The functions below represent the amounts of water released from two reservoirs over x weeks.

f (x) = 7x - 8x - 2

g (x) = 4x2 + 3x + 15

Which of the following shows the difference in the amounts of water released, h (x) = f (x) - g (x) ?

a) h (x) = 7x + 4x2 + 11x - 17

b) h (x) = 7x + 4x2

c) h (x) = 7x + 4x2 - 11x + 17

d) h (x) = 7x - 4x2 - 11x - 17

The correct answer is D. h (x) = 7x - 4x2 - 11x - 17

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Let's review the information given to us to answer the question correctly:

f (x) = 7x - 8x - 2

g (x) = 4x2 + 3x + 15

2. Which of the following answers shows the difference in the amounts of water released, h (x) = f (x) - g (x) ?

h (x) = f (x) - g (x)

h (x) = 7x - 8x - 2 - (4x2 + 3x + 15)

h (x) = 7x - 8x - 2 - 4x2 - 3x - 15

h (x) = 7x - 11x - 17 - 4x2

The correct answer is D. h (x) = 7x - 4x2 - 11x - 17