Help with the inverse of some functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the inverses of two functions: \( y = \frac{4x^2 + 2x - 2}{8x^2 - 4x + 6} \) and \( y = \frac{x + 1}{x^2} \). Participants are exploring the implications of solving these functions for \( x \) in terms of \( y \) and the challenges associated with quadratic equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the transformation of the original equations into quadratic forms and the implications of treating \( y \) as a fixed value. There are inquiries about the use of the quadratic formula and the nature of the solutions, including the existence of multiple roots for given values of \( y \).

Discussion Status

Some participants have attempted to solve the quadratic equations and are sharing their findings. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of having multiple solutions and the conditions under which a unique inverse exists. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of the quadratic formula and the need to consider the domains of the functions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the uniqueness of the inverse functions and the potential for multiple values of \( x \) corresponding to a single \( y \). There is a mention of the importance of the functions being one-to-one for a unique inverse to exist.

saulwizard1
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Homework Statement



Hi!
Does anyone know how to solve the inverse of these functions?
  • y=(4x^2+2x-2)/(8x^2-4x+6)
  • y=(x+1)/(x^2)

I would appreciate your help with these exercises.

The Attempt at a Solution


For the first one: 8yx^2-4xy+6y=4x^2+2x-2

For the second exercise:
yx^2=x+1
yx^2-x=1
 
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So you now have a second order polynomial in x. How do you solve this if you assume y to be fixed?
 
Orodruin said:
So you now have a second order polynomial in x. How do you solve this if you assume y to be fixed?
I've tried to solve it by using a factorization, but I get lost on the next steps, and I don't know how to do it exactly. I attach a file with my attempts (I don´t know if I am correct or not).
 

Attachments

Orodruin said:
Are you familiar with the quadratic formula and its derivation?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadratic_formula
Honestly, I only used before the quadratic formula, but with its derivation I was not familiarized.
 
Both of these reduce to quadratic equations.
When I invert functions, I normally like to swap my x and y variables and solve for y in terms of x. It is just the same to solve for x in terms of y, but old habits die hard, and I am used to looking for functions of x.
If you do this, you will be able to solve for y by treating functions of x as coefficients (A =f(x) , B=g(x), C=h(x) ) and using the quadratic equation.
 
saulwizard1 said:

Homework Statement



Hi!
Does anyone know how to solve the inverse of these functions?
  • y=(4x^2+2x-2)/(8x^2-4x+6)
  • y=(x+1)/(x^2)

I would appreciate your help with these exercises.

The Attempt at a Solution


For the first one: 8yx^2-4xy+6y=4x^2+2x-2

For the second exercise:
yx^2=x+1
yx^2-x=1

What is stopping you from solving the quadratic equations, to find x in terms of y?

Of course, each quadratic will have two roots (at least for most values of y) so you will have two values of x for each y, and you need to worry about what that means.
 
Ray Vickson said:
What is stopping you from solving the quadratic equations, to find x in terms of y?

Of course, each quadratic will have two roots (at least for most values of y) so you will have two values of x for each y, and you need to worry about what that means.
So you are telling me that I can solve it by using the quadratic formula and finding the valuex of x?
 
saulwizard1 said:
So you are telling me that I can solve it by using the quadratic formula and finding the valuex of x?
Yes.
 
  • #10
What are the domains? if the function is not 1-1 there will not be a unique inverse.
 
  • #11
Ok, I think I have the answer for the second exercise, and now I share with you
y(x)=(1+-sqrt(4x+1))/2x
 
  • #12
Now I share the answer for the first exercise, I expect don't have mistakes.

y(x) = (2 x+1)/(4 (2 x-1))±sqrt(-44 x^2+12 x+9)/(4 (2 x-1))
 

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