If f(x)=x^4+4x^2+7, f(x)=g(x)^2+3 and g(x) > 0, then g(x)

This topic has expert replies
User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 3991
Joined: Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:28 am
Location: Las Vegas, USA
Thanked: 19 times
Followed by:37 members

Timer

00:00

Your Answer

A

B

C

D

E

Global Stats

[GMAT math practice question]

If f(x)=x^4+4x^2+7, f(x)=g(x)^2+3 and g(x) > 0, then g(x)=?

A. x^2+1
B. x^2+2
C. x^2+3
D. x^2-1
E. x^2-2

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 15539
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pm
Location: New York, NY
Thanked: 13060 times
Followed by:1906 members
GMAT Score:790

function

by GMATGuruNY » Mon May 20, 2019 2:26 am
Max@Math Revolution wrote:[GMAT math practice question]

If f(x)=x^4+4x^2+7, f(x)=g(x)^2+3 and g(x) > 0, then g(x)=?

A. x^2+1
B. x^2+2
C. x^2+3
D. x^2-1
E. x^2-2
Let x=0, with the result that f(x) = 0+0+7 = 7.
Remembering that g(x)>0 and plugging f(x)=7 into f(x)=g(x)²+3, we get:
7 = g(x)²+3
4 = g(x)²
g(x) = 2

Since the question stem asks for the value of g(x), the correct answer must yield 2 when x=0.
Only B works:
x²+2 = 0²+2 = 2

The correct answer is B.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.

As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.

For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3

User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 3991
Joined: Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:28 am
Location: Las Vegas, USA
Thanked: 19 times
Followed by:37 members

by Max@Math Revolution » Tue May 21, 2019 11:38 pm
=>

g(x)^2 = f(x) - 3 = x^4+4x^2+7 - 3 = x^4+4x^2+4 = (x^2+2)^2
Thus, since g(x) > 0, g(x)=x^2+2.

Therefore, B is the answer.
Answer: B