Is this inverse function continuity proof consistent?

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The discussion revolves around proving the continuity of the inverse function f-1 at the endpoints f(a) and f(b) for a continuous and increasing function f on the interval [a, b]. The user attempts to demonstrate that f-1 is continuous to the right of f(a) using the definition of unilateral limits. They establish that for every ε > 0, there exists a δ > 0 such that the conditions for continuity are satisfied. A key point made is that the absence of an absolute value in the final result is justified due to the monotonicity of f-1. The proof appears consistent and valid based on the properties of increasing functions.
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I am self-studying Calculus and tried to solve the following question:

Homework Statement


Suppose that the function f is continuous and increasing in the closed interval [a, b]. Then
(i) f has an inverse f-1, which is defined in [f(a), f(b)];
(ii) f-1 is increasing in [f(a), f(b)];
(iii) f-1 is continuous in [f(a), f(b)].
The book does the proofs for (i) and (ii). It then proofs (iii) partially by showing that f is continuous in the open interval (a,b).
I must then show that f-1 is continuous in f(a) to the right and continuous in f(b) to the left.

Homework Equations


Definition of unilateral limit to the right:
\lim_{x\to a^+} f(x) = L
if and only if, for every small ε > 0, there is a δ > 0 such that
|f(x) - L| < ε whenever 0 < x - a < δ

The Attempt at a Solution


I will try to do here the proof that f-1 is continuous in f(a) to the right.
Applying the definition of unilateral limit to the right, I must then show that, for every small ε > 0, there is a δ > 0 such that
|f-1(y) - a| < ε whenever 0 < y - f(a) < δ

I begin by defining ε such that a + ε belongs to [f(a), f(b)].
Since a < a + ε, then, since f is increasing:
f(a) &lt; f(a+\epsilon)
Now, since the choice of δ depends upon the choice of ε, I choose δ such that:
\delta \leq f(a+\epsilon) - f(a)
f(a)+\delta \leq f(a+\epsilon)
Now, from the definition of the limit above, I know that:
0 &lt; y - f(a) &lt; \delta
Summing f(a) to every term:
f(a) &lt; y &lt; f(a) + \delta
So, combining this with the δ chosen above:
f(a) &lt; y &lt; f(a) + \delta \leq f(a+\epsilon)
Since f and f-1 are both increasing:
f^{-1}(f(a)) &lt; f^{-1}(y) &lt; f^{-1}(f(a+\epsilon))
a &lt; f^{-1}(y) &lt; a+\epsilon
Subtracting a from every term:
0 &lt; f^{-1}(y) - a &lt; \epsilon whenever 0 &lt; y - f(a) &lt; \delta
which appears to be the desired result, except for the lack of absolute value. I imagine the absolute value didn't appear here because f^{-1} is an increasing function.

Thank you in advance.
 
Last edited:
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This looks ok to me!

And indeed, you don't need that absolute value in the end because the function is monotone.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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