A non-invertible function can have an invertible composite

f:x↦(x−7)(x+1) f:x\mapsto(x-7)(x+1), x>0 x>0.

(a) Use an algebraic method to find exact solution of f(x)<(x2−7x)/(2−x) f(x)<(x^2-7x)/(2-x). marks

(b)(i) Determine if f−1 f^{-1} exists. marks

Given gg is one-one with domain (0,∞)(0, \infty) and range (4,∞)(4, \infty):

(ii) Find range of fgfg. marks

(iii) A function hh is one-one if for any α,β∈Dh\alpha, \beta\in D_h , h(α)=h(β) h(\alpha)=h(\beta) implies α=β\alpha=\beta . Show that fgfg is one-one. marks

(iv) If g(x)=4exg(x)=4e^x for x>0 x>0, find exact (fg)−1(20)(fg)^{-1}(20). marks

[2011/RI/Promo/13]

Total marks: 15

Solution

If this part uses an earlier result, revisit (a) Rational inequalities or open all working together.

(b)i

One-one functions

Determine whether f−1f^{-1} exists.

Explore this idea

Hint

  1. Find two inputs with the same output.

Answer · (b)i

No inverse: f(1)=f(5)=−12f(1)=f(5)=-12.

Explore the idea

Open interactive exploration

The horizontal line test

Below the open point (0, −7) the line meets the graph twice.

Height of the horizontal linek = -12
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 with x > 0.

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
1-12
5-12
  • F
  • Y = k
  • Intersections
  • Intersection selected in the coordinate table
Key idea

One counterexample suffices: f(1)=f(5)f(1)=f(5).

Ideas to try
Why is there only one intersection when k>−7k>-7?