Question

If h(x) = x – 7 and g(x) = x2, which expression is equivalent to mc022-1.jpg?
(5 – 7)2
(5)2 – 7
(5)2(5 – 7)
(5 – 7)x2

Answer 1

We need to know the order of composition. Two common possibilities:

- h(g(5)) = h(5^2) = h(25) = 25 − 7 = (5)^2 − 7 → matches option 2.
- g(h(5)) = g(5 − 7) = g(−2) = (−2)^2 = (5 − 7)^2 → matches option 1.

So if the original was h(g(5)) choose (5)^2 − 7. If it was g(h(5)) choose (5 − 7)^2.