Transcript text: If $f(x)=3 x^{2}-2 x+9$ find $f(a-2)$.
Solution
Solution Steps
To find \( f(a-2) \) for the given function \( f(x) = 3x^2 - 2x + 9 \), we need to substitute \( a-2 \) in place of \( x \) in the function and simplify the resulting expression.
Step 1: Substitute \( a-2 \) into the function
Given the function \( f(x) = 3x^2 - 2x + 9 \), we need to find \( f(a-2) \). Substitute \( x = a-2 \) into the function:
\[
f(a-2) = 3(a-2)^2 - 2(a-2) + 9
\]
Step 2: Expand and simplify the expression
First, expand \( (a-2)^2 \):
\[
(a-2)^2 = a^2 - 4a + 4
\]
Now substitute this back into the function:
\[
f(a-2) = 3(a^2 - 4a + 4) - 2(a-2) + 9
\]
Distribute the constants:
\[
f(a-2) = 3a^2 - 12a + 12 - 2a + 4 + 9
\]
Step 3: Combine like terms
Combine the like terms to simplify the expression:
\[
f(a-2) = 3a^2 - 14a + 25
\]
Step 4: Evaluate the function at \( a = 2 \)
Substitute \( a = 2 \) into the simplified expression:
\[
f(2-2) = 3(2)^2 - 14(2) + 25
\]
Calculate the values:
\[
f(0) = 3(4) - 28 + 25 = 12 - 28 + 25 = 9
\]