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2004 AMC 12B Problems/Problem 13

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Problem

If f(x) = ax+b and f^{-1}(x) = bx+a with a and b real, what is the value of a+b?

\mathrm{(A)}\ -2\qquad\mathrm{(B)}\ -1\qquad\mathrm{(C)}\ 0\qquad\mathrm{(D)}\ 1\qquad\mathrm{(E)}\ 2

Solution

By the definition of an inverse function, x = f(f^{-1}(x)) = a(bx+a)+b = abx + a^2 + b. By comparing coefficients, we have ab = 1 \Longrightarrow b = \frac 1a and a^2 + b = a^2 + \frac{1}{a} =  0. Simplifying, a^3 + 1 = 0 and a = b = -1. Thus a+b = -2 \Rightarrow \mathrm{(A)}.

See also

2004 AMC 12B (ProblemsResources)
Preceded by
Problem 12
Followed by
Problem 14
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Looking for a challenging algebra text? Preparing for MATHCOUNTS or the AMC exams?
Check out Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Algebra by Richard Rusczyk.
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