Finding the antiderivative (inverse) of a function

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the inverse function of f(x) = (1 + e^x) / (1 - e^x). Participants clarify that finding an antiderivative and finding an inverse function are distinct processes. The correct approach involves swapping variables and solving for y, leading to the equation e^y = (x - 1) / (x + 1). The final solution for the inverse function is y = ln((x - 1) / (x + 1)).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inverse functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with exponential functions and logarithms
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
  • Knowledge of partial fractions and their application
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of inverse functions in detail
  • Learn about exponential functions and their inverses
  • Practice solving equations using logarithmic identities
  • Explore techniques for partial fraction decomposition
USEFUL FOR

Students in calculus or algebra courses, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the concepts of inverse functions and their applications.

Ohmar
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


f(x)=1+e^x/1-e^x

Homework Equations


truth is, I don't even know how to approach this, i know i have to swap the variables but now I'm all confused because a friend told me to do this, in this particular case
f(x)=[1+(e^f)-1^x]/[1-(e^f)-1^x]

The Attempt at a Solution


i don't knolw where this -1^x came from, i would give it a shot at how to resolve for x but I really don't know how to get it down from that position as an exponent that is, any hint or advice is truly welcomed.

edit: forget the antiderivative term used in the subject i don't know why i confused those two terms, i just don't know how to delete it now =P
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Try multiplying the top and bottom by [tex]e^{-x/2}[/tex].

Or try u=[tex]e^x[/tex], then partial fractions.
 
Last edited:
Frankly, it sounds to me like you are completely out of your depth. Are you sure you belong in this course? I am particularly concerned that you say titled this "finding the anti-derivative (inverse) of a function". Typically people learn about "inverse functions" in a course at least a semester or a year before the hear about "antiderivatives".
"Finding the anti-derivative" and "finding the inverse" of a function are NOT the same thing at all.

To find the inverse function to f(x)= (1+e^x)/(1-e^x) (Please, please, please, use parentheses! What you wrote was, correctly 1+ (e^x/1)- e^x but I am sure you did not mean that.) I would first write y= (1+e^x)/(1-e^x) (because "y" is simpler to write than "f(x)") and, as you said, "swap" x and y: x= (1+ e^y)/(1- e^y). Now solve for y. Multiply on both sides by 1- e^y to get x(1- e^y)= x- xe^y= 1+ e^y. Now add xe^y to both sides and subtract 1 from both sides to get (1+ x)e^y= x- 1. Divide both sides by x+ 1: e^y= (x-1)/(x+1). Finally, we can solve for y by doing the "inverse function" to the exponential, the natural logarithm: y= ln((x-1)/(x+1)).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K