Math Problem Statement

The function f is defined by f(x) = -x^3 - 3x + 2 and f(1) = -2. If g is the inverse function of f, what is the value of g'(-2)?

Solution

The given function f(x)f(x) is defined as:

f(x)=x33x+2f(x) = -x^3 - 3x + 2 and f(1)=2f(1) = -2. We are asked to find the value of g(2)g'(-2), where gg is the inverse function of ff.

To find g(2)g'(-2), we use the formula for the derivative of the inverse function:

g(y)=1f(x)g'(y) = \frac{1}{f'(x)} where f(x)=yf(x) = y. In this case, f(1)=2f(1) = -2, so we know x=1x = 1 when y=2y = -2. Thus, we need to compute f(1)f'(1), the derivative of f(x)f(x) evaluated at x=1x = 1.

Step 1: Find f(x)f'(x)

The derivative of f(x)f(x) is:

f(x)=ddx(x33x+2)=3x23f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx} \left( -x^3 - 3x + 2 \right) = -3x^2 - 3

Step 2: Evaluate f(1)f'(1)

Now, substitute x=1x = 1 into the derivative:

f(1)=3(1)23=33=6f'(1) = -3(1)^2 - 3 = -3 - 3 = -6

Step 3: Find g(2)g'(-2)

Finally, using the formula for the derivative of the inverse function:

g(2)=1f(1)=16=16g'(-2) = \frac{1}{f'(1)} = \frac{1}{-6} = -\frac{1}{6}

Thus, the value of g(2)g'(-2) is:

g(2)=16g'(-2) = -\frac{1}{6}

Would you like further details on any part of the solution?


Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. How do you find the inverse of a function algebraically?
  2. What conditions must a function satisfy to have an inverse?
  3. How do you interpret the meaning of the derivative of an inverse function?
  4. What is the graphical relationship between a function and its inverse?
  5. How would you compute the inverse of the function f(x)=x33x+2f(x) = -x^3 - 3x + 2 if possible?

Tip: The derivative of the inverse function tells us the rate of change of the original function’s output with respect to its input, but from the perspective of the inverse function.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Inverse functions
Derivatives
Differentiation

Formulas

g'(y) = 1 / f'(x)
f(x) = -x^3 - 3x + 2
f'(x) = -3x^2 - 3

Theorems

Inverse Function Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (Advanced calculus or pre-university level)