Chapter 5: Problem 24
For the following exercises, find the inverse of the functions. $$ f(x)=\frac{x+3}{x+7} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The inverse function is \( f^{-1}(x) = \frac{3 - 7x}{x - 1} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Function
We are given the function \( f(x) = \frac{x+3}{x+7} \). The goal is to find the inverse, which we will denote as \( f^{-1}(x) \). To find the inverse, we need to solve for \( x \) in terms of \( y \).
02
Replace Variables
Replace \( f(x) \) with \( y \), so the function becomes \( y = \frac{x+3}{x+7} \). Now, solve for \( x \) in terms of \( y \).
03
Cross-Multiply
Multiply both sides of the equation by \( x + 7 \) to clear the fraction: \( y(x + 7) = x + 3 \).
04
Distribute and Rearrange
Distribute \( y \) to get \( yx + 7y = x + 3 \). Rearrange the terms to isolate \( x \) terms on one side and constant terms on the other: \( yx - x = 3 - 7y \).
05
Factor Out x
Factor \( x \) from the left-hand side: \( x(y - 1) = 3 - 7y \).
06
Solve for x
Divide both sides by \( y - 1 \) to solve for \( x \): \( x = \frac{3 - 7y}{y - 1} \).
07
Express Inverse Function
Now express \( x \) as \( f^{-1}(y) \), effectively replacing \( y \) back with \( x \): \( f^{-1}(x) = \frac{3 - 7x}{x - 1} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Function Notation
Function notation is a way to name and define functions in mathematics. It is conventionally represented as \( f(x) \), where "\( f \)" denotes the function, and "\( x \)" is the variable or input to the function.
By specifying \( f(x) = \frac{x+3}{x+7} \), we are defining a relationship between inputs and outputs.
By specifying \( f(x) = \frac{x+3}{x+7} \), we are defining a relationship between inputs and outputs.
- The notation helps us identify which function we are working with and what its input is.
- It acts like a labeling system to keep track of different functions in a problem.
Cross-Multiplication
Cross-multiplication is a powerful technique used to solve equations involving fractions. It helps to clear out fractions by multiplying terms across an equation.
For the function \( y = \frac{x+3}{x+7} \), we apply cross-multiplication to eliminate the fraction:
For the function \( y = \frac{x+3}{x+7} \), we apply cross-multiplication to eliminate the fraction:
- Multiply both sides by \( x+7 \) to get \( y(x+7) = x+3 \).
- This ensures we have a fraction-free equation that is easier to manipulate further.
Factorization
Factorization is the process of breaking down expressions into products of simpler expressions or factors. It is a crucial step in solving equations because it allows us to simplify expressions and solve for variables more efficiently.
In the equation \( yx + 7y = x + 3 \), after rearranging, we have:
In the equation \( yx + 7y = x + 3 \), after rearranging, we have:
- Isolate the \( x \) terms: \( yx - x = 3 - 7y \).
- Factor \( x \) out from the left hand side to get \( x(y-1) \).
Solving Equations
Solving equations involves finding the value of unknown variables that satisfy the equation. It is a fundamental aspect of algebra and calculus.
In this exercise, after factorization, we need to solve for \( x \):
In this exercise, after factorization, we need to solve for \( x \):
- Divide both sides of the equation \( x(y-1) = 3 - 7y \) by \( y-1 \), resulting in \( x = \frac{3 - 7y}{y-1} \).
- This step is crucial because it isolates \( x \) completely, expressing it in terms of \( y \).