Question 225·Hard·Nonlinear Functions
The function is defined by
where and are constants. The graph of passes through the points and . Let be the function defined by
Which of the following expressions gives ?
For this type of SAT question, first use the given points to determine any unknown constants by substituting into the function and solving the resulting system of equations; this is usually quick because one point often makes one variable easy to solve. Then write the function explicitly and handle compositions like by straightforward substitution: replace every in with the given expression . Finally, simplify the resulting rational expression carefully—often by multiplying numerator and denominator to clear smaller fractions—and match your simplified form to the answer choices, paying special attention to denominators and vertical asymptotes.
Hints
Use the points to find and
Start by substituting and into , using the given -values. This gives you two equations in and .
Solve the system for and
Once you have the two equations from the points, solve them to find specific values for and , then rewrite with those numbers.
Build by substitution
To get , replace every in your formula for with , then simplify the resulting complex fraction.
Simplify the complex fraction carefully
When you have something like , multiply numerator and denominator by the same number to clear the smaller denominators and match one of the answer choices.
Desmos Guide
Graph the original function using your solved values
In Desmos, enter f(x) = (x+6)/(x-2) using the and values you found. Check that the graph passes through the points (0,-3) and (4,5) to confirm is correct.
Graph the composed function directly
In a new line, enter g(x) = f(x/2 + 1). This uses Desmos’s function composition to create exactly as defined in the problem.
Graph each answer choice for comparison
On separate lines, type the four candidate expressions from choices A–D as functions of (for example, A(x) = (x+14)/(x-2), B(x) = (x+6)/(x-2), etc.).
See which choice matches the composed graph
Compare the graph of g(x) with the graphs of the four candidate functions. The correct answer is the one whose graph lies exactly on top of g(x) for all visible -values.
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the point to find
We know and that the graph passes through , so .
Substitute into :
Solve for :
Use the point to find
Now use the second point , so .
Substitute into , using :
Solve for :
Write the explicit formula for
With and , substitute back into the definition of :
Now we will use this to build by composition.
Form and simplify
By definition,
Replace in with :
To clear the fractions in numerator and denominator, multiply both by :
So the correct expression is , which corresponds to choice A.