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Ch. 2 - Functions and Graphs
Blitzer - College Algebra 8th Edition
Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 37b

Find f−g and determine the domain for each function. f(x) = 3 − x², g(x) = x² + 2x − 15

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Step 1: Understand the problem. You are tasked with finding the difference of two functions, denoted as (f - g)(x), which is defined as f(x) - g(x). Additionally, you need to determine the domain of the resulting function.
Step 2: Write the expression for (f - g)(x). Substitute the given functions f(x) = 3 - x² and g(x) = x² + 2x - 16 into the formula: (f - g)(x) = f(x) - g(x). This becomes (f - g)(x) = (3 - x²) - (x² + 2x - 16).
Step 3: Simplify the expression. Distribute the negative sign across the terms in g(x): (f - g)(x) = 3 - x² - x² - 2x + 16. Combine like terms to simplify further: (f - g)(x) = 19 - 2x - 2x².
Step 4: Determine the domain of the resulting function. Since (f - g)(x) = 19 - 2x - 2x² is a polynomial, and polynomials are defined for all real numbers, the domain of (f - g)(x) is all real numbers, or (-∞, ∞).
Step 5: Summarize the results. The simplified expression for (f - g)(x) is 19 - 2x - 2x², and its domain is all real numbers (-∞, ∞).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Function Operations

Function operations involve combining two or more functions to create new functions. In this case, finding f - g means subtracting the function g(x) from f(x). Understanding how to perform these operations is essential for manipulating and analyzing functions in algebra.
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Domain of a Function

The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values (x-values) for which the function is defined. When performing operations like subtraction, it is crucial to determine the domain of the resulting function to ensure that all values are valid and do not lead to undefined expressions.
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Quadratic Functions

Quadratic functions are polynomial functions of degree two, typically expressed in the form f(x) = ax² + bx + c. In this problem, both f(x) and g(x) are quadratic functions, and understanding their properties, such as their graphs and behavior, is important for analyzing the results of their operations.
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