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How to find the inverse of $f(x) = x+\sin(x)$, analytically?

Well how should I proceed to find the inverse of $f(x)$? Basically I have applied graphical approach to solve the equation, but I want to know the inverse equation by analytical method.

IV_
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Pratyush
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1 Answers1

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Let $y = x + \sin x = f(x)$; So, $x = f^{-1}(y)$. Differentiating the first expression according to $y$ leads to $x' + x'\cos(x) = 1$, or $x'(1+\cos x) = 1$. Let us put $x=\arccos t$, so $x' = -t'/\sqrt{1-t^2}$. This leads to $-t'(1+t)/\sqrt{1-t^2} = 1$, or $t'=-\sqrt{\frac{1-t}{1+t}}$. I believe that this is a standard differential equation. I don't know if it is solvable. If it is not, then the problem has no analytical closed expression.

Another way: Using the formula $\cos x = \frac{1-\tan^2(x/2)}{1+\tan^2(x/2)}$, we are lead to the differential equation $x' = \frac{1+\tan^2(x/2)}{2}$. We can put $u = \tan(x/2)$, so $u'=\frac{1}{2}x'(1+u^2)$, and $x' = \frac{2u'}{1+u^2}$. So, the equation becomes $u' = \frac{(1+u^2)^2}{4}$. If I'm not wrong, there is a method to handle somehow this kind of equations. I will try tomorrow.

MikeTeX
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  • Ooops, it's true. Let me say that it was to test the vigilance of the student :-) . My answer remains exact, with some care regarding imaginaries (I believe). – MikeTeX Dec 18 '14 at 11:01
  • This is insufficient as an answer. Are you sure it leads to an explicit solution ? Can you exhibit it ? –  Dec 18 '14 at 12:08
  • Indeed, the hint was wrong. I have replaced it with another hint which is hopefully correct. – MikeTeX Dec 18 '14 at 13:39
  • Sooo... $x=-i\ln t$ AND $x=\ln t$? – Did Dec 18 '14 at 16:13
  • You pointed to a minor trailing assertion from a previous incorrect solution. This minor bug was corrected, but anyway, the solution is strange ; I don't find where is the problem (checking the solution directly shows that $x$ satisfies the differential equation $2x'+e^x + e^{-x} = 2$). – MikeTeX Dec 18 '14 at 16:40
  • That's it. I found the problem from the very beginning. I'll try to correct this or vote to delete this post. – MikeTeX Dec 18 '14 at 16:48