It is now given that \(f(x) = \frac{-x}{\sqrt{4-x^2}}\) where \(-2 < x < 2\).
(b) Find an expression for \(f^{-1}(x)\).
The function \(g\) is defined by \(g(x) = 2x\) for \(-a < x < a\), where \(a\) is a constant.
(c) State the maximum possible value of \(a\) for which \(fg\) can be formed.
(d) Assuming that \(fg\) can be formed, find and simplify an expression for \(fg(x)\).
Solution
(b) Start with \(y = \frac{-x}{\sqrt{4-x^2}}\). Square both sides to get \(x^2 = y^2(4-x^2)\).
Rearrange to \(x^2(1+y^2) = 4y^2\).
Solving for \(x\), we get \(x = \frac{\pm 2y}{\sqrt{1+y^2}}\).
Select the correct square root: \(f^{-1}(x) = \frac{-2x}{\sqrt{1+x^2}}\).
(c) The maximum possible value of \(a\) is 1, as \(-1 < x < 1\) is required for \(fg\) to be formed.
(d) Substitute \(g(x) = 2x\) into \(f(x)\): \(fg(x) = f(2x) = \frac{-2x}{\sqrt{4-(2x)^2}}\).
Simplify to \(fg(x) = \frac{-x}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\).
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