Let . The equation has four real solutions. Which choice is equal to the product of these four solutions?
For an equation involving a function inside itself, work from the outside inward. Replace the inner expression with a temporary variable, solve the resulting equation for the possible outputs, and then find the inputs that produce each output. When the resulting roots are symmetric about the same center, multiply each pair with the difference of squares rather than multiplying four complicated expressions directly.
Hints
Separate the composition
Set first. Then solve to determine the possible outputs of the inner function.
Work from outside to inside
After finding the possible values of , solve separately for each value.
Use symmetric pairs
Each equation for will have roots of the form and . Multiply each pair using the difference of squares before multiplying the two pair-products.
Desmos Guide
Graph the composed function
Algebra is faster for an exact result, but Desmos can verify it. Enter , which is equivalent to , and enter .
Inspect the intersections
Click the four intersection points to read their x-coordinates. They are approximately , , , and .
Verify the product
Multiply the four displayed x-coordinates in a new expression line. The result is approximately , confirming the exact algebraic result.
Step-by-step Explanation
Solve the outer function equation
Let . Then , so . Therefore, , giving or .
Find the two pairs of inputs
For each possible value of , solve . If , then , so the two solutions are . If , the two solutions are .
Multiply paired solutions
The product of the first pair is . The product of the second pair is . Thus, the product of all four solutions is .