To find \( f(x) + g(x) \), we need to add the two functions \( f(x) = 8 - 4x + x^3 \) and \( g(x) = 2x^2 + 5x - 1 \).
Let's perform the addition:
\[ f(x) + g(x) = (8 - 4x + x^3) + (2x^2 + 5x - 1) \]
Now, combine like terms:
- Cubic term: \( x^3 \)
- Quadratic term: \( 2x^2 \)
- Linear term: \( -4x + 5x = x \)
- Constant term: \( 8 - 1 = 7 \)
Putting it all together, we get:
\[ f(x) + g(x) = x^3 + 2x^2 + x + 7 \]
Thus, the result is given by option (b) \( x^3 + 2x^2 + x + 7 \).