Final answer:
To find the inverse of the function f(x) = (5x + 1) / (-x + 7), switch x and y in the equation, solve for y, then check the derived inverse function to ensure correctness.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the inverse of the given function f(x) = (5x + 1) / (-x + 7), where x ≠ 7, follow these steps:
- First, replace f(x) with y: y = (5x + 1) / (-x + 7).
- Next, switch the roles of x and y: x = (5y + 1) / (-y + 7).
- Solve this equation for y to get the inverse function:
- Multiply both sides by (-y + 7) to get rid of the fraction: x(-y + 7) = 5y + 1.
- Distribute the x: -xy + 7x = 5y + 1.
- Get all terms with y on one side: -xy - 5y = 1 - 7x.
- Factor out the y: y(-x - 5) = 1 - 7x.
- Finally, divide by (-x - 5) to isolate y: y = (1 - 7x) / (-x - 5).
- Check the answer to ensure it makes sense by substituting values or verifying that it is the correct mathematical inverse.
The inverse function is f^{-1}(x) = (1 - 7x) / (-x - 5).