In solving this problem we can consider Earth to be a sphere. When we have a circle, then we can use this formula to find arc length:

Where:
L= arc length (in this problem it is disance we need to travel)
R = radius of circle (in this problem it is equal to a radius of Earth)
C = angle we need to pass
We are told that two cities lie halfway around the world. If we fly to west this means angle is 180°.
This gives an arc length of:

If we want to fly to north we need to go to 90° northern latidtude and then back to 17° latitude. This means angle is:
C=2*(90-17)=2*73°=146°
This gives an arc length of:

We can see that flying north is shorter. It is shorter by:
12440.71 miles - 10090.8 miles = 2349.91 miles
No profit means P(x)=0: x³-4x²+3x-12=0
factor by regrouping: x²(x-4)+3(x-4)=0
take out (x-4): (x-4)(x²+3)=0
x=4 or x²=-3
x² is not a negative number, so x=4 is the only answer.
Answer: 18
Hey bud, just as a sidenote, I think you mean f(g(2)) for the question. If this was not what it meant, please take a screenshot of the question.
2^2 + 3*2 = 10
2*10 -2 = 18
There is actully no different only the fromt number changes