Inverse and composition of functions

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the composition of the inverses of two functions, specifically ##f^{-1}\circ g^{-1}(3)##, given the functions ##f(2x-1)= 6x + 15## and ##g(3x+1)=\frac{2x-1}{3x-5}##. Participants are exploring the process of determining these inverses and their composition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss their attempts to find the inverses of the functions and how to compose them. There are questions about the correctness of their calculations and the validity of the problem statement itself.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations for the inverses and expressed confusion over discrepancies between their results and the answer choices provided. There is a shared sentiment that the problem may contain errors, as multiple participants arrive at the same alternative result.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the options provided do not match their calculated results, leading to speculation about potential issues with the question itself.

terryds
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Homework Statement



If ##f(2x-1)= 6x + 15## and ##g(3x+1)=\frac{2x-1}{3x-5}##, then what is ##f^{-1}\circ g^{-1}(3)## ?

a) -2
b) -3
c) -4
d) -5
e) -6

The Attempt at a Solution



I think the f inverse and g inverse is
##f^{-1}(6x+15)= 2x-1##
##g^{-1}(\frac{2x-1}{3x-5})=3x+1##

and,##f^{-1}\circ g^{-1}(3)=f^{-1}(g^{-1}(3))##

Then,

I equate ##\frac{2x-1}{3x-5}=3##
So, I get x = 2

So, ##g^{-1}(3)=3(2)+1=7##

Then, I equate ##6x+15=7##
And, I get x = 8/6 or 4/3

So, ##f^{-1}(7)=2(\frac{4}{3})-1=\frac{5}{3}## which does not appear in the options..
Please help me figure out what's wrong
 
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Let's deal with ##g## first. Let the input (##3x+1##) be equal to ##u##. Then ##x=\frac{u-1}{3}##. So you have g(u) = something, and you have to find that something by expressing the output in terms of ##u##. Then try inverting the function.
 
PWiz said:
Let's deal with ##g## first. Let the input (##3x+1##) be equal to ##u##. Then ##x=\frac{u-1}{3}##. So you have g(u) = something, and you have to find that something by expressing the output in terms of ##u##. Then try inverting the function.
I get ##g(u)=\frac{2u-5}{3u-18}##
Then ##g^{-1}(x)=\frac{18x-5}{3x-2}##
So, ##g^{-1}(3)=7##

Then it'll be ##f^{-1}(7)=\frac{5}{3}##
The answer is -5 according to the book.. But, it doesn't give me the explanation.. :frown:
 
terryds said:
Then, I equate ##6x+15=7##
And, I get x = 8/6 or 4/3
That should be ##x=-4/3##. Still doesn't give the answer from the book though.
 
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Samy_A said:
That should be ##x=-4/3##. Still doesn't give the answer from the book though.
Yup, perhaps the question is wrong
 
terryds said:
Yup, perhaps the question is wrong
Or I'm missing something. I redid your calculation, and also did it like @PWiz suggested (for the two functions), but with both methods I get ##-11/3## as result.
 
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I just did the calculation myself. I'm getting -11/3 as the answer. I'm guessing something is wrong with the answer given.
EDIT: I see that @Samy_A has gotten the same result. That pretty much confirms that something is wrong with the question, since we both can't get the same wrong answer.
 

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