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Writing a Function Rule
The inverse of a function is the set of ordered pairs found by swapping the first and
second elements of each pair in the original function. If f is a given function, then f–1
represents the inverse of f. To find an inverse, simply swap the x and y coordinates.
This new inverse will be a relation, but may not be a function. You can test that
inverses are functions by using the vertical line test.
Problem
If f(x) = x + 2, find f–1 (x).
y=x+2 Original equation
x=y+2 Swap x and y.
y=x–2 Simplify.
So, f –1 = x – 2.
For any ordered pair that makes f(x) = x + 2 true, the reverse ordered pair will make
f–1 = x – 2 true.
Exercises
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1. Graph f(x) = x + 2 and f– = x – 2 to verify they are inverse functions.
Find the inverse of each function. Then graph the function and its inverse.
2. f(x) = x – 3 3. f(x) = 2x
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