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Thread: Little Functions Problem...

  1. #1

    Thread Starter
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    Little Functions Problem...

    Allo, it's been a while since the last time I've posted in this forum. Recently I've found a little functions question that I think I've forgotten how to do it...

    Given that function f(x) = 5x - 36/x, find

    f-¹(11)

    Find the value of x that can be mapped to itself under the function f.

    I was really confused on how to solve it. Hope someone can help me solve this little functions problem

    Edit: I think the line "Find the value of x that can be mapped to itself under the function f" is not for this question. Maybe it's for the other questions. Not sure about it...
    Last edited by MathBaby; Dec 6th, 2006 at 08:17 AM.

  2. #2
    Fanatic Member VBAhack's Avatar
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    Re: Little Functions Problem...

    f-1(x) is the inverse function, meaning you want x = f(y). In this specific case:

    y = 5x - 36/x

    yx = 5x2 - 36

    0 = 5x2 - yx - 36

    Use the quadratic formula to find the values of x in terms of y. There are potentially 2. In the specific case of y = 11, x = 4 or x = -1.8

  3. #3
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    Re: Little Functions Problem...

    I think you just solved f(11) not the inverse

  4. #4
    Addicted Member TBeck's Avatar
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    Re: Little Functions Problem...

    I think VBAhack is right:
    y = 5x - 36/x

    inverse (swap x and y):

    x = 5y - 36/y

    sub in x = 11

    11 = 5y - 36/y
    11y = 5y^2 - 36
    0 = 5y^2 - 11y -36
    y = 4 or y = -1 4/5

  5. #5

    Thread Starter
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    Re: Little Functions Problem...

    Yay, the answer is correct

    Thank you so much for helping me with this question, I was wondering how they get 4 and -9/5 for answer lol...

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