Simple but Unfamilliar Algebra

  • Thread starter Thread starter tanky322
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Algebra
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around an algebraic expression involving functions, specifically interpreting a problem presented by an accounting professor. The main interpretation suggests that "X in the box" represents f(x), while the two boxes indicate f(f(2)). Participants agree that to solve the problem, one should first evaluate the function at 2, then use that result as the input for the function again. This approach leads to the final expression f(f(2)). The conversation highlights the importance of understanding function notation in algebra.
tanky322
Messages
43
Reaction score
0
This really isn't a homework question, but I figured its the best place for it.

I have no idea what this means. It was posted on another forum I frequent. The poster said he is an accounting professor, and a student brought this up from another class. The problem is as follows:
Problem.jpg


I think the X in the box just stands for f(x), and the two boxes stands for f(f(2)). But this is just an assumption.

Thanks alot,

Andrew
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Tanky322, you seem to be correct. The "box of x" must be "function of x". Use "2" and find the value of the function; then take this value and use it again as the value to use for x. The result is then f(f(2)).
 
I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...
Back
Top