Solution for Problem 3.6.2

Let   f(x) = 2x2 + 3 and g(x) = x - 3.  Find (f o g)(x) and  (g o f)(x)

Solve

Step

(f og)(x) = f(g(x)) = f(x - 3)

Substitute g(x) into f(x)

              = 2(x - 3)2 +

Don't forget the "+ 3"

              = 2(x2 - 6x + 9) +

(x - 3) = (x - 3)(x - 3) = x2 - 3x - 3x + 9 = x2 - 6x + 9

              = 2x2 - 12x + 18 +

Simplify

              = 2x2 - 12x + 21 

We have a new function:   2x2 - 12x + 21 

(g of)(x) = g(f(x)) = g( 2x2 + 3)

Substitute f(x) into g(x)

               =  2x2 + 3 -

Don't forget the "- 3"

               = 2x2

We have a new function: 2x2 - 3
  

Notice that 2x2 - 12x + 21  ¹ 2x2                                   (f o g)(x) and  (g o f)(xmay not be equal