Inverse Functions
One to one functions
Functions that have inverses Functions have inverses if f(x1) ≠ f(x2) when
x1 ≠ x2
Graphically you can use the horizontal line test to determine if a function is one to one
- no horizontal line will intersect the graph more than once if the function is one to one
Example: Determine if the following are one to one
f(x) = x3
f(x) = x2
Inverse Function f-1
f-1(y) = x f(x) = y
Domain of f-1 is the range of f
Range of f-1 is the domain of f
Example
If f(1) = 5, f(3) = 7, and f(8) = -10, find f-1(7), f-1(5), and f-1(-10)
Example
Find the inverse of f(x) = x3 + 2
Drawing the Inverse
The graph of f-1 is obtained by reflecting the graph of f about the line y = x
On calculator plot f, then use “DRAW” menu, #8 (DrawInv)
Example:
Draw inverse of f(x) = √(-1 – x)
Example
Show that the function f(x) = √(x3 + x2 + x + 1) is one to one for both f and f-1