Problem Solving

For which of the following functions f(a+b) = f(a) + f(b) for all positive numbers a and b?

f(x)= x^2
f(x)= x+1
f(x)= √x
f(x)= 2/x
f(x)= -3x

One approach is to plug in numbers. Let's let a =1 and b = 1

So, the question becomes, "Which of the following functions are such that f(1+1) = f(1) + f(1)?"
In other words, for which function does f(2) = f(1) + f(1)?

A) If f(x)=x^2, does f(2) = f(1) + f(1)?
Plug in to get: 2^2 = 1^2 + 1^2? (No, doesn't work)
So, it is not the case that f(2) = f(1) + f(1), when f(x)=x^2

B) If f(x)=x+1, does f(color=blue]2[/color]) = f(1) + f(1)?
Plug in to get: 2+1 = 1+1 + 1+1? (No, doesn't work)
So, it is not the case that f(2) = f(1) + f(1)
.
.
.
A, B, C and D do not work.
So, at this point, we can conclude that E must be the correct answer.
Let's check E anyway (for "fun")

E) If f(x)=-3x, does f(2) = f(1) + f(1)?
Plugging in 2 and 1 we get: (-3)(2) = (-3)(1) + (-3)(1)
Yes, it works

The correct answer is E

Cheers,
Brent