Calculating g(f(5)) for Composite Functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the composite function g(f(5)), where f(x) and g(x) are defined polynomial functions. The original poster is attempting to find the value of g at the output of f(5) and is concerned about the implications of the domain restrictions on g.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster calculates f(5) and subsequently evaluates g(10), leading to confusion about the negative result. Participants question the understanding of the domain restrictions on g and clarify the distinction between the domain of the function and the function's output.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively clarifying the misunderstanding regarding the domain of g. The original poster appears to be gaining clarity on the distinction between the domain and the function's output, with some guidance provided on how to interpret the restrictions correctly.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of understanding domain restrictions in the context of composite functions, particularly how they apply to the inputs of the functions involved.

ghostbuster25
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Im looking for g(f(5))

where f(x) = X^2 - 3x

and g(x) = 8 + 2x - x^2 xER and x is greater than or equal to 1

I have first found f(5)
(5)^2-3(5)
which equals 10

However when i do g(10)
8+2(10)-(10)^2

that gives me a negative number of -72! Which can't be right because g has to greater than or equal to 1

Where am i going wrong?
 
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No. What you said was that x has to be \geq 1, not g. There is a difference - can you tell me what the difference is?
 
cyby said:
No. What you said was that x has to be \geq 1, not g. There is a difference - can you tell me what the difference is?


is it because g is a gunction of x, not x itself!? am i doing it correctly then? :)
 
The difference is that you're limiting the *domain* of g to be positive. This said nothing about the function must evaluate to.

What this is essentially saying is that g(1) is ok, but g(0.5) isn't, because 0.5 is < 1.

Everything else looks good.
 
ahhh yer that makes sense :) thanks
 

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