INVERSE FUNCTIONS PREP 04/03/24

Due: Wednesday 6th March

1. Three “function machines” A, B and C operate on numbers.
Machine A reciprocates the number, i.e. produces the number’s reciprocal as an output.
Machine B trebles the number.
Machine C subtracts one from the number.

(a) Find the function in the form ( x expression in x ) representing the following processes:
(i) Passing through machine A, followed by B.
(ii) Passing through machine C twice, followed by A.
(iii) Passing through machines B, C, A and C in that order.
(b) The operator puts a number into machine A, causing it to break down. Which number is it?
(c) The operator puts a number through machines B, C and A in that order. When it gets to A, the
machine breaks down. What number was fed into B?
(d) The operator puts a number through machines C, B and A in that order. When it gets to A, the
machine breaks down. What number was fed into C?
(e) Two of the three machines have an ‘undo’ setting? Why does the third not need an ‘undo’
setting, and which is it?

2.
a. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 − 𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 3, evaluate the following.

(i) 𝑓(3) + 𝑔(9)

(ii) 𝑓(1) + 𝑔(1)
(iii) 𝑓(5) × 𝑔(25)
(iv) 𝑓𝑔(𝑥)

The inverse of a function is the function which “undoes” it.

If the function is 𝑓, its inverse is denoted by 𝑓 −1.
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For example, if ℎ ∶ 𝑥 ↦ 3𝑥, then ℎ−1 ∶ 𝑥 ↦ 3 𝑥.

b. Copy and complete the following descriptions of the inverse functions of 𝑓 and 𝑔.
𝑓 −1 ∶ 𝑥 ↦ 𝑔−1(𝑥) =

3. Copy and complete the following table of functions and their inverses.
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𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 7 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 5 ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑟(𝑥) = 𝑥−1

3𝑥+1
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑔−1(𝑥) = ℎ−1(𝑥) = 2
𝑟 −1 (𝑥) =

2−3𝑥
4. Find the inverse of 𝑥 ↦ 1+2𝑥 . Check your answer.

BONUS:

5. Hamilton Olympiad Problems overleaf: