Chapter 1 – Transformations

1.5 Inverse of a Relation

You can think of the inverse as “undoing”, or more specifically – doing the opposite operations in the opposite
order.
For example, the inverse of walking into a room and turning on the lights is to turn off the lights and then leave
the room.

Warm-up
Sketching the Graph of an Inverse
Exploration #1
1
Consider the function ( # # 2
3
1 Complete the first column of the table below by substituting the given values of # into the equation for ( # .

% '
6 _1 (–6)–2 = –4 (–6,–4)
3
3
0
3
6
9 (– 6, – 4)

2 Plot each of the points on the grid on the right

to sketch the graph of ( # . The first point is
plotted for you.

3 Complete the < # column by interchanging all of the ( # coordinates.

Note that the first point in the column will be (–4,–6).

4 Plot each of the points in the < # column to sketch the graph of $ < # on the same grid.

5 Sketch the graph of $ #, also on the same grid.

6 Compare the distances from the line $ # of points on the graph of ( # and corresponding points on
the graph of < # .

7 Use terminology from this unit to describe the transformation of the graph of $ ( #
to the graph of $ < # . Where are the invariant points in this transformation?

8 Are the graphs of $ ( # and $ < # functions? Explain.

9 Determine an equation for $ < # . How does this equation relate to the equation
for $ ( # ?

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1.5 Inverse of a Relation

The inverse of a relation, designated as # ( $ , or $ ( ^9 # if the inverse is also a function, is

found by interchanging the # and $ coordinates.
2, 6
The mapping rule for this transformation is: , → ,
0, 4
For example, given the graph of $ ( # on the right…
% 6, 2
The inverse is found by interchanging all coordinates so that all
points #, $ → $, # . Note that the inverse is not a function.
For example, the point 5, 1 on the graph of $ ( # 4, 0
5, 1
becomes 1, 5 on the graph of the inverse.
%
Note that the graph of $ ( # is reflected in the line $ #
to become the inverse, that is the graph # ( $ . 1, 5

So there is an invariant point on the line $ #, at 3, 3 .

% %
The domain and range also interchange. D: 5, 6 R: 1, 4 D: 1, 4 R: 5, 6

Note how this section is called “The Inverse of a Relation”.

For that you might ask, given your inquisitive nature - Why is that? What is the difference between a
Function and a Relation anyways?
Once again – great questions! Let’s do some review, because yes, you’ve encountered this before….
A relation is a very broad term that describes a set of inputs (think #-coordinates) and outputs ($-coordinates).
So any set of ordered pairs, which can be described as an equation, a graph, a domain-range map, is a relation.

A function meanwhile is a special type of relation where each input (#-coordinate) has exactly one
output ($-coordinate). That is, for each # in the domain, there corresponds one (and only one) $.

Relation A – Not a function

A: 2, 5 , 0, 4 , 1, 2 , 1, 3

2 5
4
0 3 Uh-oh! # 1 maps
1 2 to two different $s.
Domain Range

Note that when # 1 there are two

separate $’s. (That’s a no-go for functions!)

Relation B – Function!
B: 2, 5 , 0, 4 , 1, 2 , 2, 2

2 5
0 4 Each # maps to
1 exactly one $.
2
2
Domain Range
Note that it’s OK for two different # ’s to map to the same $!
(As is the case with # 1 and # 2, which both map to $ 2)

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 Chapter 1 – Transformations

The Vertical Line Test – Applying the Definition of Functions to Graphs

Given the graph of a relation, we know it’s a function if each # in the domain maps to one and only
one $. And an easy way to visualize this is the vertical line test.

Given the graph of $ ( # , ( # is a function if (and only if) any vertical line touches at most once.

Function  ( # NOT a Function  Inverse, # ( $

Any vertical line Vertical line
intersects the intersects graph in
graph once more than one place! Note that as the inverse is
not a function, we should
not use notation ( ^9 #

Note that the first graph on the left is the function ( # # 2 # 1 # 3 .

Whereas the graph on the right is the inverse, which has the equation # $ 2 $ 1 $ 3 .
We’d next express the inverse equation in terms of , which is
challenging in this case! We’ll come back to this concept. Switch and in the equation

The also illustrates, that, given a function $ ( # , its inverse, # ( # need not be a function.

So while the inverse can be expressed as either # ( $ or, *equivalently, $ ( ^9 # …

We should not use$ ( ^9 # when the inverse is not a function. *Avoid this notation when the
inverse is not a function
The “ ” here should not be confused with an
Also be careful to note: $ ( ^9 # exponent, which would represent the reciprocal
1
( ^9 # "
( #

The Horizontal Line Test

We saw that the vertical line test can be used to determine if the graph of a relation is a function.
Similarly, we can use the horizontal line test to determine if, given the graph of $ ( # , its INVERSE
# ( $ or $ ( ^9 # will be a function.

