How to Solve f(x)=y for x in Different Cases

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation f(x) = y for x, specifically when f(x) is defined as 1/x. Participants express confusion regarding the clarity of the problem statement and the implications of the phrasing used.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants question the clarity of the original problem statement and its intent. Others suggest that the equation should be interpreted as y = 1/x, which may simplify the problem. There are discussions about whether the function f(x) was defined earlier in the context of the question.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some have offered clarifications regarding the phrasing, while others are still seeking to understand the original intent behind the question.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty about whether the function f(x) = 1/x was specified earlier, which may affect how the problem is approached. Participants are also considering the implications of the wording used in the problem statement.

Panphobia
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Homework Statement



if f(x) = 1/x
solve the equations f(x) = y in x. There may be different cases depending on y.

The Attempt at a Solution


The wording here is kind of confusing, how am I supposed to solve this equation? What does it mean is a better question. What would I put in the solution set?
 
Last edited:
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The question is not clear at all.
 
Perhaps you meant "solve the equation y= 1/x for x. That would be very easy to do.
 
I agree with Dirk and Halls. The problem statement is nonsense, but if it's actually written like that, it's likely that they meant this: Let f be the function defined by f(x)=1/x for all x. Solve the equation f(x)=y for x.
 
Well here is the actual question
5ba137.png
 
Panphobia said:
Well here is the actual question
5ba137.png

Was ##f(x) = 1/x## specified in an earlier part of the question? If not, then the actual question is very different from what you first wrote here.
 
Well there were a bunch of different functions, and I had to do this question for all of them.
 
I don't know why they wrote "in", but you're definitely supposed to solve the equation f(x)=y for x.

Maybe they're thinking that a phrase like "f(x)=y is an equation in x" is a valid way to ensure that they can now say "solve the equation" instead of "solve the equation for x". Or maybe it was just an editing mistake.
 

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