Questions: If f(x)=x^2-4x, find f(a)
f(a)= (Simplify your answer. Do not factor.)
Transcript text: If $f(x)=x^{2}-4 x$, find $f(a)$
$f(a)=$ $\square$ (Simplify your answer. Do not factor.)
Solution
Solution Steps
To find \( f(a) \) for the given function \( f(x) = x^2 - 4x \), we need to substitute \( a \) for \( x \) in the function and simplify the expression.
Solution Approach
Substitute \( a \) for \( x \) in the function \( f(x) = x^2 - 4x \).
Simplify the resulting expression to find \( f(a) \).
Step 1: Substitute \( a \) into the Function
We start with the function \( f(x) = x^2 - 4x \). To find \( f(a) \), we substitute \( a \) for \( x \):
\[
f(a) = a^2 - 4a
\]
Step 2: Evaluate \( f(a) \) for \( a = 5 \)
Next, we evaluate \( f(a) \) by substituting \( a = 5 \):
\[
f(5) = 5^2 - 4 \cdot 5
\]
Step 3: Simplify the Expression
Now, we simplify the expression:
\[
f(5) = 25 - 20 = 5
\]
Final Answer
Thus, the value of \( f(a) \) when \( a = 5 \) is
\[
\boxed{5}
\]