Compose through a restricted range, then use symmetry for area

(a) Functions f:x↦(x−2)(x−4) f:x\mapsto(x-2)(x-4) for x∈Rx\in\mathbb R, x<4 x<4; g:x↦x/(x+3) g:x\mapsto x/(x+3) for x∈Rx\in\mathbb R, x≠−3 x\ne-3.

Determine if ff is one-one, justifying your answer. mark

Only one of fgfg and gfgf exists. Give a definition (including domain) of the composite that exists, and explain why the other does not exist. Find the range of the composite that exists. marks

(b) h:x↦a(1+e−x) h:x\mapsto a(1+e^{-x}), x∈R0+ x\in\mathbb R_0^+, where aa is positive. Find h−1(x) h^{-1}(x) and its domain. marks

Given that hh and h−1 h^{-1} intersect where x=bx=b, and ∫0bh(x) dx=I\int_0^b h(x)\, dx=I , find the area bounded by h,h−1 h, h^{-1} and the axes in terms of I,bI, b. marks

[2010/TJC/Prelim/II/3]

Total marks: 12

Solution

(a) one-one

One-one functions

f(x)=(x−2)(x−4)f(x)=(x-2)(x-4) for x<4x<4 and g(x)=xx+3g(x)=\dfrac x{x+3} for x≠−3x\ne-3. Determine whether ff is one-one.

Explore this idea

Hint

  1. Look for two inputs with the same output: the vertex is at x=3x=3 and the domain extends beyond it.

Answer · (a) one-one

Not one-one: f(5/2)=f(7/2)=−3/4f(5/2)=f(7/2)=-3/4.

Explore the idea

Open interactive exploration

The horizontal line test on (x − 2)(x − 4), x < 4

Between −1 and 0 the line cuts the graph twice. At or above 0, only the left intersection lies in x < 4.

Height of the horizontal linek = -0.75
Try an example
Test boundary heights

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

Number of distinct intersections
2

Two intersections, both within x < 4. This proves the function is not one-one.

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
2.5-0.75
3.5-0.75
  • F
  • Y = k
  • Intersections
  • Intersection selected in the coordinate table
Key idea

The domain x<4x<4 takes in both sides of the vertex, so the graph turns back on itself.

Ideas to try
Set k=−0.75k=-0.75: which two inputs do you find?