Math Problem Statement

find the inverse of f(x)=4/x - 1

Solution

To find the inverse of the function f(x)=4x1f(x) = \frac{4}{x} - 1, follow these steps:

Step 1: Replace f(x)f(x) with yy

y=4x1y = \frac{4}{x} - 1

Step 2: Swap xx and yy

x=4y1x = \frac{4}{y} - 1

Step 3: Solve for yy

Add 1 to both sides: x+1=4yx + 1 = \frac{4}{y}

Now, multiply both sides by yy: y(x+1)=4y(x + 1) = 4

Finally, solve for yy by dividing both sides by x+1x + 1: y=4x+1y = \frac{4}{x + 1}

Step 4: Replace yy with f1(x)f^{-1}(x)

f1(x)=4x+1f^{-1}(x) = \frac{4}{x + 1}

So, the inverse function is f1(x)=4x+1f^{-1}(x) = \frac{4}{x + 1}.

Would you like more details on this process or have any other questions?

Related Questions:

  1. How do you verify that f(x)f(x) and f1(x)f^{-1}(x) are indeed inverses of each other?
  2. What is the domain and range of the inverse function f1(x)=4x+1f^{-1}(x) = \frac{4}{x+1}?
  3. Can you find the inverse of a function that is not one-to-one? Why or why not?
  4. How does the graph of f(x)f(x) compare to the graph of its inverse f1(x)f^{-1}(x)?
  5. What are the applications of inverse functions in real-world problems?

Tip: Always ensure that the original function is one-to-one (passes the horizontal line test) before attempting to find its inverse.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Inverse Functions
Algebra

Formulas

Inverse function process: Swap x and y, then solve for y
f(x) = 4/x - 1
f^(-1)(x) = 4/(x + 1)

Theorems

Horizontal Line Test for One-to-One Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12