How Do You Calculate the Derivative of an Inverse Function?

In summary: Hello, this is Rocophysics. I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with the material. Can you please send me an email so that I may help you more?In summary, you are asked to find the curve bounded by r = (sin(x)^1/2 for 0 <= x <= pi/3). However, you are not sure how to do this and need help.
  • #1
frasifrasi
276
0
Ok,

We are asked to find

(f-1(3))' for f(x) = 3 + x^2 + tan(x*pi/2)

I think we are supposed to use the formula (f-1(x))' = 1/f'(f-1(x))

But I am not sure how to get f-1(3).
If someone can show me how to get that, it would be extremely helpful for me to understand how this works.

Thank you.
 
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  • #2
What book are you using? You ask a lot of questions ... either your book really sucks, your teacher sucks, or you're not studying enough.
 
  • #3
I think what rocophysics is saying, is that if you showed a little more work, we'd be more apt to help.

I would certainly think that he was not discouraging you from asking a lot of questions. God knows I do.

Casey
 
  • #4
My book doesn't go over this for some reason, it goes straight into inverse trig functions. I cannot get any firther without getting throught that first step:

SO, 3 + x^2 + tan(x*pi/2) = 3

x^2 + tan(x*pi/2) = 0

I don't know how to find out when this happens...
If anyone can show me how, i would be able to gain some insight into this. If I had money I would pay someone to show me, but I am broke ok?
 
  • #5
What happens when x=0?

Casey
 
  • #6
f(x) = 3 + x^2 + tan(x*pi/2)

can you find f-1(x)? That would be a start
 
  • #7
No, I can't. Can you please show me how, that would be a tremendous help.

Also, what is the curve of r = sqrt(sin(X)) ?

I could not find it on my textbook.
 
  • #8
If you are not going to pay any attention to the responses to your questions why ask?

As Casey said, what bloody happens when x= 0?

What do you mean by "what is the curve of r= sqrt(sin(X))? I know how to find the curve of a function in Cartesian coordinates and even in polar coordinates- but that is neither. You have to have some kind of coordinate system before you can talk about the "curve" corresponding to a function or equation!
 
  • #9
Feldoh said:
f(x) = 3 + x^2 + tan(x*pi/2)

can you find f-1(x)? That would be a start

hint: to find f-1(x), switch x and y everywhere in the equation and solve for y
 
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  • #11
it is just it man ==> r^2 = sqrt(sin(X))
And what happens when x= 0?

<edit: MIH>
 
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  • #12
frasifrasi said:
it is just it man ==> r^2 = sqrt(sin(X))
<edit:MIH>

What exactly does it mean to say that x=0? How would you perform that operation mathematically?
 
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  • #13
As I speak, tears are rolling down my cheeks. I have used x = 0 and arrived at the answer!


EDIT:

for the graph = x^2 + y^2 = sin x?
I don't really know what to do. We are just asked to find the curve bounded by r = (sin(x)^1/2 for 0 <= x <= pi/3

any hints?
 
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  • #14
f-1(x) of a function is usually done like this:

f(x) = y = x+1 for example

1.) Switch x's and y's, so we now have x = y+1
2.) Solve for y, so y = x-1 = f-1(x)
 
  • #15
frasifrasi said:
As I speak, tears are rolling down my cheeks. I have used x = 0 and arrived at the answer!
You should check out some Precalculus books from the library.

It's always handy to have around.
 
  • #16
for the graph = x^2 + y^2 = sin x?
I don't really know what to do. We are just asked to find the curve bounded by r = (sin(x)^1/2 for 0 <= x <= pi/3

any hints?
 
  • #17
frasifrasi said:
for the graph = x^2 + y^2 = sin x?
I don't really know what to do. We are just asked to find the curve bounded by r = (sin(x)^1/2 for 0 <= x <= pi/3

any hints?

Does it say find the curve bounded by...? Or the area?

Casey
 

FAQ: How Do You Calculate the Derivative of an Inverse Function?

What is the derivative of an inverse function?

The derivative of an inverse function is the reciprocal of the derivative of the original function. In other words, if the original function is f(x), then the derivative of the inverse function is 1/f'(x).

How do you find the derivative of an inverse function?

To find the derivative of an inverse function, you can use the formula 1/f'(x), where f'(x) is the derivative of the original function. You can also use the power rule, chain rule, or other derivative rules depending on the complexity of the function.

Can you give an example of finding the derivative of an inverse function?

Sure, let's say we have the function f(x) = 2x + 3. The inverse function would be f^-1(x) = (x - 3)/2. To find the derivative of f^-1(x), we can use the power rule and chain rule to get the derivative of -1/2. So, the derivative of f^-1(x) is -1/2.

Why is finding the derivative of an inverse function important?

Finding the derivative of an inverse function is important because it allows us to calculate the slope of the original function at any point on the graph of the inverse function. This can be useful in solving optimization problems or finding the rate of change of a system.

What are some common mistakes when finding the derivative of an inverse function?

One common mistake is forgetting to use the chain rule when finding the derivative of the inverse function. Another mistake is not simplifying the expression before finding the derivative. It is also important to remember that the derivative of an inverse function is not equal to the inverse of the derivative of the original function.

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