Question 48·Hard·Nonlinear Functions
The function is defined above, and another function is defined by
Which of the following equations expresses in the form for constants and ?
For function composition problems like this, first ignore the answer choices and mechanically substitute the new input into the given function, simplifying the exponent carefully. Then apply any extra multipliers (like ) and simplify the numerical coefficient. Finally, use exponent rules (for example, ) to rewrite the function so the exponent is exactly and combine all constants into a single coefficient , which you can then match quickly to the answer choices.
Hints
Start by composing the functions
Before worrying about the answer choices, first write out by substituting wherever you see in . What does the new exponent become?
Use the definition of g
Once you have , multiply it by to get a simplified expression for . Focus on simplifying the numerical coefficient first.
Match the desired form
Your expression for will likely involve . Use exponent rules to rewrite in terms of , then combine all constants so it looks like , like the answer choices.
Desmos Guide
Enter the original function f
In Desmos, type f(x) = 12*5^(2x-3). This stores the given function f so you can reuse it.
Enter g using its definition
On a new line, type g(x) = (1/60)*f(x/2 + 1). This creates the function g exactly as defined in the problem.
Enter each answer choice as a separate function
On additional lines, enter four functions corresponding to the right-hand sides of the answer choices, for example: h1(x) = (12/5)*5^x, h2(x) = (1/25)*5^x, h3(x) = (5/12)*5^x, and h4(x) = (5/60)*25^x. These represent each possible expression for g(x).
Compare graphs to identify the matching expression
Look at the graphs of g(x) and h1, h2, h3, h4. The correct answer is the one whose graph lies exactly on top of the graph of g(x) for all x-values (they should be indistinguishable). Read off which expression that is from your Desmos definitions.
Step-by-step Explanation
Substitute into
We are told that
and that
First find an explicit expression for .
Replace in with :
So .
Apply the factor to get
Now plug this into the definition of :
Simplify the constant factor:
So we have
This is very close to the form , but the exponent is instead of , so we need to rewrite it.
Rewrite so the exponent is and identify and
Use exponent rules to rewrite in terms of :
Substitute this into the expression for :
Now is in the form with and , which matches choice B: .