Option 2: Restrict the domain of q to x 0 so that the inverse will also be a function

q
1

. The restriction x 0 on the domain of q will restrict the range of q

1
such that
y 0.
q : domain x 0 range y 0
q
1
: domain x 0 range y 0
1
2
3
4
1
2
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2
q(x) = 7x
2
q
1
(x) =

x
7
y
x
0
Worked example 8: Inverses - domain, range and restrictions
QUESTION
1. Determine the inverse of f(x) = x
2
.
2. Sketch both graphs on the same system of axes.
3. Restrict the domain of f so that its inverse is a function.
SOLUTION
Step 1: Determine the inverse of the function
Let y = x
2
Interchange x and y : x = y
2
x = y
2
y =

x (x 0)
Note:

x is only dened if x 0.
Step 2: Sketch both graphs on the same system of axes
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5
f(x) = x
2
y =

x
y
x
0
65 Chapter 2. Functions