Question: If $ f(x) = 3x - 7 $ and $ g(x) = x^2 + 2x $, what is $ g(f(4)) $? - GetMeFoodie
How to Calculate $ g(f(4)) $: A Step-by-Step Guide for Function Composition
How to Calculate $ g(f(4)) $: A Step-by-Step Guide for Function Composition
Understanding function composition is a fundamental skill in algebra, especially when working with expressions like $ f(x) = 3x - 7 $ and $ g(x) = x^2 + 2x $. One common question that arises is: If $ f(x) = 3x - 7 $ and $ g(x) = x^2 + 2x $, what is $ g(f(4)) $?
This article walks you through the entire process clearly and efficiently, helping you master evaluating composite functions.
Understanding the Context
What Is Function Composition?
Function composition involves plugging the output of one function into another. The notation $ g(f(x)) $ means you first apply function $ f $ to $ x $, then take that result and apply function $ g $ to it.
In this case, we need to compute $ g(f(4)) $, which requires two key steps:
- Evaluate $ f(4) $
- Use that result as the input to $ g(x) $
Image Gallery
Key Insights
Step 1: Evaluate $ f(4) $
Given:
$$
f(x) = 3x - 7
$$
Substitute $ x = 4 $:
$$
f(4) = 3(4) - 7 = 12 - 7 = 5
$$
So, $ f(4) = 5 $
🔗 Related Articles You Might Like:
📰 San Cape Blas Mystery: The Untold Story That Will Take Your Breath Away! 📰 San Cape Blas: From Sunsets to Secrets – This Hidden Treasure Is On Fire! 📰 You Won’t Believe What San Carlos, Mexico Hides Beneath Its Sun-Kissed Surface! 📰 New Details Azani Blackheart Oblivion And It S Raising Concerns 📰 Kiosco 411846 📰 Live Update Stock Market Last 12 Months Graph And Officials Respond 📰 Asus Rog Flow Z13 7413646 📰 Pnb Rock Death 6426239 📰 How Often Should You Wash Your Bed Sheets 1081930 📰 Mortgage Payment Calculator With Pmi And Taxes 📰 Largest Black Hole 📰 When Designing Autonomous Robotic Systems For Planetary Exploration Which Sensor Modality Is Most Critical For Navigation In Low Light Dusty Environments Such As Mars Surface 5178286 📰 Capybara Roblox 📰 Qs Message Board 1987461 📰 Expression Variables In Ssrs 📰 Xls Mac Free 📰 Samsung S24 Fe Specs 2388364 📰 Ecoflow Portable Power Station 6443399Final Thoughts
Step 2: Evaluate $ g(f(4)) = g(5) $
Now use the result from Step 1. Since $ g(x) = x^2 + 2x $, substitute $ x = 5 $:
$$
g(5) = 5^2 + 2(5) = 25 + 10 = 35
$$
Final Answer
Putting it all together:
$$
g(f(4)) = g(5) = 35
$$
Why This Matters: Function Composition in Math and Beyond
Function composition is not just a theoretical concept — it appears in chemistry, economics, computer science, and engineering. For example, if $ f(x) $ models a price increase and $ g(x) $ represents tax calculation, then $ g(f(x)) $ combines both steps sequentially.
Mastering these principles helps build problem-solving skills essential in higher mathematics, programming, and real-world modeling.