Math Problem Statement

Given the function f(x) = ax^2 + bx + 3 for x >= 2, with f(2) = 3 and f(f(3)) = 4.5, find the values of a and b.

Solution

The image contains the following information:

  1. The function is given as: f(x)=ax2+bx+3forx2f(x) = ax^2 + bx + 3 \quad \text{for} \quad x \geq 2

  2. Two specific function values are provided: f(2)=3f(2) = 3 f(f(3))=4.5f(f(3)) = 4.5

Task:

  • We need to find the constants aa and bb, and verify the given values of f(x)f(x).

Step 1: Use f(2)=3f(2) = 3 to find the first equation

Substitute x=2x = 2 into the function expression: f(2)=a(2)2+b(2)+3=4a+2b+3f(2) = a(2)^2 + b(2) + 3 = 4a + 2b + 3 We are given f(2)=3f(2) = 3, so: 4a+2b+3=3    4a+2b=0(Equation 1)4a + 2b + 3 = 3 \implies 4a + 2b = 0 \quad \text{(Equation 1)}

Step 2: Use f(f(3))=4.5f(f(3)) = 4.5 to find another equation

First, find f(3)f(3): f(3)=a(3)2+b(3)+3=9a+3b+3f(3) = a(3)^2 + b(3) + 3 = 9a + 3b + 3 Now, substitute f(3)f(3) into f(x)f(x): f(f(3))=f(9a+3b+3)f(f(3)) = f(9a + 3b + 3) Given that f(f(3))=4.5f(f(3)) = 4.5, we'll need to solve this.

Let's calculate these values.We have:

  1. From f(2)=3f(2) = 3, the equation is: 4a+2b=0(Equation 1)4a + 2b = 0 \quad \text{(Equation 1)}

  2. The expression for f(3)f(3) is: f(3)=9a+3b+3f(3) = 9a + 3b + 3

To proceed, we can use f(f(3))=4.5f(f(3)) = 4.5 by substituting this into the function. First, let's substitute f(3)=9a+3b+3f(3) = 9a + 3b + 3 into the function expression and solve using the given condition f(f(3))=4.5f(f(3)) = 4.5.It seems like I can’t do more advanced data analysis right now. Please try again later.

If you need further clarification, feel free to ask. Would you like to proceed with the next steps manually or discuss any details further?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How do we verify if a given function value is correct using a specific equation?
  2. What are the general steps to solve quadratic functions for unknown coefficients?
  3. Can you derive another example where two function values are given to find constants?
  4. What is the significance of solving for f(f(x))f(f(x)) in a composition of functions?
  5. How does the constraint x2x \geq 2 affect the function's domain?

Tip: When dealing with nested functions like f(f(x))f(f(x)), simplify the inner function first before substitution to avoid unnecessary complexity.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Quadratic Functions
Function Composition
Algebra

Formulas

f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c
f(f(x)) = g(f(x))
Solving a system of equations

Theorems

Quadratic Equation Theorem
System of Linear Equations

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11