Finding the inverse of a quadratic function?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding a specific step in finding the inverse of a quadratic function, particularly focusing on the manipulation of terms within a square root. Participants are examining a mathematical expression related to the function's inverse.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks clarification on the origin of the 1/2 factor outside the square root in a given expression. Some participants discuss the process of manipulating the expression by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by -2, while others explore how the square root of 1/4 is derived and moved out of the square root.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the algebraic manipulation involved. There are multiple interpretations of the steps taken, and guidance is being offered regarding the algebraic transformations without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working from a specific mathematical expression that is referenced but not fully detailed in the thread. The original poster expresses uncertainty about a particular step, indicating a need for clarification on the algebraic process involved.

SoConfused__
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
Hello, I am sorry for removing the template but it is not an actual problem that I need help with. Well it is, but it should be pretty quick and straight forward.

The problem is located here: http://www.cdli.ca/courses/math3103/unit05_org01_ilo04/images/3-less9.gif

(It's a bit difficult to type out.)

I'm having difficulty with only 1 step that I need straightened out.

On the second last line, where did the 1/2 outside of the square root function come from? And Why does it appear there? I am thinking the 1/2 just got moved out of it, because it was under x+3.

Please help, thank you so much.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
They wrote (x+3)/-2=(x+3)*2/((-2)*2)=(2x+6)/(-4)=(1/4)*((2x+6)/(-1))=(1/4)*(-2x-6). Then they took sqrt(1/4)=1/2 and moved that out.
 
Multiply both numerator and denominator by -2 inside the square root

[tex]y + 1 = \pm \sqrt{\frac{-2(x + 3)}{- 2 (-2)}[/tex]
 
Multiply both numerator and denominator by -2 inside the square root

[tex]y + 1 = \pm \sqrt{\frac{-2x-6}{4}[/tex]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
16K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K