Final answer:
The inverse of the rational function f(x) = -1 / (x+1) is f^(-1)(x) = 1/x - 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of finding the inverse of a rational function involves swapping the roles of x and y and solving for y. In this case, the given rational function is f(x) = -1 / (x+1). To find its inverse, follow these steps:
- Replace f(x) with y: y = -1 / (x+1)
- Swap x and y: x = -1 / (y+1)
- Solve for y: Multiply both sides by (y+1) and isolate y by subtracting 1 from both sides. This gives -x(y+1) = -1. Simplify to y+1 = 1/x. Subtract 1 from both sides: y = 1/x - 1
Therefore, the inverse of the given rational function is f^(-1)(x) = 1/x - 1.