# Inverse functions

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• October 13th 2008, 07:54 PM
realintegerz
Inverse functions
How do I find f^-1 (2), x for f^-1 (x) = 0

I have a graph with a function f on it,

f(x) = [ 2x^3 + 1/2 x + 5 ]/2

http://i36.tinypic.com/2ppk190.jpg

And also, it would be great if someone could find the equation for the inverse of f(x)
• October 13th 2008, 09:29 PM
11rdc11
Quote:

Originally Posted by realintegerz
How do I find f^-1 (2), x for f^-1 (x) = 0

I have a graph with a function f on it,

f(x) = [ 2x^3 + 1/2 x + 5 ]/2

http://i36.tinypic.com/2ppk190.jpg

And also, it would be great if someone could find the equation for the inverse of f(x)

Remember that for inverses the domain and range switch. For example

$f(x)$ has domain A and range B than $f^{-1}(x)$ has domain B and range A

Ok so using this info we can solve what $f^{-1}(x) = 0$ and $f^{-1}(2)$ is since we know the function is

$f(x) = \frac{2x^3 +\frac{x}{2} +5}{2}$

1) $f^{-1}(x) = 0$ is $f(0)=?$

so

$x = \frac{5}{2}$

2)To solve the other problem set

$2 = \frac{2x^3 +\frac{x}{2} +5}{2}$

and solve for x
• October 14th 2008, 06:11 PM
realintegerz
hmmm..

im stuck on that f^-1 (2)...

So far i simplified it to...

-2 = 4x^3 + x
• October 14th 2008, 07:52 PM
11rdc11
Quote:

Originally Posted by realintegerz
hmmm..

im stuck on that f^-1 (2)...

So far i simplified it to...

-2 = 4x^3 + x

i tried using the rational root theorem but couldn't get any nice roots so i used the cubic equation. You could also do it numerically.
• October 14th 2008, 08:18 PM
realintegerz
Quote:

Originally Posted by 11rdc11
i tried using the rational root theorem but couldn't get any nice roots so i used the cubic equation. You could also do it numerically.

I know the quadratic equation..but not cubic...(Thinking)

could you explain that?