Functions f and g are defined by
\(f : x \mapsto 2x + 5\) for \(x \in \mathbb{R}\),
\(g : x \mapsto \frac{8}{x-3}\) for \(x \in \mathbb{R}, x \neq 3\).
(i) Obtain expressions, in terms of \(x\), for \(f^{-1}(x)\) and \(g^{-1}(x)\), stating the value of \(x\) for which \(g^{-1}(x)\) is not defined. [4]
(ii) Given that the equation \(fg(x) = 5 - kx\), where \(k\) is a constant, has no solutions, find the set of possible values of \(k\). [5]
Solution
(i) To find \(f^{-1}(x)\), start with \(y = 2x + 5\). Solve for \(x\):
\(y - 5 = 2x\)
\(x = \frac{1}{2}(y - 5)\)
Thus, \(f^{-1}(x) = \frac{1}{2}(x - 5)\).
For \(g^{-1}(x)\), start with \(y = \frac{8}{x-3}\). Solve for \(x\):
\(y(x - 3) = 8\)
\(yx - 3y = 8\)
\(yx = 8 + 3y\)
\(x = \frac{8}{y} + 3\)
Thus, \(g^{-1}(x) = \frac{8}{x} + 3\), and it is not defined for \(x = 0\).
(ii) Given \(fg(x) = 5 - kx\), we have:
\(fg(x) = f\left(\frac{8}{x-3}\right) = 2\left(\frac{8}{x-3}\right) + 5 = \frac{16}{x-3} + 5\)
Set \(\frac{16}{x-3} + 5 = 5 - kx\)
\(\frac{16}{x-3} = -kx\)
\(16 = -kx(x-3)\)
\(kx^2 - 3kx + 16 = 0\)
For no solutions, the discriminant must be less than zero:
\(b^2 - 4ac = (-3k)^2 - 4(k)(16) < 0\)
\(9k^2 - 64k < 0\)
\(k(9k - 64) < 0\)
The critical points are \(k = 0\) and \(k = \frac{64}{9}\).
Thus, the set of values is \(0 < k < \frac{64}{9}\).
Log in to record attempts.