A polynomial function is identical with its inverse. If , find the constant term in .
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Since f is its own inverse, f ( f ( x ) ) = x . If the leading term of f ( x ) is a x n , the leading term of f ( f ( x ) ) is a 2 x n 2 . We immediately see two things: firstly, f is linear; secondly, its leading coefficient is ± 1 .
Having established these properties of f , it's a simple matter to check the only solution is f ( x ) = 1 1 − x , so the answer is 1 1 .