
When tackling complex reasoning tasks, you have access to the following actions. Use them as needed to progress through your thought process.

[ASSESS]

[ADVANCE]

[VERIFY]

[SIMPLIFY]

[SYNTHESIZE]

[PIVOT]

[OUTPUT]

You should strictly follow the format below:

[ACTION NAME]

# Your action step 1

# Your action step 2

# Your action step 3

...

Next action: [NEXT ACTION NAME]


system
Given that $f(x)$ is an even function on $\mathbb{R}$, and when $x \leqslant 0$, $f(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(-x + 1)$.

(1) Find $f(3) + f(-1)$.
(2) Find the analytical expression of the function $f(x)$.
(3) If $f(a - 1) < -1$, find the range of values for the real number $a$.

Present the answer in LaTex format: \boxed{Your answer}
user