Chapter 9: Problem 46
If \(f(x)=\frac{3}{x-2}\), find \(f(3), f(0), f(-1)\), and \(f(-5)\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(f(3) = 3\), \(f(0) = -\frac{3}{2}\), \(f(-1) = -1\), \(f(-5) = -\frac{3}{7}\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Function f(x)
The function given is \( f(x) = \frac{3}{x-2} \). This is a rational function where the numerator is 3 and the denominator is \( x-2 \). Our task is to substitute different values for \( x \) to find the function values \( f(3) \), \( f(0) \), \( f(-1) \), and \( f(-5) \).
02
Finding f(3)
To find \( f(3) \), substitute \( x = 3 \) into the function: \( f(3) = \frac{3}{3-2} = \frac{3}{1} = 3 \). So, \( f(3) = 3 \).
03
Finding f(0)
To find \( f(0) \), substitute \( x = 0 \) into the function: \( f(0) = \frac{3}{0-2} = \frac{3}{-2} = -\frac{3}{2} \). So, \( f(0) = -\frac{3}{2} \).
04
Finding f(-1)
To find \( f(-1) \), substitute \( x = -1 \) into the function: \( f(-1) = \frac{3}{-1-2} = \frac{3}{-3} = -1 \). So, \( f(-1) = -1 \).
05
Finding f(-5)
To find \( f(-5) \), substitute \( x = -5 \) into the function: \( f(-5) = \frac{3}{-5-2} = \frac{3}{-7} = -\frac{3}{7} \). So, \( f(-5) = -\frac{3}{7} \).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Function Evaluation
Evaluating a function essentially means finding the output for a specific input value. In our case, given the function \(f(x) = \frac{3}{x-2}\), we need to find out what happens to the function when specific values replace \(x\). Function evaluation helps us understand how a function behaves with different inputs and is often one of the most straightforward tasks when dealing with functions.
- Start by identifying the given function.
- Then plug the given values into the function one at a time.
- Finally, perform the arithmetic to get the result for each evaluation.
Substitution in Functions
Substitution is a key process in function evaluation. It involves replacing the variable \(x\) in the function with a specific number. This technique helps us explore how changes in input values affect the output.When substituting, follow these steps:
- Identify the point of substitution within the function. Here, the function is \(f(x) = \frac{3}{x-2}\).
- Replace \(x\) with a designated value like 3, 0, -1, or -5.
- Calculate the new expression to find the result.
Finding Function Values
Finding function values is the ultimate goal of substitution and evaluation. It's about calculating the numerical output of a function when given specific inputs. In the exercise, we sought to determine \(f(3)\), \(f(0)\), \(f(-1)\), and \(f(-5)\) by plugging these values into \(f(x) = \frac{3}{x-2}\).Here's a quick summary of how we found each value:
- For \(f(3)\), substitute 3: \(f(3) = \frac{3}{1} = 3\).
- For \(f(0)\), substitute 0: \(f(0) = \frac{3}{-2} = -\frac{3}{2}\).
- For \(f(-1)\), substitute -1: \(f(-1) = \frac{3}{-3} = -1\).
- For \(f(-5)\), substitute -5: \(f(-5) = \frac{3}{-7} = -\frac{3}{7}\).