Solve Inverse Function: g^-1(6) for g(x) = 5 + x + e^x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the inverse of the function g(x) = 5 + x + e^x, specifically g^-1(6). Participants explore the steps involved in isolating x and the application of logarithmic properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to isolate x by substituting g(x) with y and manipulating the equation. They express confusion regarding the correct application of logarithms and seek guidance on the next steps.
  • Some participants question the application of logarithmic rules, suggesting corrections and alternative perspectives on the problem setup.
  • Others propose a different interpretation of the problem, framing it as finding the value of x that satisfies the equation 5 + x + e^x = 6.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's approach and suggesting alternative methods. There is a mix of interpretations being explored, and while some guidance has been offered, there is no explicit consensus on the next steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of logarithmic manipulation and the definition of inverse functions. There is an acknowledgment of potential misunderstandings in the application of mathematical rules.

momogiri
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Question:
If g(x) = 5 + x + e^x, find g^-1(6) [inverse of g, not g to the power of -1]

Attempted:
So I first substitued g(x) to y

So y = 5 + x + e^x
then I tried isolating the x
So y - 5 = x + e^x
Then I applied ln to both sides
ln(y) - ln(5) = ln(x) + ln(e^x)
Due to the log rules, I can take down the x from ln(e^x)
So it becomes ln(y) - ln(5) = ln(x) + x(ln(e))
And since ln(e) = 1, that means
ln(y) - ln(5) = ln(x) + x

Ok. So now I'm stuck.
Where should I go from here?? I know I'm missing something extremely crucial here, but I'm really not seeing it :(
Please help! And thanks a bunch!
 
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You applied the ln incorrectly. You'd be getting ln (y-5), not ln y - ln 5.

See if you can go from there :smile:

Anyway, the idea for finding an inverse function like this is, replace all the y with x, and replace all the x with y. Then solve for the new y, which is the inverse function. Then plug in the given x.
 
Oh, really? XD
So if it's ln(y - 5) then x and e^x would be ln(x + e^x) right?
I.. don't know where to go from there.. :(
 
You could think of the question as saying: What value of x would make [tex]5+x+e^x=6[/tex]?

In other words, find x, if [tex]x+e^x = 1[/tex].

Now, you can either take the log of both sides here, but really its just easy to see that its 0.
 
Oh wow.. so I was making this question harder than it seems XD
Thanks so much, Gib Z! :D
Brownie points for you :D :D
 

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