Finding the derivative on the inverse of a function

In summary, to find the inverse of a function, the independent variable must be isolated and the variables must be switched. However, when finding the derivative of the inverse function, it is not necessary to find the inverse beforehand. Instead, the derivative can be found by implicitly differentiating the function with respect to the independent variable. This can be done by using the formula dx/dy = 1/(dy/dx).
  • #1
Lebombo
144
0
I know the inverse of a function is found in two steps.

Isolate the independent variable and then switch the variables like this:

[tex][y = x^{3} +1] = [x = \sqrt[3]{y - 1}][/tex]

Then switch the variables to get: [tex] y = \sqrt[3]{x-1}[/tex]



However, when it comes to finding the derivative of the inverse of a function, is it true that the inverse of the function does not actually have to be found prior to differentiating?

For instance, I have this function: [tex]y=x^{5} + x + 1[/tex]

If all I do is switch the variables like so: [tex] x=y^{5}+y+1[/tex]

and then differentiate implicitly like so: [tex]\frac{d}{dx}[x] = \frac{d}{dx}[y^{5}+y+1] [/tex]

[tex]= [1= (5y^4 +1)\frac{dy}{dx}] = [\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{5y^{4}+1}] [/tex]



Two questions:

1) Is this the/a correct way to differentiate the inverse of a function?
2) If not correct, do I have to first find the inverse and then differentiate?
 
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  • #2
Hi !

The inverse function of y(x) is x(y)
the derivative of y(x) with respect to x is dy/dx
the derivative of x(y) with respect to y is dx/dy = 1/(dy/dx)
Example :
y(x) = x^5 +x +1
dy/dx = 5 x^4+1
dx/dy = 1/(5 x^4 +1)
 

Related to Finding the derivative on the inverse of a function

1. What is the definition of a derivative on the inverse of a function?

The derivative on the inverse of a function is the rate of change of the inverse function at a given point. It measures how much the output of the inverse function changes in response to a small change in the input.

2. How is the derivative on the inverse of a function calculated?

The derivative on the inverse of a function is calculated by taking the inverse of the derivative of the original function. In other words, if f(x) is the original function, then the derivative of the inverse function (g(x)) is equal to 1/f'(g(x)).

3. Can the derivative on the inverse of a function be undefined?

Yes, the derivative on the inverse of a function can be undefined at certain points, just like the derivative of a regular function. This usually happens when the original function has a horizontal tangent at a certain point, making the derivative of the inverse function undefined.

4. What is the relationship between the derivative on the inverse of a function and the original function?

The derivative on the inverse of a function can be thought of as the reciprocal of the derivative of the original function. This means that if the original function is increasing at a certain point, the inverse function will be decreasing at that same point, and vice versa.

5. What are some real-world applications of finding the derivative on the inverse of a function?

Finding the derivative on the inverse of a function is useful in many areas of science and engineering, such as optimization problems, economics, and physics. It can be used to determine the maximum or minimum value of a function, find the slope of a curve, or analyze the relationship between two variables.

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