Crash Course Functions in Real Life

General Mathematics

SOLUTIONS

1. Given f ( x )=x 2−4 x +4 . Solve for:

a. f ( 3 )

f ( x )=x 2−4 x +4 Given

f ( 3 )=( 3 )2−4 ( 3 ) + 4 Substitute 3 into x
f ( 3 )=9−4 ( 3 )+ 4 Square 3
f (3)=9−12+4 Multiply 4 and 3
f ( 3 )=1 Combine like terms

b. f (x+ 3)

f ( x )=x 2−4 x +4 Given

2
f ( x +3 ) =( x+3 ) −4 ( x +3 ) + 4 Substitute x +3 into x
f ( x +3 ) =x2 +6 x +9−4 ( x +3 ) + 4 Expand ( x +3 )2
f ( x +3 ) =x2 +6 x +9−4 x +12+4 Distribute 4 to ( x +3)
2
f ( x +3 ) =x +2 x+ 1 Combine like terms
2
f ( x +3 ) =( x+1 ) Factor x 2+ 2 x +1
Note: f ( x )=x 2 +2 x+1 and f ( x +3 ) =( x+1 )2 are both acceptable answers.

2. The velocity V of a ball thrown upward t seconds after the ball was thrown is given by
V ( t ) =20−9.8t . Calculate V (0) and V (1), and explain what these results mean.

a. V ( 0 )

V ( t ) =20−9.8t Given
V ( 0 )=20−9.8(0) Substitute 0 into t
V ( 0 )=20−0 Multiply 9.8 and 0
V ( 0 )=20 Combine like terms
Analysis: The velocity of the ball at 0 seconds, otherwise known as the initial
velocity, is 9.8 m/s2.

b. V (1)

V ( t ) =20−9.8t Given
V ( 1 )=20−9.8(1) Substitute 1 into t
V ( 0 )=20−9.8 Multiply 9.8 and 1
V ( 0 )=10.2 Combine like terms
Analysis: The velocity of the ball at 1 second is 10.2 m/s 2.

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