Matching rules are not equal without matching domains
The function is defined by , , , where is a constant. It is given that is the least possible value such that exists.
(i) State the value of . mark
(ii) Hence find and state the domain of . marks
(iii) Sketch on the same diagram the graphs of , and , giving the coordinates of all end points. marks
It is now given that is replaced by a constant such that the functions and are equal.
(iv) Explain why the new value of satisfies the equation , and find . marks
(v) The function is defined by , . Explain why composite does not exist. mark
[2021/EJC/Promo/8]
Solution
If this part uses an earlier result, revisit (iv) Equality of composite functions or open all working together.
Existence of composites
for . Explain why does not exist.
Hint
exists if .
Find one output that is not in the domain.
The rule is fine for any real number. It is the domain that causes the problem.
Answer · (v)
does not exist: .
A counterexample
is not an integer, so it cannot be fed back into .