High School

The function [tex]f[/tex] is defined by [tex]f(x) = 4x^{-1}[/tex]. What is the value of [tex]f(21)[/tex]?

A. -84
B. [tex]\frac{1}{84}[/tex]
C. [tex]\frac{4}{21}[/tex]
D. [tex]\frac{21}{4}[/tex]

Answer :

To find the value of [tex]\( f(21) \)[/tex] for the function [tex]\( f(x) = 4x^{-1} \)[/tex], follow these steps:

1. Understand the function: The function [tex]\( f(x) = 4x^{-1} \)[/tex] can be rewritten as [tex]\( f(x) = \frac{4}{x} \)[/tex]. This is because [tex]\( x^{-1} \)[/tex] is the same as [tex]\(\frac{1}{x}\)[/tex].

2. Substitute the value: We need to find [tex]\( f(21) \)[/tex]. So, substitute [tex]\( x = 21 \)[/tex] into the function:

[tex]\[
f(21) = \frac{4}{21}
\][/tex]

3. Evaluate the expression: Calculate the value of [tex]\( \frac{4}{21} \)[/tex].

[tex]\[
\frac{4}{21} \approx 0.1905
\][/tex]

This result matches the decimal approximation given. Therefore, the value of [tex]\( f(21) \)[/tex] is [tex]\( \frac{4}{21} \)[/tex].

Based on the options provided, the correct answer is:

[tex]\[ \text{(C) } \frac{4}{21} \][/tex]