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Week 5 Module 5
Subtraction of Functions
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Define the concept of function operations, particularly subtraction of
functions.
2. Analyze how to find the difference of two functions algebraically,
through tables, and graphically.
3. Solve real-life and mathematical problems involving subtraction of
functions using appropriate strategies.
Prepared by
Mr. Matthew P. Alvarez
General Mathematics Teacher
This module will serve as your guide in the subject General Mathematics. It covers topics from the DepEd
curriculum for the first semester of SY 2025–2026. In this module, you will explore how to subtract functions
— a key operation used when comparing changes, values, or trends across different processes.
The module provides definitions, step-by-step examples, interactive activities, and real-world problems that
allow you to apply your learning. Work through each section carefully and enjoy discovering how mathematics
can help you make comparisons and decisions. Good luck and happy learning!
1
Review: What is a Function?
Before we dive into addition, let’s recall:
A function is a relation in which every input (x) has exactly one output (f(x)).
You can think of a function as a machine:
Input (x) → [ FUNCTION MACHINE ] → Output (f(x))
Examples:
f(x) = 2x + 3
g(x) = x² – 4
These functions take your input, perform operations, and give a unique result.
➖ What is Subtraction of Functions?
Function subtraction means subtracting the outputs of two functions for the same input value.
✏️Definition:
Given two functions f(x) and g(x):
(f − g)(x) = f(x) − g(x)
You are simply subtracting the expression or the value of g(x) from f(x). This is also called pointwise
subtraction, because you're subtracting the function values at each point x.
🧮 Step-by-Step Process:
Algebraic Form:
1. Write both functions f(x) and g(x).
2. Subtract the second function’s expression from the first:
(f − g)(x) = f(x) − g(x)
3. Simplify the resulting expression.
4. Evaluate for a specific x if required.
✅ Example 1: Algebraic Subtraction
Let:
• f(x) = 3x − 2
• g(x) = x² + 4x
Find: (f − g)(x)
Solution:
(f − g)(x) = (3x − 2) − (x² + 4x)
= 3x − 2 − x² − 4x
= −x² − x − 2 ✅
2
✅ Example 2: Evaluate Function Difference
Let:
• f(x) = 2x + 5
• g(x) = x² − 1
Find: (f − g)(3)
Step 1: f(3) = 2(3) + 5 = 11
Step 2: g(3) = (3)² − 1 = 9 − 1 = 8
Step 3: (f − g)(3) = f(3) − g(3) = 11 − 8 = 3
Tables help visualize how function values are subtracted across the same input values.
📉 Using Graphs (Conceptual)
If two functions are graphed:
• To find (f − g)(x), subtract the y-values (outputs) of g(x) from f(x) for each x.
• The graph of f − g lies above or below the original graphs depending on the difference between outputs.
This is especially helpful when analyzing differences like profit vs cost, height vs depth, or income vs
expenses.
🔍 Guided Practice (to be answered in the class)
Let’s Try These!
1. If f(x) = x² – 4x and g(x) = 2x + 1, find (f − g)(x)
2. If f(x) = 3x – 5 and g(x) = x², find (f − g)(3)
3. If f(x) = 5 and g(x) = x – 2, find (f − g)(x)
3
ANSWER ME!
Fill in the Missing Parts
1. f(x) = 2x + 1, g(x) = x² − 3
Find (f − g)(2)
f(2) = ______
g(2) = ______
(f − g)(2) = ______
2. f(x) = x − 4, g(x) = 3x + 5
Find (f − g)(x) = ___________
✔️True or False: Analyze Me
State whether each solution is correct. If not, correct it.
1. f(x) = 2x − 1, g(x) = x²
Claim: (f − g)(2) = (4 − 1) − (4) = 3 − 4 = −1
✅ TRUE or ❌ FALSE? Why?
2. f(x) = x² + 1, g(x) = −x
Claim: (f − g)(−1) = ((−1)² + 1) − (1) = 2 − 1 = 1
✅ TRUE or ❌ FALSE?
🏡 Real-Life Application
Scenario:
A delivery company tracks total expenses and income for the day.
• Income function: f(x) = 200x, where x is the number of deliveries
• Expense function: g(x) = 50x + 100
1. What is the net profit function?
→ (f − g)(x) = 200x − (50x + 100)
→ = 150x − 100 ✅
2. If 10 deliveries were made, what is the net profit?
→ (f − g)(10) = 150(10) − 100 = 1,500 − 100 = ₱1,400
ANSWER ME!
A. Multiple Choice (Conceptual Understanding)
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answer on the space provided.
___1. What does the expression (f − g)(x) represent?
A. The sum of f(x) and g(x)
B. The output of the composed function
C. The difference between f(x) and g(x) at the same input x
D. The inverse of f(x)
___2. If f(x) = 2x + 3 and g(x) = x² − x, what is (f − g)(x)?
A. x² + x + 3
B. −x² + 3x + 3
C. −x² + 3x + 3
D. x² + 3x − 3
___3. If f(x) = 5 and g(x) = 3x − 2, what is (f − g)(x)?
A. 3x + 3
B. 5 − 3x + 2
4
C. 3x − 7
D. −3x + 7
___4. In a table of values, how is (f − g)(x) computed?
A. Add the y-values of f(x) and g(x)
B. Subtract the y-values of g(x) from f(x)
C. Multiply the values of x and y
D. Divide f(x) by g(x)
___5. What happens when you subtract a quadratic function from a linear function?
A. The result is always linear
B. The result may be a quadratic expression
C. The result is a constant
D. The result becomes exponential
B. Problem Solving (Show Solutions Clearly)
6. Given:
f(x) = 2x² − 5 and g(x) = x + 3
Find the difference: (f − g)(x) and simplify.
7. Evaluate (f − g)(2) given:
f(x) = 4x − 1 and g(x) = x² − 2x + 3
✅ Summary: What Have You Learned?
In this module, you learned:
✔️Functions can be subtracted by subtracting their outputs at each input value.
✔️Subtraction of functions can be done algebraically, in tables, or graphically.
✔️Real-life problems often involve comparing functions like income vs. expense, or height vs. depth.
Remember: In math, subtraction of functions helps us analyze differences, compare changes, and make
better decisions.
Prepared by:
Mr. Matthew P. Alvarez
Mathematics Teacher
