SOLUTION: If f(x)= 1/((1/x)-3) , find the domain of f(f(x))

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Question 1208183: If f(x)= 1/((1/x)-3) , find the domain of f(f(x))
Answer by ikleyn(52803)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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If f(x)= 1/((1/x)-3) , find the domain of f(f(x))
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In order for the function f(x) be defined, every occurred denominator should/must be different from zero.


So, we write  f(x) = ,  and we see that 


         x  must be different from 0:  (x =/= 0);

    and

           must be different from 0,  which implies  

                       =/= 0,  1 =/= 3x,  x =/= 1/3.


In this way, we obtain the  first necessary condition: 

    function f(x) is defined over the set of all real numbers, except of x= 0  and/or  x= 1/3.


    +--------------------------------------------------+
    |   At this point, half of the problem is solved,  |
    |      and the domain of f(x) is determined.       |
    |    Now I will work to solve the second half,     |
    |     which is finding the domain for f(f(x)).     |
    +--------------------------------------------------+


Now, in order for f(f(x)) be defined, these two additional conditions must be satisfied: 

    f(x) =/= 0  and f(x) =/= 1/3.


If f(x) is defined,  then  f(x) =  = .


Since x= 0 is not in the domain, we see that if f(x) is defined, then it is never equal to zero;
so this case is over without giving new restrictions.


If f(x) is defined and  f(x) = 1/3,  then

     = ,

    3x = 1 - 3x  --->  3x + 3x = 1  --->  6x = 1  --->  x = 1/6.


Thus, the domain of f(f(x)) is the set of all real numbers except of 0, 1/3 and 1/6.


                    Now the problem is solved completely.


ANSWER.  The domain of f(f(x)) is the set of all real numbers except of 0, 1/3 and 1/6.

Solved completely.



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