What is the inverse of the function f(x)=x^3-3x for different intervals?

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    2015
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the inverse of the function f(x) = x^3 - 3x over specified intervals. The intervals analyzed include f^{-1}([-2,2]), f^{-1}((2,18)), f^{-1}([2,18)), and f^{-1}([0,2]). The participants emphasize the importance of understanding the behavior of cubic functions and their inverses to solve these problems accurately. The solution provided highlights the critical points and the monotonicity of the function within the given ranges.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cubic functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of inverse functions and how to calculate them
  • Familiarity with interval notation and its implications
  • Basic calculus concepts, including derivatives and monotonicity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of cubic functions and their graphs
  • Learn how to compute inverse functions for polynomial equations
  • Explore the concept of monotonicity and its role in determining inverses
  • Practice solving problems involving inverse functions on various intervals
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in advanced algebra and function analysis will benefit from this discussion.

Ackbach
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $f:\mathbb{R}\to\mathbb{R}$ be the function given by $f(x)=x^3-3x$. Calculate $f^{-1}([-2,2]), f^{-1}((2,18)), f^{-1}([2,18)),$ and $f^{-1}([0,2])$.

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Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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No one answered this week's POTW correctly. Here is my solution:

A plot of the function follows using Desmos. You can adjust it so that it captures all $y$-values from $-2$ to $18$.
[desmos="-10,10,-10,10"]x^3-3*x[/desmos]
From this graph, we can see by inspection that
\begin{align*}
f^{-1}([-2,2])&=[-2,2] \\
f^{-1}((2,18))&=(2,3) \\
f^{-1}([2,18))&=\{-1\}\cup [2,3) \\
f^{-1}([0,2])&=[-\sqrt{3},0]\cup[\sqrt{3},2].
\end{align*}
 

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