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CAT 2025 Slot 1 · Quant · Functions · hard

A function is defined as f(x) = 2x + 3 for x < 0, and f(x) = x² − 1 for x ≥ 0. What is the value of f(f(−2))?

Single correct option

A function is defined as f(x) = 2x + 3 for x < 0, and f(x) = x² − 1 for x ≥ 0. What is the value of f(f(−2))?
  1. A. −1
  2. B. 0
  3. C. 1
  4. D. 3
Show answer and solution

Answer: (C) 1

First find f(−2): since −2 < 0, f(−2) = 2(−2)+3 = −1. Now find f(f(−2)) = f(−1): since −1 < 0 again, f(−1) = 2(−1)+3 = 1. So f(f(−2)) = 1. Common mistake: applying the x≥0 branch to −1 by mistake, which would wrongly give 0.
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Original question written in the CAT 2025 Slot 1 pattern and checked twice for the correct answer. Not an official question paper. How we write and check questions · Corrections policy · Report a mistake