AlgebraVery hardConstant from a double application
Algebra practice question
The linear function f is defined by f(x) = mx + b, where m > 0. If f(f(x)) = 4x + 9 for all x, what is the value of b?
Answer: 3
f(f(x)) = m(mx + b) + b = m²x + (m + 1)b. So m² = 4, m = 2 (since m > 0), and 3b = 9 gives b = 3.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 9
- 9 is the constant of f(f(x)), not of f.
- If you answered -9
- −9 corresponds to m = −2, which is ruled out.
- If you answered 4.5
- 4.5 divides 9 by m instead of by m + 1.
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