SOLUTION: Please help. I don't know how to start solving this problem: If f(x)=2^x-1 and g(x) = x^2-1, determine the value of (f o g)(3) Thank you for your time

Algebra ->  Rational-functions -> SOLUTION: Please help. I don't know how to start solving this problem: If f(x)=2^x-1 and g(x) = x^2-1, determine the value of (f o g)(3) Thank you for your time      Log On


   

Question 288795: Please help.
I don't know how to start solving this problem: If f(x)=2^x-1 and g(x) = x^2-1, determine the value of (f o g)(3)
Thank you for your time
Answer by texttutoring(324) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
This is a composition of functions problem.

I assume that f(x) should be written like this:
f%28x%29=2%5Ex-1
and g%28x%29=x%5E2-1

(f o g)(3) means put x=3 into g(x), get a number, and then put that number into f(x)

Here's how it's done:
g%283%29=%283%29%5E2-1
g%283%29=8

Now find f(8):

f%288%29=%282%29%5E8+-+1
f%288%29=256-1
f%288%29=255