Question regarding inverse functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of inverse functions, specifically whether the inverse of the function f(x+3) is equal to f-1(x+3). Participants explore the implications of function composition and provide examples to illustrate their points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the statement about the inverse of f(x+3) being f-1(x+3) is false, arguing that finding an inverse typically involves switching x and y variables and solving for y.
  • One participant suggests that if f(x) is assumed to be x, then f(x+3) simplifies to x+3, leading to a potential misunderstanding of the inverse process.
  • Another participant recommends testing the relationship through function composition to verify if the functions are indeed inverses.
  • A counterexample is provided where f(x) is defined as 2x + 3, leading to a calculation that shows the inverse of f(x+3) does not equal f-1(x+3), thus challenging the original statement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the statement regarding the inverse of f(x+3). There is no consensus, as some support the idea that the statement is false while others suggest testing through examples.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of the function f and its inverse are not explicitly stated, and the discussion includes various interpretations of the inverse function process. The examples provided depend on specific definitions of f, which may not generalize to all functions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners interested in the properties of inverse functions, function composition, and those exploring counterexamples in mathematical reasoning.

michellemich
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f(x) where x belongs to all real numbers
inverse: f-1(x), where x belongs to all real numbers

True or False:
The inverse of f(x+3) is f-1(x+3)

My ideas:
I think that it is false given that when you usually find the inverse of a function, you switch the x and y variables and solve for y again meaning that the inverse couldn't stay the same.
I figured since the domain and range of f(x) belong to all real numbers, possibly f(x) = x and then inputting f(x+3) = x+ 3
then y = x+3
then y = x - 3 but I am not really sure if that's right :s
 
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michellemich said:
f(x) where x belongs to all real numbers
inverse: f-1(x), where x belongs to all real numbers

True or False:
The inverse of f(x+3) is f-1(x+3)

My ideas:
I think that it is false given that when you usually find the inverse of a function, you switch the x and y variables and solve for y again meaning that the inverse couldn't stay the same.
I figured since the domain and range of f(x) belong to all real numbers, possibly f(x) = x and then inputting f(x+3) = x+ 3
then y = x+3
then y = x - 3 but I am not really sure if that's right :s

You are given that ##f## has an inverse ##f^{-1}##. What happens when you solve the equation ##y=f(x+3)## for ##x##?
 
Good Day michellemich!

If you are not sure of your answer, try some composition: let your original function be f(x)and your questionable inverse function be g(x)

Evaluate (f of g) and (g of f). If they undo each other, they are inverses.
 
If you want to know if this is true for all invertible functions, it is simple enough to find a counterexample.

If, say, f(x)= 2x+ 3, then f(x)= 3x- 2, then f^{-1}(x)= (x+ 2)/3. f(x+3)= 3(x+ 3)- 2= 3x+ 7. The inverse of that function is (x- 7)/3. Is that equal to f^{-1}(x+ 3)= (x+3+ 2)/3= (x+ 5)/3?
 

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