Inverse Functions: Determine f(f-1(x)) and f-1(f(x))

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the composite functions f(f-1(x)) and f-1(f(x)) for the functions f(x) = 7x - 3 and f(x) = (2/3)x + 2. Participants clarify that if f(g(x)) = x and g(f(x)) = x, then f(x) and g(x) are inverses. The correct approach involves finding the inverse function first and then demonstrating that the compositions yield x, confirming their inverse relationship.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inverse functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with composite functions
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
  • Knowledge of function notation and operations
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive inverse functions explicitly
  • Study the properties of composite functions in detail
  • Explore examples of different types of functions and their inverses
  • Practice solving problems involving f(f-1(x)) and f-1(f(x))
USEFUL FOR

Students studying algebra, particularly those learning about functions and their inverses, as well as educators looking for clear examples to explain these concepts.

aisha
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Determine f(f-1(x)) and f-1(f(x)) of the following functions. What do you notice?

a.) f(x) = 7x-3
b.)f(x) = 2/3 x+2 (there were no brackets the x+2 is just beside the fraction)

Rule: If f(g(x)) = x and f(f(x)) = x, then f(x) and g(x) are inverse of each other.

This is my exercise question I don't understand what to do I get the rule but how am getting an answer of x? I have the solutions also, but I don't know what to do with the numbers am I solving for something? :rolleyes:
 
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aisha said:
Determine f(f-1(x)) and f-1(f(x)) of the following functions. What do you notice?

a.) f(x) = 7x-3
b.)f(x) = 2/3 x+2 (there were no brackets the x+2 is just beside the fraction)

Rule: If f(g(x)) = x and f(f(x)) = x, then f(x) and g(x) are inverse of each other.

This is my exercise question I don't understand what to do I get the rule but how am getting an answer of x? I have the solutions also, but I don't know what to do with the numbers am I solving for something? :rolleyes:

Did you work out f(f-1(x)) and f-1(f(x))? Which numbers are you referring too?
 
aisha said:
Determine f(f-1(x)) and f-1(f(x)) of the following functions. What do you notice?

a.) f(x) = 7x-3
b.)f(x) = 2/3 x+2 (there were no brackets the x+2 is just beside the fraction)

Rule: If f(g(x)) = x and f(f(x)) = x, then f(x) and g(x) are inverse of each other.

This is my exercise question I don't understand what to do I get the rule but how am getting an answer of x? I have the solutions also, but I don't know what to do with the numbers am I solving for something? :rolleyes:

Correction : If f(g(x)) = x and g(f(x)) = x, then f(x) and g(x) are inverse of each other, or g = f^-1. That should give you the answer.
 
Gokul43201 said:
Correction : If f(g(x)) = x and g(f(x)) = x, then f(x) and g(x) are inverse of each other, or g = f^-1. That should give you the answer.


I understand that but I don't know what to do? lol Omg I don't even know what to do with the numbers given. Show me please The solutions are both are inverses of each other.
 
Well you have to find the inverse of f(x) first. Then show f(f^{-1}(x)) = x. Can you find an inverse? An inverse g(x) is the graph of f(x) reflected across the line y=x .

For example:

f(x) = 1/x + 5

Defined implicitly the inverse is therefore:

x= 1/y + 5

where

<br /> <br /> y= f^{-1}

solve for y to get the inverse defined explicitly:

y = \frac{1}{x-5}
 
Yes I know how to find the inverse that much makes sense but what does the stuff in these brackets mean? f(f^(-1)(x))=x what do I do after I find the inverse? multiply f? by the inverse? Thats the part I don't get how to =x :rolleyes:
 
f(f^{-1}(x)) = x
is a composite function . Do you know about these? BTW what math level are you in, what circumstances are you in? It seems like you have an awful lot of questions that could be answered by reading the textbook.
 
Suppose you have two different functions:
f(x)=3x+1
g(x)=x^2+1

You get a composite function f(g(x)) by taking g(x) and plugging into f(x) where x is:
So f(g(x))=3(x^2+1)+1

And g(f(x))=(3x+1)^2+1

Now let's look at a function and its inverse:
f(x)=3x+1
f-1(x)=(x-1)/3

I form the composite of f(x) with f-1(x)
f(f-1(x))=3[(x-1)/3]+1=(x-1)+1=x


f-1(f(x))=[(3x+1)-1]/3=(3x)/3=x

So we find f(f-1(x))=f-1(f(x))=x

This is always true for any relation and its inverse. So you should notice the same thing in your exercise.
 
learningphysics said:
Suppose you have two different functions:
f(x)=3x+1
g(x)=x^2+1

You get a composite function f(g(x)) by taking g(x) and plugging into f(x) where x is:
So f(g(x))=3(x^2+1)+1

And g(f(x))=(3x+1)^2+1

Now let's look at a function and its inverse:
f(x)=3x+1
f-1(x)=(x-1)/3

I form the composite of f(x) with f-1(x)
f(f-1(x))=3[(x-1)/3]+1=(x-1)+1=x


f-1(f(x))=[(3x+1)-1]/3=(3x)/3=x

So we find f(f-1(x))=f-1(f(x))=x

This is always true for any relation and its inverse. So you should notice the same thing in your exercise.

WOW THANKS SOOOO MUCH what a great explanation and example! So easy to understand, Thankyou. :smile:
 

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