Given:
$$f(x) = -\frac{1}{4}x^2, \ quad x \leq 0$$
6.1 Determine the equation of $f^{-1}$ in the form $f^{-1}(x) = .. - NSC Mathematics - Question 6 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 6
Given:
$$f(x) = -\frac{1}{4}x^2, \ quad x \leq 0$$
6.1 Determine the equation of $f^{-1}$ in the form $f^{-1}(x) = ...
6.2 On the same system of axes, sketch th... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Given:
$$f(x) = -\frac{1}{4}x^2, \ quad x \leq 0$$
6.1 Determine the equation of $f^{-1}$ in the form $f^{-1}(x) = .. - NSC Mathematics - Question 6 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Determine the equation of $f^{-1}$ in the form $f^{-1}(x) = ...
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Answer
To find the inverse function, we start with the original equation:
y=−41x2
Swap x and y:
x=−41y2
Solve for y:
−4x=y2
Taking the square root (note y must be non-positive due to the domain):
y=−2−x
Thus, the inverse is:
f−1(x)=−2−x,x≤0
Step 2
On the same system of axes, sketch the graphs of $f$ and $f^{-1}$. Indicate clearly the intercepts with the axes, as well as another point on the graph of each of $f$ and $f^{-1}$.
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Answer
For the graph of f(x):
The function is a downward-opening parabola with vertex at the origin (0,0).
The x-intercept is at (0,0).
Another point is (2,-1) (since at x=−2, f(−2)=1).
For the graph of f−1(x):
This is also a downward opening curve.
The y-intercept is at (0,0).
Another point is (-1, -2), found by substituting x=−1 into the inverse function.
Step 3
Is $f^{-1}$ a function? Give a reason for your answer.
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Answer
Yes, f−1 is a function.
No value of x in the domain of f maps onto more than one y-value. This is verified by using the vertical line test, which shows that any vertical line drawn through the graph of f−1 will only intersect it at one point.