Inverse Function Derivation proof

In summary, the conversation is about a student's confusion regarding the proof of inverse function derivatives in their calculus course. They discuss the steps listed in the proof and the student's confusion with the second to last line where the reciprocal of f'(b) is used. The other person confirms that this is correct and substitutes f'(b) in the limit, resolving the student's confusion.
  • #1
mateomy
307
0
I have a "pop" quiz tomorrow in my calc course and my professor is stating that we have to be able to restate the proof of inverse function derivatives. I am looking it over in my book and it's pretty straight forward except for one part that I can't figure out...
This is listed step by step

[tex]
\ (f^-1)'(a)=\lim_{x \to a}\frac{f^-1(x) - f^-1 (a)}{x-a}
[/tex]

[tex]
\lim_{y \to b}\frac{y-b}{f(y)-f(b)}
[/tex]

[tex]
\lim_{y \to b}\frac{1}{\frac{f(y)-f(b)}{y-b}}=\frac{1}{\lim_{y \to b}\frac{f(y)-f(b)}{y-b}}
[/tex]

[tex]
= \frac{1}{f'(b)} = \frac{1}{f'(f^-1(a))}
[/tex]

I get lost on the second to last line where it switches from the f(y)-f(b)/y-b to just the reciprocal of f'(b). The former is simply just the definition of the derivative of the function b, right?
 
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  • #2
mateomy said:
[tex]
\lim_{y \to b}\frac{1}{\frac{f(y)-f(b)}{y-b}}=\frac{1}{\lim_{y \to b}}\frac{f(y)-f(b)}{y-b}
[/tex]

This should be
[tex]\lim_{y \to b}\frac{1}{\frac{f(y)-f(b)}{y-b}}=\frac{1}{\lim_{y \to b}\frac{f(y)-f(b)}{y-b}}[/tex]
right?
edit: Ok, you fixed it. Yes the limit on the bottom is the definition of the derivative of 'f' at b. What is your question exactly?
 
  • #3
Yeah, I just fixed it and saw your post; but yeah, it looks accurate to the book now.
 
  • #4
mateomy said:
I get lost on the second to last line where it switches from the f(y)-f(b)/y-b to just the reciprocal of f'(b). The former is simply just the definition of the derivative of the function b, right?

Ok, what do you mean by "the function b"; Do you mean f'(b)? That is what it means and that's what they substitute, so it works out.
 
  • #5
Yes, I meant f'(b). After typing up the latex (strangely enough) it sort of pushed its way through in my mind. But the confirmation definitely helps, thank you for your time.
 

FAQ: Inverse Function Derivation proof

What is an inverse function?

An inverse function is a mathematical operation that undoes the effect of another function. It essentially "reverses" the original function, resulting in the original input value.

How is the inverse function related to the original function?

The inverse function and the original function are two sides of the same coin. They are symmetrical and reflect each other across the line y=x. This means that the input and output of the original function become the output and input of the inverse function, respectively.

What is the purpose of finding the inverse function?

Finding the inverse function allows us to solve equations that involve the original function in reverse. It is also useful in finding the domain and range of a function and in solving problems involving composition of functions.

How do you prove that a function is the inverse of another function?

To prove that a function is the inverse of another function, we can use the method of composition. This means plugging the inverse function into the original function and vice versa. If the result of the composition is the input value, then the two functions are inverses of each other.

Are there any restrictions for a function to have an inverse?

Not all functions have an inverse. A function must be one-to-one (each input has a unique output) for it to have an inverse. Also, a function must have a domain and range that can be interchanged for it to have an inverse. This means that the function must pass the horizontal line test.

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