The function \(f\) is defined by \(f : x \mapsto 3x - 2\) for \(x \in \mathbb{R}\).
Sketch, in a single diagram, the graphs of \(y = f(x)\) and \(y = f^{-1}(x)\), making clear the relationship between the two graphs.
Solution
The function \(f(x) = 3x - 2\) is a linear function with a slope of 3 and a y-intercept of -2.
To find the inverse function \(f^{-1}(x)\), we swap \(x\) and \(y\) and solve for \(y\):
\(x = 3y - 2\)
\(x + 2 = 3y\)
\(y = \frac{1}{3}(x + 2)\)
Thus, \(f^{-1}(x) = \frac{1}{3}(x + 2)\).
The graph of \(y = f(x)\) is a line with slope 3 and y-intercept -2.
The graph of \(y = f^{-1}(x)\) is a line with slope \(\frac{1}{3}\) and y-intercept \(\frac{2}{3}\).
The line \(y = x\) is the line of symmetry, and the graphs of \(y = f(x)\) and \(y = f^{-1}(x)\) are reflections of each other across this line.
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