Question

For the following function, find the value of (a) f(-3) and (b) f(1), if possible.

y =
x^2 - 1 if x ≤ 0
x + 4 if x > 0

(a) Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your answer:

A. f(-3) = [Fill in your simplified answer]
B. There is no solution.

(b) Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your answer:

A. f(1) = [Fill in your simplified answer]
B. There is no solution.

Answer 1

To find the value of f(-3), we need to determine the given function's value when x = -3. Since -3 is less than or equal to 0, we use the first equation y = x^2 - 1. Substituting x = -3 into this equation, we get y = (-3)^2 - 1 = 9 - 1 = 8. Therefore, f(-3) = 8.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the value of f(-3), we need to determine the given function's value when x = -3. Since -3 is less than or equal to 0, we use the first equation y = x^2 - 1. Substituting x = -3 into this equation, we get y = (-3)^2 - 1 = 9 - 1 = 8. Therefore, f(-3) = 8.

To find the value of f(1), we need to determine the given function's value when x = 1. Since 1 is greater than 0, we use the second equation y = x + 4. Substituting x = 1 into this equation, we get y = 1 + 4 = 5. Therefore, f(1) = 5.