Math Problem Statement

solve

Given that f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 14 and that x > 2, find f^{-1}(x).

Solution

To find the inverse function f1(x)f^{-1}(x) of the function f(x)=x24x+14f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 14, given that x>2x > 2, let's proceed with the following steps:

  1. Rewrite f(x)f(x): f(x)=x24x+14f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 14 Since we're given that x>2x > 2, we'll solve for yy in terms of xx, then swap xx and yy to find the inverse function.

  2. Set y=f(x)y = f(x): y=x24x+14y = x^2 - 4x + 14

  3. Complete the Square to Simplify the Expression: To make it easier to solve for xx, let's complete the square on the quadratic part of the equation: y=(x24x)+14y = (x^2 - 4x) + 14 Completing the square for x24xx^2 - 4x: x24x=(x2)24x^2 - 4x = (x - 2)^2 - 4 Substitute this back into the equation: y=(x2)24+14y = (x - 2)^2 - 4 + 14 Simplify: y=(x2)2+10y = (x - 2)^2 + 10

  4. Isolate (x2)2(x - 2)^2: y10=(x2)2y - 10 = (x - 2)^2

  5. Take the Square Root of Both Sides: Since x>2x > 2, we only consider the positive square root: x2=y10x - 2 = \sqrt{y - 10}

  6. Solve for xx: x=2+y10x = 2 + \sqrt{y - 10}

  7. Swap xx and yy to Express f1(x)f^{-1}(x): f1(x)=2+x10f^{-1}(x) = 2 + \sqrt{x - 10}

Final Answer:

f1(x)=2+x10f^{-1}(x) = 2 + \sqrt{x - 10}

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Here are five related questions for further exploration:

  1. How would the domain of f1(x)f^{-1}(x) be determined based on the given f(x)f(x)?
  2. What happens if x2x \leq 2 in the context of finding the inverse?
  3. How does completing the square help in solving quadratic equations?
  4. Why do we only consider the positive square root when x>2x > 2?
  5. Can you find the inverse of f(x)=x26x+20f(x) = x^2 - 6x + 20 for x>3x > 3?

Tip: Completing the square is a powerful method to simplify quadratics and find inverse functions for quadratic expressions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Inverse Functions
Completing the Square
Quadratic Functions

Formulas

f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c
Inverse Function Formula
Completing the Square for Quadratic Functions

Theorems

Concept of Inverse Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 10-12