Question: If $ f(x) = 3x - 7 $ and $ g(x) = x^2 + 2x $, what is $ g(f(4)) $? - Sourci
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:
📰 Surprise Everyone with This Authentic Charro Beans Recipe You’ve Never Tried! 📰 Charro Beans Secret Recipe: The Steamy, Savory Dish That’s Taking Over Instagram! 📰 "The Shocking Truth About Charon: Secret Secrets of the Cosmic Ferry You Never Knew! 📰 3 This Hidden Gem Of Gogoganime Is Taking The World By Stormdont Miss It 1783473 📰 Microsoft Close Account 📰 Culagin 1346384 📰 Finally The Ultimate Guide To New Englands Location Hidden Gems You Need To Know 7569429 📰 Solve The Mystery Where Is She When Donde Ests Is All Thats Left Behind 203263 📰 Hence The Probability Is Boxed0 7443116 📰 The Power Behind The Pause How Semicolons Transform Tattoos Into Powerful Symbols 165104 📰 You Wont Believe How This Mining Meme Went Viraltraining Data Was Gold Literally 8507007 📰 Echoes Cast 9258715 📰 Cecil Hotel Downtown La Where Luxury Meets Downtown Charm Dont Miss Its Stunning Suites 440072 📰 Cframe Fly Script 5119909 📰 Day Defeat Source 📰 Slow Internet 7740313 📰 A Programmer Is Preprocessing Medical Reports Using Nlp The Dataset Contains 8000 Documents On The First Day 15 Are Processed On The Second 20 Of The Remaining On The Third 25 Of Whats Left On The Fourth 30 Of The Rest How Many Documents Remain Unprocessed 4776317 📰 Scottsbluff VerizonFinal 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.