Functions f and g are defined by
\(f : x \mapsto 3x + 2, \quad x \in \mathbb{R}\)
\(g : x \mapsto 4x - 12, \quad x \in \mathbb{R}\)
Solve the equation \(f^{-1}(x) = gf(x)\).
Solution
First, find the inverse of \(f\). Given \(f(x) = 3x + 2\), set \(y = 3x + 2\).
Solve for \(x\):
\(y - 2 = 3x\)
\(x = \frac{y - 2}{3}\)
Thus, \(f^{-1}(x) = \frac{x - 2}{3}\).
Next, find \(gf(x)\):
\(gf(x) = g(f(x)) = g(3x + 2)\)
Substitute into \(g\):
\(g(3x + 2) = 4(3x + 2) - 12\)
\(= 12x + 8 - 12\)
\(= 12x - 4\)
Equate \(f^{-1}(x)\) and \(gf(x)\):
\(\frac{x - 2}{3} = 12x - 4\)
Multiply through by 3 to clear the fraction:
\(x - 2 = 36x - 12\)
Rearrange and solve for \(x\):
\(x - 36x = -12 + 2\)
\(-35x = -10\)
\(x = \frac{2}{7}\)
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