Question

Let f(x) = 3x+1 and g(x) = x2

Part 1 [2 points] Find f(g(x))
Part 2 [2 points] Find g(f(x))
Part 3 [4 points] Use complete sentences to explain any difference in part 1 and part 2

Answer 1

For the equation in which is f(g(x)) you will replace the x in f(x) with what is g(x) which is x^2 (x2 as written above).
After having replaced this you will simplify the expression so f(g(x)) should look like this
f(g(x))=3(x2)+1
Then for the same thing in g(f(x)) you will simply replace your x value with f(x)=3x+1.
So the equation will look like this
g(f(x))=(3x+1)^2 (or squared so you will need to foil.)
Then simplify again and find the differences in the equations. It should be easier to explain once you see it.

Answer 2

That makes sense!! Thanks so much!!

Answer 3

No problem (: I hope it was easier to see once you were able to see the numerical differences in the two answers.