Algebra II Help! Please! I'm not asking for an answer, I just need help!

Let f(x) = 4x^2 + x + 1 and g(x) = x^2 – 2. Find g(f(x)). Show each step of your work.

Question

Algebra II Help! Please! I'm not asking for an answer, I just need help!

Let f(x) = 4x^2 + x + 1 and g(x) = x^2 – 2. Find g(f(x)). Show each step of your work.

misty1212 · Answer

HI!!

vocaloid · Answer

g(f(x)) means look at g(x) = x^2 - 2, and replace the "x" with f(x), which equals 4x^2 + x + 1|dw:1434675747293:dw|

misty1212 · Answer

work from the inside out 
$$g(f(x))=g(4x^2+x+1)$$ then since 
$$g(\spadesuit)=\spadesuit^2-2$$ you have 
$$g(f(x))=g(4x^2+x+1)=(4x^2+x+1)^2-2$$

anonymous · Answer

I'm sorry, I'm not understanding? I'm normally decent with math but I have a difficult time with functions. :(

vocaloid · Answer

well, we know that g(x) = x^2 - 2, right? if we replace x with f(x) on both sides, what do we get?

vocaloid · Answer

|dw:1434676036908:dw|

vocaloid · Answer

does it make a little more sense now?

anonymous · Answer

Kind of...

anonymous · Answer

I think I got it. Thank you both for your help.