Chapter 6: Problem 56
If \(f(x)=3 x^{2}-7\) and \(g(x)=2 x+a,\) find \(a\) so that the \(y\) -intercept of \(f \circ g\) is 68 .
Short Answer
Expert verified
a = \pm 5
Step by step solution
01
Understand the problem
We need to find the value of 'a' such that the y-intercept of the composite function \( f \circ g \) is 68. The y-intercept is found by evaluating the function at x = 0.
02
Compose the functions
The composite function \( f \circ g \) means applying g(x) first and then applying f to the result. This is written as \( f(g(x)) \). First, calculate \( g(0) \: g(0) = 2(0) + a = a \).
03
Apply f to g(0)
Use the result from the previous step to find \( ( f \circ g ) (0) = f(g(0)) \). This means we need to evaluate \( f(a) \): \( f(a) = 3a^2 - 7 \).
04
Set up the equation
The y-intercept is given as 68, so we set up the equation: \[ 3a^2 - 7 = 68 \]
05
Solve for a
Add 7 to both sides of the equation: \ 3a^2 = 75.\ Divide both sides by 3: \[ a^2 = 25 \]. Take the square root of both sides to get: \[ a = \pm 5 \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Function Composition
To understand function composition, think of it as a process where you combine two functions to create a new one. Here's how it works:
- First, you apply the inner function.
- Then, you apply the outer function to the result of the inner function.
- If \( g(x) = 2x + a \).
- And \( f(x) = 3x^{2} - 7 \).
- Then, the composite function \( f \circ g \) becomes \( f(g(x)) = f(2x + a) \).
Y-Intercept
Finding the y-intercept of a function is crucial because it tells you where the graph of the function crosses the y-axis. The y-intercept is the value of the function when \( x = 0 \). Here's how to find it:
- Set \( x \) to 0 in the function.
- Calculate the resulting value.
- \( g(0) = 2(0) + a = a \).
- \( f(a) = 3a^2 - 7 \).
Solving Quadratic Equations
Solving quadratic equations is a key skill in algebra. A quadratic equation is generally in the form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \). There are various methods to solve it, such as factoring, completing the square, or using the quadratic formula. In our exercise, we have the quadratic equation \( 3a^2 - 7 = 68 \). To solve it:
- Add 7 to both sides to move the constant term:
- \( 3a^2 = 75 \).
- Divide both sides by 3 to isolate \( a^2 \):
- \( a^2 = 25 \).
- Take the square root of both sides to solve for \( a \):
- \( a = \pm 5 \).