A function is said to be self-inverse if for all in the domain of .
The function is defined by
- (i)
Sketch the curve , stating the equations of the asymptotes clearly.
- (ii)
Define in a similar form and show that is self-inverse.
- (iii)
Show that and that . Hence find the values of for which
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Worked solution
6(i)
1. Determine the equations of the vertical and horizontal asymptotes.
To find the vertical asymptote, look for where the denominator approaches at the boundary of the domain:
So the vertical asymptote is .
To find the horizontal asymptote, evaluate the limit as :
So the horizontal asymptote is .
2. Sketch the curve restricted to the given domain.
For , the function has no -intercepts or -intercepts.
The curve is strictly decreasing from infinity (near ) towards the horizontal line (as ).
Draw the vertical dotted line and horizontal dotted line , then draw a single smooth curve in the region approaching both asymptotes.
[Sketch of a strictly decreasing curve in the first quadrant for ]
Asymptotes: ,
6(ii)
1. Set up the equation to find the inverse by letting $y = \mathrm{g}(x)$ and squaring both sides.
Let .
Squaring both sides:
2. Rearrange to make $x^2$ the subject.
3. Take the square root to make $x$ the subject, considering the domain of $x$.
Since the domain of is , must be positive. Thus, we take the positive square root:
4. Determine the domain of $\mathrm{g}^{-1}$ by finding the range of $\mathrm{g}$, and define $\mathrm{g}^{-1}$.
The domain of is the range of .
For , as , , and as , .
Hence, the range of is .
Defining in a similar form:
5. Conclude that $\mathrm{g}$ is self-inverse.
Comparing the definitions of and , we see that:
for all (which is the domain of ).
Therefore, is self-inverse.
6(iii)
1. Show that $\mathrm{g}^2(x) = x$ and $\mathrm{g}^3(x) = \mathrm{g}(x)$.
Since the domain is , . Thus, .
(Alternatively, from part (ii), is self-inverse so , hence .)
For :
2. Simplify the powers $\mathrm{g}^{50}(x)$ and $\mathrm{g}^{51}(x)$ and set up the equation.
Since , any even iteration yields and any odd iteration yields .
Therefore, and .
The equation becomes:
3. Rearrange into a polynomial equation and solve for $x$.
By trial and error, let .
, so is a factor.
Using polynomial division or comparing coefficients:
So, or .
For the quadratic factor:
4. Check solutions against the domain of $\mathrm{g}$.
The domain of is given as .
- (Accept)
- (Accept)
- (Reject)
The valid values are and .
or
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