Help with inverse function problem

crm08
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Homework Statement



If f(x) = x + cos(x), find f-inverse of (1)

Homework Equations



**first time asking a forum question, please inform me of any errors in posting this question

The Attempt at a Solution



(1) y = x + cos(x) => if y = f(x)

(2) x = y + cos(y) => if x = f(y)

(3) ** solve for y? this is where I am stuck, is it possible to completely show work and solve for "y" before plugging in "1"? I tried switching the variables and using the solve command on my ti-89 and it gives the answer:
cos(y) + y = x
 
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I don't think there is anyway of expressing the inverse of that function in terms of elementary function (someone with a more authoritative math background could clarify). However, if we note the definition of an inverse function: f:X -> Y than f^-1:Y -> X we can find a solution for f^-1(1). Hence, to find f^-1(1) all we need find is the x value which produces an f(x) value of 1; therefore, 1 = x + cos(x). Can you solve that?
 
Ok gotcha, x = 0, thanks for the help
 
Yep, so f^-1(1) = 0.
 
There is no other solution to f(x) = 1 because f is nondecreasing everywhere and increasing at 0 (use f' to show this).
 
There are two things I don't understand about this problem. First, when finding the nth root of a number, there should in theory be n solutions. However, the formula produces n+1 roots. Here is how. The first root is simply ##\left(r\right)^{\left(\frac{1}{n}\right)}##. Then you multiply this first root by n additional expressions given by the formula, as you go through k=0,1,...n-1. So you end up with n+1 roots, which cannot be correct. Let me illustrate what I mean. For this...

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