SOLUTION: If f(x)=5x - 1, find the following; f(a-2). What I have is this, fa-f*2, then fa-2f. Am I correct on this solution? Thank You, Barb Neely

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: If f(x)=5x - 1, find the following; f(a-2). What I have is this, fa-f*2, then fa-2f. Am I correct on this solution? Thank You, Barb Neely      Log On


   

Question 117436: If f(x)=5x - 1, find the following; f(a-2). What I have is this, fa-f*2, then fa-2f. Am I correct on this solution?
Thank You, Barb Neely
Found 2 solutions by psbhowmick, jim_thompson5910:
Answer by psbhowmick(878) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
No, you are wrong!
f(x) = 5x - 1
To find f(a-2) you have to replace 'x' with 'a-2' everywhere as follows
f(a - 2) = 5(a - 2) - 1
f(a - 2) = 5a - 10 - 1
f(a - 2) = 5a - 11

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Since the outer f is denoting a function, you cannot distribute f to a-2. Remember, f is not a variable in this case.



f%28x%29=5x-1 Start with the given function.


f%28a-2%29=5%28a-2%29-1 Plug in x=a-2. In other words, replace each x with a-2.



f%28a-2%29=5a-10-1 Distribute


f%28a-2%29=5a-11 Combine like terms