Let and . Then the domain of the funtion h(x) = f(g(x)) + g(f(x)) is all real numbers except
Correct Answer :
Solution :
The correct option is the one stating that the domain is all real numbers except:
To find the domain of the function h(x) = f(g(x)) + g(f(x)), we need to ensure that both terms, f(g(x)) and g(f(x)), are mathematically defined. This means analyzing the domains of the inner functions and the composite functions.
Step 1: Find the restrictions for f(g(x))
For the composition f(g(x)) to be defined, two conditions must be met:
First, the inner function g(x) must be defined. The denominator of g(x) cannot be zero:
Second, the output of g(x) must fall within the domain of the outer function f(x). Looking at f(x), its denominator cannot be zero, which means its input cannot equal 1/2. Therefore, we must have:
Substituting the expression for g(x):
Cross-multiplying gives us:
Thus, from f(g(x)), we know that x cannot be 1 or -1.
Step 2: Find the restrictions for g(f(x))
Similarly, for g(f(x)) to be defined:
First, the inner function f(x) must be defined. Its denominator cannot be zero:
Second, the output of f(x) must be a valid input for the outer function g(x). Because the denominator of g(x) becomes zero when its input is 1, we must restrict f(x) from equaling 1:
Substituting the expression for f(x):
Multiplying both sides by the denominator yields:
Subtracting x from both sides and moving the constant gives:
Thus, from g(f(x)), we see that x cannot be 1/2 or 1.
Step 3: Combine all restrictions
Combining the excluded values from both parts, x cannot be equal to -1, 1/2, or 1. If x equals any of these values, at least one part of the function h(x) will be undefined.
Therefore, the domain of h(x) is all real numbers except -1, 1/2, and 1.
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