SEARCH HOME
Math CentralQuandaries & Queries

search

Question from keith, a student:

please help me find the inverse of this function:

h(t) = 2 + 4 ln(1-5t)

if you could give me a detailed explanation of how to find the inverse review problem above before my finale exam tomorrow that would be helpful. thanks

Hi Keith. The inverse of a ln function is an exponentiation (e) function. Here's my example a lot like your question:

f(t) = 5 - 3 ln(5t + 1)

So I "solve" for t. First I isolate the ln( ) function:
ln(5t + 1) = [5 - f] / 3

Now to eliminate the ln( ) part, I raise both sides as exponents of e:
e[ ln(5t + 1) ] = e[ (5 - f) / 3]

This makes the e and the ln cancel each other on the left side, dropping the 5t + 1 down:
5t + 1 = e[ (5 - f) / 3]

and I continue to isolate t in the usual way:
t = [ e[ (5 - f) / 3] - 1 ] / 5

Not a very pretty answer, but that is the inverse of f(t).

Now you try yours.
Cheers,
Stephen La Rocque.

About Math Central
 

 


Math Central is supported by the University of Regina and The Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences.
Quandaries & Queries page Home page University of Regina PIMS