Self-inverse functions alternate by parity

A function ff is said to be a self-inverse function if f(x)=f−1(x) f(x)=f^{-1}(x). The function ff is defined by f(x)=ax+bcx−2 f(x)=\frac{ax+b}{cx-2}, x∈Rx\in\mathbb R, x≠2/cx\ne2/c, where a,b,c,da, b, c, d are non-zero constants.

(i) By finding f−1(x) f^{-1}(x), show that a=2 a=2 for ff to be self-inverse. marks

For the rest use a=2,b=3,c=5 a=2, b=3, c=5. (ii) Find f2(x) f^2(x). mark (iii) Evaluate f71(4) f^{71}(4). marks

The function gg is defined by g(x)=2x2−3 g(x)=2x^2-3, x∈Rx\in\mathbb R. (iv) Explain why composite fgfg does not exist. marks (v) Find exact solutions of gf(x)=5 gf(x)=5. marks

[2020/CJC/Promo/10]

Total marks: 10

Solution

If this part uses an earlier result, revisit (iii) Reducing large powers or open all working together.

(iv)

Existence of composites

g(x)=2x2−3g(x)=2x^2-3 for all real xx. Explain why fgfg does not exist.

Explore this idea

Hint

  1. fgfg exists when Rg⊆DfR_g\subseteq D_f.

  2. Find the one value excluded from DfD_f and check whether gg reaches it.

Answer · (iv)

fgfg does not exist: 2/5∈Rg=[−3,∞)2/5\in R_g=[-3,\infty) but 2/5∉Df2/5\notin D_f.

Explore the idea

Open interactive exploration

Does g ever output 2/5?

The input y = k to f is bad when k = 2/5. The parabola reaches that height at two places.

Height of the horizontal linek = 0.4
Try an example
Test boundary heights

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

Number of distinct intersections
2

Two intersections. In particular, gg reaches 2/52/5, an excluded input of ff.

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
-1.303840.4
1.303840.4
  • G
  • Y = k
  • Inputs where g takes the value k
  • Intersection selected in the coordinate table
Key idea

Because gg can output 25\frac25, feeding it to ff would divide by zero.

Ideas to try
Set k=25k=\frac25 and read off the two inputs that make g=25g=\frac25.