers by
f(x) = x3 – 1,
g(x) = 3x + 1,
h(x) = 4x – 5
(a) Find g(f(x)) (2)
(b) Show that g(f(x)) + xh(x) = 3x3 + 4x2 – 5x – 2. (1)
6. The functions f and g are defined by
f(x) = 4x + 3, x ∈ R, and
g(x) = 1x2
, x ∈ R, x ≠ 0.
Write down:
(a) the composite function f(g(x)) (1)
(b) the inverse function f-1(x). (2)





