Analyzing the Setup
We are given two functions, f(x) and g(x), where g(x) is a linear function defined as g(x)=ax+b. We are provided with the composite function:
Since g(x) is linear, f(x) must be a quadratic function to result in an x2 term. This observation is the foundation of our solution.
The Substitution Method
To isolate f(t), we perform the substitution t=ax+b. Solving for x, we obtain:
Substituting this into the expression for f(g(x)), we get:
Expanding this expression carefully, we arrive at the general form for f(t):
f(t)=a28t2−(a216b+a2)t+(a28b2+a2b)
Comparing Coefficients
We are also given the second composite function:
Since g(x)=ax+b, we can write this as a⋅f(x)+b=4x2+6x+1. Substituting our derived form of f(x) into this equation allows us to compare the coefficients of x2 and x.
Equating the coefficient of x2:
Equating the linear coefficient and solving for b using a=2:
Final Calculation
With the constants determined, the functions are revealed as:
To find the final result, we evaluate f(2)+g(2):
f(2)=2(2)2+3(2)+1=8+6+1=15
g(2)=2(2)−1=3
The final answer is 15+3=18.