For x R – {0, 1}, let , f2(x) = 1 – x and be three given functions. If a function, J(x) satisfies (f2 o J o f1)(x) = f3(x), then J(x) is equal to
x R – {0,1}
Given
We are given three functions: , , and . We need to find a function J(x) such that (f₂ ∘ J ∘ f₁)(x) = f₃(x). This means we apply f₁ first, then J, then f₂, and the result should equal f₃(x).
Step 1: Understand the composition (f₂ ∘ J ∘ f₁)(x)
This composition means: first apply f₁ to x, then apply J to the result, then apply f₂ to that result. So,
Step 2: Substitute the given functions
We know and . So,
Step 3: Solve for J(1/x)
From the equation above:
Now, isolate J(1/x):
Simplify the right-hand side:
This simplifies to:
Step 4: Find J(x)
Let . Then, . Substitute into the equation:
So, . Since the variable name doesn't matter, we can write:
But note that . Therefore, J(x) = f₃(x).
Final Answer: J(x) = f₃(x)
Function Composition: If f and g are functions, then (f ∘ g)(x) = f(g(x)). The order of application is from right to left.
Solving Functional Equations: Often involves substitution and algebraic manipulation to express the unknown function in terms of known ones.
Key Steps: