[Math] Evaluate the derivative of an inverse function by using a table of values

calculusderivativesinverse

Given the function and derivative values in the table below, evaluate $\frac{d}{dx}f^{-1}(3)$

    x: 1   2   3   4   5
 f(x): 4   1   5   2   3
df/dx: 3  -1   4   0  -2

All I know is that the derivative of an inverse is $\frac{1}{f^\prime(f^{-1}(x))}$. Could anyone at least give me hints on how to use the table to my advantage? Thank you!

Best Answer

Note,

$$\frac{d}{dx}f^{-1}(x)=\frac{1}{f'(f^{-1}(x))}$$

Also we have $f(5)=3$, and thus $f^{-1}(3)=5$,

So $$\lim_{x\to 3}\frac{d}{dx}f^{-1}(x)=\frac{1}{f'(f^{-1}(3))}=\frac{1}{f'(5)}=-\frac{1}{2}$$ Sense $f'(5)=-2$

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