Final answer:
The function for the retail price R of women's athletic shoes in terms of the cost C is R = 1.40C, with a markup of 40%. The inverse function is C = R/1.40. Using the inverse function, the calculated cost of women's athletic shoes at a retail price of $60 is approximately $42.86.
Step-by-step explanation:
The manager at the clothing store uses the equation R = C + MC to set the retail prices, where R is the retail price, C is the cost to the store, and M is the markup percentage in decimal form.
Part a: Function for Retail Price R in Terms of Cost C
Given the markup for women's athletic shoes is 40%, we represent this as M = 0.40. The function that gives the retail price R in terms of the cost C is R = C + 0.40C, which simplifies to R = 1.40C.
Part b: Inverse of the Function
To find the inverse of the function, we solve for C in terms of R. Starting with R = 1.40C, we divide both sides by 1.40 to obtain C = R/1.40, which is the inverse function.
Part c: Finding the Cost Using the Inverse Function
A retail price of $60 for a pair of women's athletic shoes means we use the inverse function C = R/1.40.
Substituting R with $60 gives C = $60 / 1.40.
Therefore, the cost of the shoes for the store is approximately $42.86.