Question

Consider the function f(x) = 2 * (x - 20) ^ 2 - 3 What is the value of f(29) ?

Answer 1

f(29) = -
`(9)/(290)`

Explanation:

Step 1: substitute f(29) into the equation.

f(29) = 2(29 - 20)²⁻³

29 replaces x.

Step 2: simplify the exponent

f(29) = 2(29 - 20)⁻¹

2-3 is -1, so the exponent is -1

Step 3: distribute the exponent to the parentheses

f(29) = 2(
`(1)/(29)` -
`(1)/(20)`)

Since the exponent is a negative one, basically make it a fraction with the base as the denominator and the exponent as a numerator. I don't know too much about negative exponents, but this is how to factor in a -1.

Step 4: Distribute.

f(29) =
`(2)/(29) -(2)/(20)`

Step 5: Simplify before finding a common denominator (2/20 cancels out)

f(29) = 2/29 - 1/10

Step 6: Find a common denominator (290)

f(29) =
`(20)/(290)` -
`(29)/(290)`

Step 7: Simplify

f(29) = -
`(9)/(290)`

TBH I'm not sure this is correct, but I hope this helps =)