Composite Function Graph Solutions

XAT 2013 · Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation · Hard · Functions

The figure below shows the graph of a function f(x). How many solutions does the equation f(f(x))=15f(f(x)) = 15 have?

From the graph of f(x)f(x):

  • f(x)=15f(x) = 15 occurs at x=4x = 4 and x=12x = 12.
  • Line y=4y = 4 intersects f(x)f(x) at 4 points.
  • Line y=12y = 12 intersects f(x)f(x) at 3 points.
  1. A.

    5

  2. B.

    6

  3. C.

    7

  4. D.

    8

  5. E.

    cannot be determined from the given graph

Answer

C

Explanation

To solve f(f(x))=15f(f(x)) = 15, let f(x)=yf(x) = y. From the graph, f(y)=15f(y) = 15 for y=4y = 4 and y=12y = 12. Case 1: f(x)=4f(x) = 4. Horizontal line y=4y = 4 intersects the graph at 4 distinct points. Case 2: f(x)=12f(x) = 12. Horizontal line y=12y = 12 intersects the graph at 3 distinct points. Total solutions = 4+3=74 + 3 = 7.

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