# Finding the inverse

## Homework Statement

I need to pass a test to get into college calculus, but there's a few things I've forgotten since may, one of them being how to find the inverse of a function with x in the denominator. I think I remember it being something really simple that I'm overlooking, but here it goes:

## Homework Equations

f(x) = (x + 2)/(3x + 5)

1) y = (x + 2)/(3x + 5)
2) x = (y + 2)/(3y + 5)
3) this is where it starts to go crazy.

## The Attempt at a Solution

My attempts were kind of convulsive, but I hope it'll suffice to say that I know to switch y with x, then solve the problem for y, which will be the inverse. I just don't know how to get y out of the denominator without getting a really complicated answer. (edit: I put what I was saying into math form above)

Thanks, if anyone knows this. I've done some re-learning in the past week or so; there are just a few things left that are too specific to find online.

symbolipoint
Homework Helper
Gold Member
Your goal is to use properties of equality of real numbers to find a formula for y. Either you can find a result or you cannot. Can you obtain an inverse in that general manner?
In fact, a result is possible; whether the result is a function, I leave for you to decide.

If the $$y=\frac{x + 2}{3x + 5}$$ then x+2=y(3x+5). Your goal is to present x in terms of y. Now can you proceed?

If the $$y=\frac{x + 2}{3x + 5}$$ then x+2=y(3x+5). Your goal is to present x in terms of y. Now can you proceed?

That's where I get, but I can't go further without jumbling the whole thing up.

That's where I get, but I can't go further without jumbling the whole thing up.

Distribute the y on the right hand side, separate y and non-y terms to opposite sides, factor out y and divide.

--Elucidus

Distribute the y on the right hand side, separate y and non-y terms to opposite sides, factor out y and divide.

--Elucidus

*facepalm*

I can't believe I forgot simple algebra. Thanks.

What I did was, multiply the numerator and then expand everything. Bring all the x-terms and the xy-terms to one side, and the y-terms and constants to the other. Then I factored out x, and divided by the other stuff!
Good luck =)

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