Help with the inverse of some functions

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The discussion focuses on finding the inverses of two functions, specifically y=(4x^2+2x-2)/(8x^2-4x+6) and y=(x+1)/(x^2). Participants suggest using the quadratic formula to solve the resulting equations after rearranging them. It is noted that each quadratic may yield two roots for most values of y, which raises concerns about the uniqueness of the inverse. One participant shares their derived expressions for the inverses, indicating progress in solving the problems. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the function's domain to determine the existence of a unique inverse.
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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