To solve the problem, we'll go through each part step by step.
Part (a)
We have the function that converts a French dress size \( x \) to a U.S. dress size via the equation:
\[ d(x) = x - 32. \]
To find the inverse function \( d^{-1}(x) \), we start by letting \( y = d(x) \):
\[ y = x - 32. \]
Now, we will solve for \( x \) in terms of \( y \):
\[ y + 32 = x. \]
So, the inverse function that converts a U.S. dress size \( y \) back to a French dress size \( x \) is:
\[ d^{-1}(y) = y + 32. \]
Part (b)
Now using the inverse function to find the French size of a dress if it is U.S. size 20, we will substitute \( y = 20 \) into the inverse function:
\[ d^{-1}(20) = 20 + 32 = 52. \]
Thus, the French size of a dress if it is U.S. size 20 is:
\[ \boxed{52}. \]
Summary of Answers
- (a) The inverse function is:
\[ d^{-1}(x) = x + 32. \]
- (b) The French size of a dress if it is U.S. size 20 is \( 52 \).