Math Problem Statement

let f(x)=x^2-1 and g(x)=2(x-1), find g(f(x))

Solution

Given the functions f(x)=x21f(x) = x^2 - 1 and g(x)=2(x1)g(x) = 2(x - 1), we are tasked with finding g(f(x))g(f(x)).

Step 1: Substitute f(x)f(x) into g(x)g(x).

We start by substituting f(x)f(x) into g(x)g(x). Since f(x)=x21f(x) = x^2 - 1, we substitute this into g(x)g(x):

g(f(x))=2(f(x)1)g(f(x)) = 2(f(x) - 1)

Step 2: Replace f(x)f(x) with x21x^2 - 1.

Now, we substitute f(x)=x21f(x) = x^2 - 1 into the expression:

g(f(x))=2((x21)1)g(f(x)) = 2((x^2 - 1) - 1)

Step 3: Simplify the expression.

Simplify the terms inside the parentheses:

g(f(x))=2(x211)=2(x22)g(f(x)) = 2(x^2 - 1 - 1) = 2(x^2 - 2)

Step 4: Final expression.

Distribute the 22 to get the final result:

g(f(x))=2x24g(f(x)) = 2x^2 - 4

Thus, the composition g(f(x))g(f(x)) is:

g(f(x))=2x24g(f(x)) = 2x^2 - 4

Would you like further details on the process?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What is the domain of the composite function g(f(x))g(f(x))?
  2. How would you find f(g(x))f(g(x))?
  3. Can you find the inverse of g(x)g(x)?
  4. What would happen if the function g(x)g(x) was different, e.g. g(x)=3(x2)g(x) = 3(x-2)?
  5. How do you graph the composite function g(f(x))g(f(x))?

Tip: When working with function composition, always substitute carefully and simplify step by step to avoid mistakes!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Function Composition
Quadratic Functions
Algebra

Formulas

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

Theorems

-

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12