Final answer:
The best approximation of the solutions of the equation f(x) = g(x) can be found by finding the x-values where the graphs of the functions f(x) and g(x) intersect. Using a graphing calculator or software, the approximate solutions are x = -3.464 and x = 3.642.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best approximation of the solutions of the equation f(x) = g(x) can be found by finding the x-values where the graphs of the functions f(x) and g(x) intersect.
To find the intersection points, set f(x) equal to g(x) and solve for x:
log(x-1) = 1/2x^2 - 4
Since it is not possible to solve this equation algebraically, we can use a graphing calculator or software to find the approximate solutions. For this equation, the solutions are approximately x = -3.464 and x = 3.642.
Therefore, the statement that gives the best approximation of the solutions of the equation f(x) = g(x) is option OA: The solutions are where the graphs of the functions cross the x-axis at ≈ -3.464 and ≈ 3.642.