Question

Z(q) = 4q + 1/2...The zoomster function z used in space flight engineering is defined above. If, for some number u, z(u + 1/2) = 1/2, then what is the value of u ?

Answer 1

We are given the equation:

Z(q) = 4q + ½    ---> 1

The equation for z(u + 1/2) is obtained by substituting q with u + ½ in the equation, therefore we can say that:

q = u + ½          ---> 2

Substituting this value into equation # 1:

Z = 4 (u + ½) + ½ = z (u + 1/2) 

4 u + 2 + ½ = z (u + 1/2) 

Since it was given that   z (u + 1/2)  = ½     then,

4 u + 2 + ½ = ½

4 u + 2.5 = 0.5

4 u = -2

u = -1/2         (ANSWER)