Matching rules are not equal without matching domains

The function ff is defined by f:x↦e∣2−x∣ f:x\mapsto e^{|2-x|}, x∈Rx\in\mathbb R, x>ax>a, where aa is a constant. It is given that aa is the least possible value such that f−1 f^{-1} exists.

(i) State the value of aa. mark

(ii) Hence find f−1(x) f^{-1}(x) and state the domain of f−1 f^{-1}. marks

(iii) Sketch on the same diagram the graphs of y=f(x) y=f(x), y=f−1(x) y=f^{-1}(x) and y=ff−1(x) y=ff^{-1}(x), giving the coordinates of all end points. marks

It is now given that aa is replaced by a constant such that the functions ff−1 ff^{-1} and f−1ff^{-1}f are equal.

(iv) Explain why the new value of aa satisfies the equation a=f(a) a=f(a), and find aa. marks

(v) The function gg is defined by g:x↦e∣2−x∣ g:x\mapsto e^{|2-x|}, x∈Zx\in\mathbb Z. Explain why composite g2 g^2 does not exist. mark

[2021/EJC/Promo/8]

Total marks: 11

Solution

(i)

One-one restrictions

f(x)=e∣2−x∣f(x)=e^{|2-x|} for real x>ax>a. Given that aa is the least value such that f−1f^{-1} exists, state aa.

Explore this idea

Hint

  1. The graph of e∣2−x∣e^{|2-x|} is V-shaped: falling to a minimum at x=2x=2, then rising.

  2. A one-one piece must stay on one side of the minimum.

Answer · (i)

a=2a=2.

Explore the idea

Open interactive exploration

Where does the graph stop being one-one?

Above the minimum height 1, a horizontal line cuts the full graph twice, once on each side of x = 2.

Height of the horizontal linek = 4
Try an example
Test boundary heights

Buttons use full-precision boundary values; numbers shown here are rounded.

Number of distinct intersections
2

Above 1 the full graph has two intersections, one on each side of x = 2.

All listed intersections are within the original drawing window. A touching point counts once; hollow endpoints are excluded.

Coordinates are rounded to 6 significant figures. Inspect a row to highlight that intersection and bring it into view.
Pointxy
0.6137064
3.386294
  • Y = e^|2−x|
  • Y = k
  • Intersections
  • Intersection selected in the coordinate table
Key idea

Every height above the minimum is hit twice. Starting the domain at x=2x=2 removes the left arm.

Ideas to try
Find the height at which there is exactly one intersection.