Simplifying Exponents: Tips and Tricks for Solving Complex Equations

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on simplifying complex equations involving exponents and square roots. A user expresses confusion about squaring the expression "square root of x over 2x" and seeks clarification on how to apply functions f(x) and g(x). Another participant suggests substituting g(x) into f(x) to find f(g(x)), addressing the user's misunderstanding. The user also mentions frustration with a lack of correct multiple-choice answers and difficulty adjusting to non-calculator math. Overall, the thread emphasizes the challenges of understanding exponent rules and function composition without calculator assistance.
dustinj.11
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Homework Statement



Attached is the problem, I don't like the math editor used on this site, so its a pdf. The only real problem I have is how to is how do you square a problem like square root of x over 2x?
 

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dustinj.11 said:

Homework Statement



Attached is the problem, I don't like the math editor used on this site, so its a pdf. The only real problem I have is how to is how do you square a problem like square root of x over 2x?

Welcome to the PF.

Since you are given f(x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}

and g(x) = x^2 - 5

what is f(g(x))? Wouldn't you substitute the g(x) term into the f(x) equation? Where do you get "square root of x over 2x"?
 
Thanks for the help, bt the answers were multiple choice, and as it turns out the correct choice wasn't there. Thats what confused me. Sorry if i seemed a little confused, just I was bred on a calculator, and now my calc ab teacher won't let us use any type of calculator. So, 90% of the time my brain is fried.
 
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...
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