G(x) and F(X) of following (I have work done)

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The discussion focuses on simplifying the functions f(x) = (2x-4)/(x+2) and g(x) = 4x^2 - 16, specifically the expressions 1/[g(1/x)] and f(x) - g(x). The correct simplification for 1/[g(1/x)] is x^2/(4 - 16x^2). For f(x) - g(x), the participants arrive at the expression [(4x^3) + (8x^2) - 14x + 36]/(x + 2) and discuss the need for further simplification. The conversation emphasizes the importance of showing work for clarity and accuracy in mathematical problem-solving.

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Homework Statement


f(x)=(2x-4)/(x+2)
g(x) = 4x2-16

find and simplyify:
1/[g(1/x)]
f(x)-g(x)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



For 1/[g(1/x)]:

I got (-16x^2+4)/(x^2), but I can't figure out how to simplify this down further, this assignment had other problems and they all simplified down to a whole number so I assume this one would too.

For f(x)-g(x)
Plugged in variables, found common denominator, and ended with this mess:
[(4x^3)+(8x^2)-14x+36]/(x+2)

I am sure that can get simplified further, and tried and was really geting no where, any help on these two? Am I doing something wrong or is this the right answer ? Thanks
 
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How did you get that for 1/g(1/x)

To work with f - g, first note that f = 2(x-2)/(x+2) and g = 4(x^2 - 4) = 4(x-2)(x+2)
 
For 1/[g(1/x)] I did was plug in (1/x) in 1/g(x) which gave me -> 1/[4*((1/x)^2)] and then I just flipped it adding the ^-1

For the fx-gx, I did see that but I didnt know what to do from there either, i still needed a common denominator and basically it sort of lead back to what I got.
 
woox said:
For 1/[g(1/x)] I did was plug in (1/x) in 1/g(x) which gave me -> 1/[4*((1/x)^2)] and then I just flipped it adding the ^-1

That sounds like you flipped twice, which brought you back to g(1/x). Do this stepwise: first substitute x by 1/x in g(x) to get g(1/x), and then take the inverse, i.e., 1/g(1/x).
 
AssyriaQ said:
That sounds like you flipped twice, which brought you back to g(1/x). Do this stepwise: first substitute x by 1/x in g(x) to get g(1/x), and then take the inverse, i.e., 1/g(1/x).

Did that and got :
[(x^2)-1] / 16

Is that correct?
 
AssyriaQ said:
That sounds like you flipped twice, which brought you back to g(1/x). Do this stepwise: first substitute x by 1/x in g(x) to get g(1/x), and then take the inverse, i.e., 1/g(1/x).

Correct - first plug in 1/x then flip it but I would be careful to use "inverse".

woox said:
Did that and got :
[(x^2)-1] / 16

Is that correct?

Incorrect. If you want people to catch your mistake show your work! First show how you got g(1/x), SIMPLIFY FIRST. Then show what you do to get 1/g(1/x)
 
Last edited:
NoMoreExams said:
Correct - first plug in 1/x then flip it but I would be careful to use "inverse".



Incorrect. If you want people to catch your mistake show your work! First show how you got g(1/x), SIMPLIFY FIRST. Then show what you do to get 1/g(1/x)

ok so I start with:
gx=4x^2-16

inverse of that is:
1/[4x^2]-16

Then I plugin (1/x)
and get:
1/[4(1/x)^2]-16

Is that correct so far? Then do I flip it back? making it:
([4(1/x)^2]-16)^-1
 
No, if

g(x) = 4x^2 - 16

Then

g(blah) = 4(blah)^2 - 16
 
NoMoreExams said:
No, if

g(x) = 4x^2 - 16

Then

g(blah) = 4(blah)^2 - 16

So :
4(1/1/x)^2 - 16

taking inverse:
4(1/x)^2 - 16

?
 
  • #10
How are you getting 1/1/x? that notation doesn't even make sense since a/(b/c) <> (a/b)/c.

Your 2nd line is correct, g(1/x) = 4(1/x)^2 - 16, what does simplify to?
 
  • #11
NoMoreExams said:
How are you getting 1/1/x? that notation doesn't even make sense since a/(b/c) <> (a/b)/c.

Your 2nd line is correct, g(1/x) = 4(1/x)^2 - 16, what does simplify to?

it should be:
g(1/x) = 4(1/x)^2 - 16

g(1/x) = 4(1^2/x^2) - 16

g(1/x) = 4(1/x^2) - 16

g(1/x) = (4/x^2) - 16

g(1/x) = 4[(1/x^2) - 4]

correct?
 
  • #12
By simplify I mean find common denominator
 
  • #13
ah so the common denominator being x^2 resulting in:
[(-16x^2)+4]/x^2

correct? (multiplied by x^2/x^2)
 
  • #14
Yes, so what's 1/that?
 
  • #15
x^2/[(-16x^2)+4] ?
 
  • #16
Yes, although I would write it as

\frac{x^2}{4-16x^2}
 
  • #17
Cool, and for the second one I think i figured it out:

f = 2(x-2)/(x+2) and g = 4(x^2 - 4) = 4(x-2)(x+2)

We can factor out the x-2 and x+2, which gives us:
(x+2)(x-2)(-2)

I am not sure if I should multiple this out or leave it as is?
 
  • #18
No... you need to find a common denominator again!
 
  • #19
f = 2(x-2)/(x+2) and g = 4(x-2)(x+2)

the common denominator would be (x+2) so:
2(x-2)-4(x-2)(x+2)(x+2)/(x+2)

now do I multiple variables together, and subtract likes leaving it over denominator? (That gave me this mess:

[(4x^3)+(8x^2)-14x+36]/(x+2)

)
 
  • #20
You need to use parantheses better, you mean

[2(x-2) - 4(x-2)(x+2)^2]/(x+2)

At this point I would factor out the terms that are common to both parts in the numerator.
 

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