Question 297158
We need to find f(g(x)).  There is no degree in the center.  It is a tiny circle and it's read: "f of g compose x."  The word compose is represented by the tiny circle here.

f(x) = x^2 + 1 and g(x) = x - 2

What does g(x) equal? 

It equals x - 2, right?

Well, replace x in the other function (your f(x)) with x - 2 and simplify.

f(x - 2) = (x - 2)^2 + 1

Keep in mind that f(x - 2) means the same thing as f(g(x)).

Are you with me so far?

f(x - 2) = (x - 2)(x - 2) + 1

f(x - 2) = x^2 - 4x + 4 + 1

f(x - 2) = x^2 -4x + 5

So, f(g(x)) = x^2 - 4x + 5

Understand?