Compositions and inverse of of functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around checking the correctness of answers related to the composition and inverse of functions, specifically focusing on the functions f(x) = 7x² - 5x and g(x) = 2x - 3. Participants engage in verifying calculations and identifying errors in the responses provided.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents answers for various function operations, including (f-g)(x), (f-g)(2), (fg)(x), and g^-1(x).
  • Another participant identifies an error in the calculation of (f-g)(x), suggesting that the sign of the third term is incorrect.
  • There is a discussion about the calculation of (fg)(x), where a participant acknowledges a typo in their original answer, correcting it to 14x³ - 31x² + 15x.
  • Participants clarify the process of subtracting functions, emphasizing the importance of changing signs when performing the operation.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the feedback and acknowledges their mistake in the calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the identification of errors in the original answers, but there is no consensus on the correctness of the final answers without further verification.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations are noted as potentially containing typos, and the discussion reflects a reliance on peer feedback for verification rather than definitive conclusions.

drop
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Basically I don't know anyone in real life that can help me with this, so I need help checking to see if my answers are correct :)

Part B

2) Given the functions f(X) = 7x^2 - 5x and g(x) = 2x - 3 determine and simplify the following:

a) (f-g)(x)

My Answer: 7x^2 - 7x - 3

b) (f - g)(2)

My Answer: 17

c) (fg)(x)

My Answer: 14z^3 - 31x^2 + 5x

d) g^-1(x)

My Answer: 1/2x + 3/2
 
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Re: Please check my answers - 8

Part a) is incorrect, but it must merely be a typo since you have the correct result for part b). The sign of the third term is wrong.

Part c) is incorrect...you have a typo in which $z$ is where $x$ should be in the first term, and the last term is incorrect, but I suspect this is also a typo.

Part d) is correct.

I don't want to discourage you from posting, and we really do want to help you when you get stuck or need guidance, insights, etc. but for simply checking your results, it may be quicker for you to use a site such as:

Wolfram|Alpha: Computational Knowledge Engine

Many of the problems you posted can be entered there and the answer gotten immediately, to see if your end result is correct. This site can plot functions, find extrema, inverses, simplify expressions, etc.
 
Re: Please check my answers - 8

Can you tell me what I did wrong in 3a?

I took f(x) minus g(x) and wrote it like this:
7x^2 - 5x + 0
0x^2 + 2x - 3
7x^2 - 7x - 3

and thank you for that link.
 
Re: Please check my answers - 8

drop said:
Can you tell me what I did wrong in 3a?

I took f(x) minus g(x) and wrote it like this:
7x^2 - 5x + 0
0x^2 + 2x - 3
7x^2 - 7x - 3

and thank you for that link.

I would write:

$$(f-g)(x)=\left(7x^2-5x \right)-\left(2x-3 \right)=7x^2-5x-2x+3=7x^2-7x+3$$

You see, when you subtract, you essentially change all the signs, then add. Subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive.

Or to use your notation:

7x^2 - 5x + 0
0x^2 + 2x - 3
7x^2 - 7x + 3
 
Re: Please check my answers - 8

OH yeah, haha I knew that :P Thanks!
 
Re: Please check my answers - 8

MarkFL said:
Part c) is incorrect...you have a typo in which $z$ is where $x$ should be in the first term, and the last term is incorrect, but I suspect this is also a typo.

Yep, that was a big typo, sorry. Actually what I had written on my paper was:

14x^3 - 31x^2 + 15x

Would that answer be correct?
 
Re: Please check my answers - 8

drop said:
Yep, that was a big typo, sorry. Actually what I had written on my paper was:

14x^3 - 31x^2 + 15x

Would that answer be correct?

Yes, that's correct.
 

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