Chapter 5: Problem 19
If \(P(x)=x^{2}+x+1\) and \(Q(x)=5 x^{2}-1,\) find the following. See Examples 4 and \(5 .\) $$ Q\left(\frac{1}{4}\right) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Q(1/4) = -11/16.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function
In this exercise, we are given the function \(Q(x) = 5x^2 - 1\). Our task is to evaluate this function at a specific input value.
02
Substitute the Value
To find \(Q\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)\), substitute \(x = \frac{1}{4}\) into the function. This means we replace every \(x\) in \(Q(x)\) with \(\frac{1}{4}\).
03
Calculate the Square
Calculate \(\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^2\). The rule for squaring a fraction is to square both the numerator and the denominator. Thus, \(\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^2 = \frac{1}{16}\).
04
Multiply by 5
Substitute \(\frac{1}{16}\) back into the function and multiply it by 5: \(5 \times \frac{1}{16} = \frac{5}{16}\).
05
Subtract 1
Subtract 1 from the result obtained in the previous step: \(\frac{5}{16} - 1\). Convert 1 to a fraction with a denominator of 16, which is \(\frac{16}{16}\).
06
Perform the Subtraction
Perform the subtraction \(\frac{5}{16} - \frac{16}{16}\). This results in \(-\frac{11}{16}\).
07
Final Result
Thus, the value of \(Q\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)\) is \(-\frac{11}{16}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Substitution Method
The substitution method is a key concept in mathematics, especially useful in evaluating functions and solving equations. It involves replacing a variable with a specific value or expression. This method allows for simplifying complex equations or evaluating functions at specific points.
- In this exercise, you're given the function \(Q(x) = 5x^2 - 1\) and you need to find \(Q\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)\).
- Substitute \(x = \frac{1}{4}\) into the equation wherever you see \(x\). This yields: \(5 \left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^2 - 1\).
Squaring Fractions
Squaring fractions involves raising a fraction to the power of two. This is done by individually squaring the numerator and the denominator. For instance, if you have the fraction \(\frac{a}{b}\), then squaring it results in \(\left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^2 = \frac{a^2}{b^2}\).
When you substitute \(\frac{1}{4}\) into the function, you need to square it:
When you substitute \(\frac{1}{4}\) into the function, you need to square it:
- Square the numerator: \(1^2 = 1\).
- Square the denominator: \(4^2 = 16\).
- The result is \(\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^2 = \frac{1}{16}\).
Fractions Subtraction
Subtracting fractions requires a common denominator, allowing you to directly subtract the numerators.
Here, you perform the subtraction \(\frac{5}{16} - 1\). First, convert the integer 1 into a fraction with a common denominator:
Here, you perform the subtraction \(\frac{5}{16} - 1\). First, convert the integer 1 into a fraction with a common denominator:
- Change 1 to \(\frac{16}{16}\) so it matches the denominator of \(\frac{5}{16}\).
- Subtract the numerators: \(5 - 16 = -11\).
- Keep the denominator the same: \(16\).