Chapter 5: Problem 72
Find the inverse function of \(f\). \(f(x)=3^{x+1}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The inverse function is \( f^{-1}(x) = \log_3(x) - 1 \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function
We start with the function given: \[ f(x) = 3^{x+1} \]Our goal is to find the inverse of this function, denoted as \( f^{-1}(x) \). An inverse function essentially reverses the effect of the original function.
02
Replace f(x) with y
To indicate that the function holds an equality, we replace \( f(x) \) with \( y \):\[ y = 3^{x+1} \] This is a crucial step to solve for \( x \) in terms of \( y \), which will help us find \( f^{-1}(x) \).
03
Solve for x in terms of y
Now, we'll solve the equation \( y = 3^{x+1} \) for \( x \). First, take the logarithm base 3 of both sides to eliminate the exponent:\[ \log_3(y) = x + 1 \] Next, solve for \( x \) by isolating it on one side:\[ x = \log_3(y) - 1 \]
04
Express the Inverse Function
With \( x = \log_3(y) - 1 \), we now replace \( x \) with \( f^{-1}(x) \) and \( y \) with \( x \) to express the inverse function:\[ f^{-1}(x) = \log_3(x) - 1 \] This is the inverse function.
05
Verify the Inverse Function
To ensure that \( f^{-1}(x) \) is correct, check that applying \( f \) and then \( f^{-1} \) returns the original value:1. Calculate \( f(f^{-1}(x)) \): \[ f(f^{-1}(x)) = 3^{\log_3(x) - 1 + 1} = x \]2. Calculate \( f^{-1}(f(x)) \): \[ f^{-1}(3^{x+1}) = \log_3(3^{x+1}) - 1 = x + 1 - 1 = x \]Both checks show the function and its inverse correctly reverse each other's effect.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Exponential Functions
Exponential functions are a type of mathematical function where the variable is in the exponent. In the function \( f(x) = 3^{x+1} \), the base is 3, and the exponent is \(x+1\). This means that as the variable \( x \) changes, the value of the function increases or decreases exponentially. There are a few key characteristics of exponential functions:
- Growth Rate: Exponential functions grow by constant percentages, rather than constant differences. As \( x \) increases, \( f(x) \) grows faster compared to linear or quadratic functions.
- Base Effects: The base (in this case, 3) affects the rate at which the function grows. Different bases result in different rates of growth or decay.
- Horizontal Asymptote: As \( x \) approaches negative infinity, \( f(x) \) approaches zero, but never actually reaches it.
Logarithms
Logarithms are the inverse of exponential functions. They take the form \( \log_b(a) \), which answers the question, "To what power must the base \( b \) be raised, to produce \( a \)?" In the context of our original function \( f(x) = 3^{x+1} \), taking the logarithm base 3 is a strategic move to solve for \( x \) when the function itself has \( x \) in its exponent.Logarithms are vital in unraveling exponential expressions:
- Inverse Relationship: The logarithmic and exponential functions are inverse operations. Applying a logarithmic operation can cancel out an exponential function and vice versa.
- Properties of Logarithms: There are several rules, such as \( \log_b(mn) = \log_b(m) + \log_b(n) \) and \( b^{\log_b(a)} = a \), which simplify calculations involving logarithms.
- Solving Equations: By taking the logarithm of both sides, as shown in the solution, we turn complex exponential equations into manageable linear equations.
Function Verification
Function verification is a vital step in ensuring the accuracy of an inverse function. When we find the inverse of a function, such as \( f(x) = 3^{x+1} \), it is essential to check that this inverse accurately reverses the original function.The process of function verification involves two main steps:
- Substitution and Simplification: Calculate \( f(f^{-1}(x)) \). Substitute the inverse into the original function and simplify. For our inverse, \( f^{-1}(x) = \log_3(x) - 1 \), this is confirmed by showing that \( 3^{\log_3(x) - 1 + 1} = x \).
- Reverse Substitution: Calculate \( f^{-1}(f(x)) \). Substitute the function into its inverse and simplify. For \( f(x) = 3^{x+1} \), this step involves showing \( \log_3(3^{x+1}) - 1 = x \).