Finding the Inverse of a Cubic Polynomial

AI Thread Summary
To find the inverse of the cubic polynomial function f(x) = 2x^3 + 5, the process involves rearranging the equation to express x in terms of y. The correct inverse function is f^{-1}(x) = ∛((x - 5) / 2), as the function is monotonic and thus has a unique inverse. The initial confusion about having two inverse functions was clarified, confirming that only one exists due to the function's increasing nature. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding inverse functions, especially when they have not yet been covered in class. Overall, the final inverse function is correctly identified and simplified.
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Homework Statement


Find the inverse of the function.

f(x)=2x^{3}+5

Homework Equations


Possibly the quadratic equation.

The Attempt at a Solution

f(x)=2x^{3}+5

y=2x^{3}+5

-2x^{3}=-y+5

x^{3}= \frac{-y+5}{-2}

x= \pm\sqrt[3]{\frac{-y+5}{-2}}

y= \pm\sqrt[3]{\frac{-x+5}{-2}}So the solution is two inverse functions? like..f^{-1}(x)= \sqrt[3]{\frac{(-x+5)}{-2}}

and

f^{-1}(x)= -\sqrt[3]{\frac{(-x+5)}{-2}}

I'm not sure that is what the professor is looking for? Thank you.
 
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You're confusing x^2=1 \to x=\pm 1 with x^3=1 \to x=1

x=-1 does not satisfy x^3=1
 
Ah, yes it seems I am.

The inverse function is simply:

f^{-1}(x)= \sqrt[3]{\frac{(-x+5)}{-2}}

then?
 
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Since the function is monotonic increasing function it has only one inverse and you have it.
 
So the correct inverse function for

f(x)=2x^{3}+5

is

f^{-1}(x)= \sqrt[3]{\frac{(-x+5)}{-2}}
?
Thanks!
 
Yes, but that's the same as
f^{-1}(x)= \sqrt[3]{\frac{x-5}{2}}
 
Mark44 said:
Yes, but that's the same as
f^{-1}(x)= \sqrt[3]{\frac{x-5}{2}}

Right!

Thanks a lot for the help. This just sort of showed up on a worksheet, and we have not covered inverse functions yet, I had to read ahead in the book to even get the slightest idea.

It's very much appreciated!
 
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