The math help thread

Hi im in calculus AB in my school and im struggling with inverse functions >_>. I can do the basics but when the problem is like y = 5x^3+5x and im told to find the inverse i really freeze up. I take the derivative but i forget what to do afterwards :>

Here's a basic equation for inverses:



Yes, you do find the derivative, as you'll need it later. However, you need to also find the inverse. This can be achieved in 2 ways

1) Switch x and y, and solve for f^(-1)(x).

2) If given a condition, like "Given that g'(x) = f^(-1)(x) and g'(1) = 2, find the inverse of f(x) = 5x^6 + 10x^4 + 2x^3", that's another method you can do it (this is mostly found in AP exams). This is most common when you cannot normally inverse an function (and a condition is given to you), or in place of a defined function, it gives you discreet conditions like "Given f'(5) = 10 and g'(3) = 5 and f^(-1)(X) = g'(x)"....etc


Got any specific examples you want us to help you on?