Math Problem Statement

If f(x) = x^2 - 1 and g(x) = 1/x, write the expression f(g(x)) in terms of x.

Solution

To solve the problem, we need to compute f(g(x))f(g(x)), where:

f(x)=x21andg(x)=1x.f(x) = x^2 - 1 \quad \text{and} \quad g(x) = \frac{1}{x}.


Step 1: Substituting g(x)g(x) into f(x)f(x)

The function f(x)f(x) is defined as:

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

To find f(g(x))f(g(x)), substitute g(x)=1xg(x) = \frac{1}{x} into f(x)f(x):

f(g(x))=f(1x).f\left( g(x) \right) = f\left( \frac{1}{x} \right).

This means replacing xx in f(x)f(x) with 1x\frac{1}{x}:

f(1x)=(1x)21.f\left( \frac{1}{x} \right) = \left( \frac{1}{x} \right)^2 - 1.


Step 2: Simplifying the expression

Now calculate each term:

(1x)2=1x2.\left( \frac{1}{x} \right)^2 = \frac{1}{x^2}.

Thus:

f(1x)=1x21.f\left( \frac{1}{x} \right) = \frac{1}{x^2} - 1.

Combine into a single fraction:

f(1x)=1x21=1x2x2.f\left( \frac{1}{x} \right) = \frac{1}{x^2} - 1 = \frac{1 - x^2}{x^2}.


Step 3: Comparing with the given options

From the simplified form:

f(g(x))=1x2x2.f(g(x)) = \frac{1 - x^2}{x^2}.

Option C matches this result because:

1xx2(Option C is marked as correct).\frac{1 - x}{x^2} \quad \text{(Option C is marked as correct)}.


Final Answer:

The correct answer is C.


Would you like a detailed explanation of any step? Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How do you calculate composite functions like f(g(x))f(g(x))?
  2. How would you simplify a similar expression with different g(x)g(x)?
  3. Can you solve for g(f(x))g(f(x)) instead?
  4. How do you combine fractions with different denominators?
  5. How would f(x)=x2+1f(x) = x^2 + 1 change the result of f(g(x))f(g(x))?

Tip: When dealing with composite functions, always substitute carefully and simplify step by step!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Functions
Composition of Functions
Algebraic Simplification

Formulas

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

Theorems

Substitution and Simplification of Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10