Consider the function [tex]\( f(x) = 2x - \frac{1}{2} \)[/tex] and its inverse [tex]\( f^{-1}(x) = \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{1}{4} \)[/tex].

Which statement describes how the [tex]\( x \)[/tex]-intercept for the original function can be determined?

A. The [tex]\( x \)[/tex]-intercept for [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] is the constant in the [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] equation.

B. The [tex]\( x \)[/tex]-intercept for [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] is the constant in the [tex]\( f^{-1}(x) \)[/tex] equation.

C. The [tex]\( x \)[/tex]-intercept for [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] is the reciprocal of the constant in the [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] equation.

D. The [tex]\( x \)[/tex]-intercept for [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] is the reciprocal of the constant in the [tex]\( f^{-1}(x) \)[/tex] equation.



Answer :

To determine the [tex]\( x \)[/tex]-intercept of the original function [tex]\( f(x) = 2x - \frac{1}{2} \)[/tex], we follow these steps:

1. Understand the [tex]\( x \)[/tex]-intercept: The [tex]\( x \)[/tex]-intercept is the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] where the function [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] equals zero. This means we need to solve the equation [tex]\( f(x) = 0 \)[/tex].

2. Set the function equal to zero:
[tex]\[ f(x) = 2x - \frac{1}{2} = 0 \][/tex]

3. Solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
- First, isolate [tex]\( x \)[/tex] by adding [tex]\( \frac{1}{2} \)[/tex] to both sides of the equation:
[tex]\[ 2x - \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} = 0 + \frac{1}{2} \][/tex]
which simplifies to:
[tex]\[ 2x = \frac{1}{2} \][/tex]
- Next, divide both sides by 2:
[tex]\[ x = \frac{\frac{1}{2}}{2} = \frac{1}{4} \][/tex]

Thus, the [tex]\( x \)[/tex]-intercept for [tex]\( f(x) = 2x - \frac{1}{2} \)[/tex] is [tex]\( \frac{1}{4} \)[/tex].

Comparison with the given statements:

- The [tex]\( x \)[/tex]-intercept is NOT the constant in the [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] equation, since the constant in [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] is [tex]\(-\frac{1}{2}\)[/tex].
- The [tex]\( x \)[/tex]-intercept is NOT the constant in the [tex]\( f^{-1}(x) \)[/tex] equation, as the constant in [tex]\( f^{-1}(x) \)[/tex] is [tex]\( \frac{1}{4} \)[/tex].
- The correct statement is:
[tex]\[ \text{The } x\text{-intercept for } f(x) \text{ is the reciprocal of the constant in the } f(x) \text{ equation.} \][/tex]
since [tex]\((2)^{-1} = \frac{1}{2}\)[/tex]. However, we need to solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex] by dividing by 2, leading to [tex]\( \frac{1}{4} \)[/tex].

So the correct statement is: The x-intercept for [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] is the reciprocal of the constant in the [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] equation divided by 2.

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