Math Problem Statement

For each pair of functions f and g, find f(g(x)) and g(f(x)). Then determine whether f and g are inverses of each other. Simplify your answers as much as possible.

Solution

Let's solve each part of the problem step by step.

Part (a)

Given:

  • f(x)=x3f(x) = x - 3
  • g(x)=x+3g(x) = x + 3

Find f(g(x))f(g(x)):

f(g(x))=f(x+3)=(x+3)3=xf(g(x)) = f(x + 3) = (x + 3) - 3 = x

Find g(f(x))g(f(x)):

g(f(x))=g(x3)=(x3)+3=xg(f(x)) = g(x - 3) = (x - 3) + 3 = x

Since f(g(x))=xf(g(x)) = x and g(f(x))=xg(f(x)) = x, ff and gg are inverses of each other.

Part (b)

Given:

  • f(x)=12xf(x) = \frac{1}{2x}, x0x \neq 0
  • g(x)=12xg(x) = -\frac{1}{2x}, x0x \neq 0

Find f(g(x))f(g(x)):

f(g(x))=f(12x)=12(12x)=11x=xf(g(x)) = f\left(-\frac{1}{2x}\right) = \frac{1}{2 \cdot \left(-\frac{1}{2x}\right)} = \frac{1}{-\frac{1}{x}} = -x

Find g(f(x))g(f(x)):

g(f(x))=g(12x)=12(12x)=11x=xg(f(x)) = g\left(\frac{1}{2x}\right) = -\frac{1}{2 \cdot \left(\frac{1}{2x}\right)} = -\frac{1}{\frac{1}{x}} = -x

Since neither f(g(x))f(g(x)) nor g(f(x))g(f(x)) equals xx, ff and gg are not inverses of each other.

Final Answers:

  • (a): f(g(x))=xf(g(x)) = x and g(f(x))=xg(f(x)) = x. Therefore, ff and gg are inverses of each other.
  • (b): f(g(x))=xf(g(x)) = -x and g(f(x))=xg(f(x)) = -x. Therefore, ff and gg are not inverses of each other.

Do you want further details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions you might find helpful:

  1. What are the conditions for two functions to be inverses of each other?
  2. Can a function be its own inverse? If yes, provide examples.
  3. How do the compositions of functions f(g(x))f(g(x)) and g(f(x))g(f(x)) differ for non-inverse functions?
  4. What is the significance of the domain in determining whether two functions are inverses?
  5. How does the behavior of inverse functions relate to their graphs?

Tip: When verifying if two functions are inverses, remember to check both f(g(x))f(g(x)) and g(f(x))g(f(x)) to ensure they both simplify to xx.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Functions
Inverse Functions
Function Composition

Formulas

f(g(x)) = f(g(x))
g(f(x)) = g(f(x))

Theorems

Inverse Function Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12