Math Problem Statement

The functions f and g are defined as follows: f(x) = x^2 - 2x - 6 and g(x) = (5x - 1) / (9x - 4). Find f(x + 8) and g(x/4). Write your answers without parentheses and simplify them as much as possible.

Solution

Let's go step-by-step and solve the two parts:

1. Finding f(x+8)f(x + 8)

Given: f(x)=x22x6f(x) = x^2 - 2x - 6

To find f(x+8)f(x + 8), substitute x+8x + 8 into the function f(x)f(x): f(x+8)=(x+8)22(x+8)6f(x + 8) = (x + 8)^2 - 2(x + 8) - 6

Expand the terms:

  • (x+8)2=x2+16x+64(x + 8)^2 = x^2 + 16x + 64
  • 2(x+8)=2x16-2(x + 8) = -2x - 16

Now, substitute these back into the expression for f(x+8)f(x + 8): f(x+8)=x2+16x+642x166f(x + 8) = x^2 + 16x + 64 - 2x - 16 - 6 Simplify: f(x+8)=x2+14x+42f(x + 8) = x^2 + 14x + 42

So, f(x+8)=x2+14x+42f(x + 8) = x^2 + 14x + 42

2. Finding g(x4)g\left( \frac{x}{4} \right)

Given: g(x)=5x19x4g(x) = \frac{5x - 1}{9x - 4}

To find g(x4)g\left( \frac{x}{4} \right), substitute x4\frac{x}{4} into the function g(x)g(x): g(x4)=5(x4)19(x4)4g\left( \frac{x}{4} \right) = \frac{5\left( \frac{x}{4} \right) - 1}{9\left( \frac{x}{4} \right) - 4}

Simplify the numerator and denominator:

  • Numerator: 5×x4=5x45 \times \frac{x}{4} = \frac{5x}{4}, so the numerator becomes 5x41\frac{5x}{4} - 1
  • Denominator: 9×x4=9x49 \times \frac{x}{4} = \frac{9x}{4}, so the denominator becomes 9x44\frac{9x}{4} - 4

Now combine the terms: g(x4)=5x419x44g\left( \frac{x}{4} \right) = \frac{\frac{5x}{4} - 1}{\frac{9x}{4} - 4}

To eliminate the fractions, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 4: g(x4)=5x49x16g\left( \frac{x}{4} \right) = \frac{5x - 4}{9x - 16}

So, g(x4)=5x49x16g\left( \frac{x}{4} \right) = \frac{5x - 4}{9x - 16}

Final Answers:

  1. f(x+8)=x2+14x+42f(x + 8) = x^2 + 14x + 42
  2. g(x4)=5x49x16g\left( \frac{x}{4} \right) = \frac{5x - 4}{9x - 16}

Would you like a detailed explanation of any part of this process or have further questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you evaluate functions with more complex expressions like f(x2)f(x - 2)?
  2. What happens if we evaluate g(2x)g(2x) for the given function g(x)g(x)?
  3. Can you explain how to simplify algebraic fractions like 5x41\frac{5x}{4} - 1?
  4. What if you needed to compute f(x2)f(x^2)? How would that change the approach?
  5. How do you handle cases where the substitution leads to undefined values, such as g(x)g(x) when the denominator becomes zero?

Tip: Always simplify the expression fully after substitution to avoid missing hidden terms that might cancel out or combine.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Functions
Substitution
Simplification
Rational Expressions

Formulas

f(x) = x^2 - 2x - 6
g(x) = (5x - 1) / (9x - 4)

Theorems

Substitution Principle
Simplification of Algebraic Expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12