Question 57·Hard·Nonlinear Functions
The function is defined by the equation . If , which of the following equations defines function ?
For composition-of-functions questions with exponentials, always start by directly substituting the new input into the original function (replace every with the given expression). Then simplify step by step using exponent rules: separate exponents like into , rewrite expressions like as if needed to match answer choices, and lastly simplify any numerical coefficients. Compare your final simplified expression carefully to the options, checking both the base and the exponent form, to avoid common mistakes like dropping factors in the exponent or mishandling the coefficient.
Hints
Understand what means
is defined as . Think about what you do to when the input is instead of .
Do the substitution carefully
Start by writing using . Wherever appears in , replace it with .
Use exponent rules to simplify
After substitution, you will have a power like . Use rules such as and to rewrite this expression.
Match your simplified form to an answer choice
Once you simplify the exponent and the numerical coefficient, compare your final expression with the answer options, paying attention to both the base and the coefficient.
Desmos Guide
Define the original function and the composed function
In Desmos, enter f(x) = 250*5^x on one line. On the next line, enter h(x) = f(2x - 3) so Desmos will graph the actual defined in the problem.
Graph each answer choice as a separate function
On new lines, type each option as its own function, for example A(x) = 2*25^x, B(x) = 250*25^(x-3), C(x) = 50*25^x, and D(x) = 2*5^x. Make sure the syntax matches each choice exactly.
Compare graphs or table values
Either visually compare the graph of with the graphs of , , , and , or use a table (click the gear icon next to each function and select "Table") to compare their -values at several -values. The correct equation for will match ’s graph and table exactly for all tested points.
Step-by-step Explanation
Substitute into the definition of
We are told that and .
Wherever appears in , replace it with to get an expression for :
Now the task is to simplify .
Use exponent rules to separate
Use the rule to separate the exponent:
So
Rewrite using a base of 25
Notice that can be written as and :
Substitute this into the expression for :
Since , this becomes
Now just simplify the numerical coefficient .
Simplify the coefficient and match to a choice
Compute the fraction:
So
This is the same as , which matches answer choice C.