Question:

Let \( f \) and \( g \) be two functions defined by \( f(x) = |x + |x|| \) and \( g(x) = \frac{1{x} \) for \( x \neq 0 \). If \( f(a) + g(f(a)) = 13/6 \) for some real \( a \), then the maximum possible value of \( f(g(a)) \) is:}

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For functions involving absolute values, always break into cases based on positive and negative inputs.
Updated On: May 12, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Evaluating \( f(x) \). The function \( f(x) \) is defined as: \[ f(x) = |x + |x|| \] - If \( x \geq 0 \), then \( |x| = x \), so \( f(x) = |x + x| = |2x| = 2x \). - If \( x<0 \), then \( |x| = -x \), so \( f(x) = |x + (-x)| = |0| = 0 \). Step 2: Evaluating \( g(f(a)) \). Since \( f(a) + g(f(a)) = \frac{13}{6} \), we set \( f(a) = y \), which gives: \[ y + \frac{1}{y} = \frac{13}{6} \] Multiplying both sides by \( y \): \[ y^2 - \frac{13}{6} y + 1 = 0 \] Solving for \( y \), we get: \[ y = 2 \quad \text{or} \quad y = \frac{1}{3} \] Step 3: Finding Maximum \( f(g(a)) \). Since \( f(g(a)) = f\left(\frac{1}{a}\right) \), we substitute \( a = 3 \) (corresponding to \( y = \frac{1}{3} \)): \[ f(g(3)) = f\left(\frac{1}{3}\right) = 2 \times \frac{1}{3} = \frac{2}{3} \] For \( a = \frac{1}{2} \) (corresponding to \( y = 2 \)): \[ f(g(1/2)) = f(2) = 2 \times 2 = 4 \] Thus, the maximum possible value is 6.
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