Math Problem Statement

walk me through how to find fog(5). I already have fog(x)= -5(x^2 - 4)-1

Solution

To find fg(5)f \circ g(5), also written as fog(5)fog(5), follow these steps:


Step 1: Recall the composition definition

The function fog(x)fog(x) represents f(g(x))f(g(x)).
Here, you have fog(x)=5(x24)1fog(x) = -5(x^2 - 4) - 1, which suggests g(x)=x24g(x) = x^2 - 4 and f(g(x))=5(g(x))1f(g(x)) = -5(g(x)) - 1.


Step 2: Plug x=5x = 5 into g(x)g(x)

The inner function is g(x)=x24g(x) = x^2 - 4. Substituting x=5x = 5:
g(5)=524=254=21g(5) = 5^2 - 4 = 25 - 4 = 21


Step 3: Evaluate f(g(x))f(g(x)) using g(5)=21g(5) = 21

Since fog(x)=5(g(x))1fog(x) = -5(g(x)) - 1, substitute g(5)=21g(5) = 21:
fog(5)=5(21)1fog(5) = -5(21) - 1


Step 4: Simplify

fog(5)=1051=106fog(5) = -105 - 1 = -106


Final Answer:

fog(5)=106fog(5) = -106


Would you like more details on any step? Here are some follow-up questions to consider:

  1. Can you explain the concept of function composition in more depth?
  2. How can you verify g(x)=x24g(x) = x^2 - 4 fits within fog(x)fog(x)?
  3. What happens if g(x)g(x) changes to another function?
  4. How can graphing fog(x)fog(x) help visualize the composition?
  5. What if xx were a different value, like x=5x = -5?

Tip: Always simplify the inner function first before applying the outer function in compositions!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Function Composition
Algebra
Quadratic Functions

Formulas

f(g(x)) = -5(x^2 - 4) - 1

Theorems

Definition of Function Composition

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12