Inverse function — Steeper log-linear

Question

Let for .

(i) Explain why is a function.

(ii) Let . By considering , evaluate .

This practice question was inspired by Question 14(a) in the 2023 NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 examination, © NESA. It is an original TestMum variation that practises the same mathematical idea, not an official NESA question.

Set up the solution: replace the function value by y, swap x and y, then solve for y.(i) . For , , so is strictly increasing and one-to-one; hence is a function.
Finish the calculation, then check that the result meets the question’s conditions.(ii) , so .
State the final answer clearly in the form the question requested..

Common mistake: changing so many features that the new example no longer tests the same mathematical idea.

Verification: Same two-part structure with a different linear coefficient.

Any mark labels are a TestMum study aid, not an official NESA marking allocation.