Given the graph of $ ( # , its inverse # ( $ will be a function if (and only if) any horizontal line
touches at most once.

Example 1 Example 2
Passes H.L.T. Fails H.L.T.
% %
Any horizontal line will Horizontal line intersects
only intersect curve once curve more than once
 Inverse will pass V.L.T.  Inverse will not be
and will be a function: a function:

Inverse
Inverse
%
%

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1.5 Inverse of a Relation

The Inverse as a Reflection

Since the graph of $ ( ^9 # is a reflection (in the line $ #) of the graph of $ ( # , we can now complete
our list of the three types of reflections we consider in this course.

 Vertical Reflection in  Horizontal Reflection in  (Inverse) Reflection in

the line $ 0 the line # 0 the line $ # %

$ ( # % $ ( # $ ( #

Mapping Rule: , → , , → , , → ,

Worked Given the graph of $ < #

Example (a) Sketch the graph of # ( $ on the same grid
Is the inverse a function?
(b) State the location and coordinates of any invariant point %
(c) State the domain and range of # ( $

Solution: (a) To sketch the graph of the inverse, transform all points by: 2, 6
#, $ → $, #
2, 4
Procced left to right on all points on ( # …
6, 0
7, 0 → !, + Plot points and sketch
0, 6 → C, ! $ ( #
4, 2 → ,
0, 7
%
6, 2 → ,C
(b) The invariant point occurs where the graph of $ ( # intersects the line $ #. Invariant point is at ,
(That is, where the # and $ coordinates are the same, and interchanging has no effect) on the line
(c) D: #| 2 ≤ # ≤ 6, # ∈ ℝ R: $| 7 ≤ # ≤ 6, $ ∈ ℝ

Class Example 1.51 Sketching the Graph of an Inverse Function

The graph of $ ( # is shown on the right.

(a) Make a prediction on whether the graph of # ( $
will be a function.

(b) Sketch the graph of # ( $ on the same grid

(c) State the coordinates (and location) of any invariant point(s)

(d) State the domain and range of both $ ( # and # ( $

$ ( # D: # ( $ D:

R: R:

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 Chapter 1 – Transformations

Exploration #2 Sketching an Inverse Function using the online graphing calculator DESMOS

To do this exercise, you’ll need to go to desmos.com/calculator

You can optionally set up a free account, that way you can save your graphs. 

Objective: To analyze the graphs of ( # #2 4 and the inverse, $ ( ^9 #

Desmos offers some functionality lacking on your graphing calculator, such as graphing in “ ” form

1 Graph the function and its inverse,
obtained by switching # and $ in the equation.
Note: For exponents, use
shift + 4 to access ^
2 Analyze the graphs, shown below.
 Do the domain and
range switch?
 Can we confirm the
graphs are reflections?

3 Describe the shape of the graphs  Is the inverse a

of % and its inverse. function?

We can determine “$ ” form equation of the inverse to the function $ #2 4 in one of two ways:
Method 1 Method 2
By isolating “$” in the inverse shown above. (Where we By examining the graph of the inverse, and
switched # and $ in the equation, to obtain # $ 2 4 expressing as two radical functions. (One
representing the “top” branch, one the bottom)

4 Determine “$ ” form equation of the inverse to the function $ #2 4.

5 Use Desmos to graph the function & and its

inverse, &.
Sketch here. Describe the shape of each graph.
Can you confirm they are reflections?
Is the inverse a function?

6 Determine the “$ ” form equation of the inverse of the function $ # 5.

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1.5 Inverse of a Relation

Worked Given the function ( # # 2, graphed on the right,

Example (a) Sketch the graph of $ ( ^9
# on the same grid $ ( #
Transform all indicated points (). Is the inverse a function?
(b) State the domain and range of $ ( ^9 #
(c) Determine an equation, in terms of #, for $ ( ^9 #

Solution: (a) To sketch the graph of the inverse, transform all points by: %^
#, $ → $, #
3, 7
Procced left to right on all points on ( # …
2, 0 → !, Plot points and sketch
1, 1 → , 2, 2 invariant
2, 2 → , 1, 1
3, 7 → +, 0, 2

(b) For $ ( ^9 # , D: 2, ∞ R: 0, ∞

The range of ( # The domain of ( #  Domain and Range interchange!

(c) For the equation, start with $ # 2 (use “$ ” instead of “( # ”) and interchange # and $.
# $ 2 Square both sides to isolate $
# $ 2
 We must restrict the domain, which is the
$ 2 #2 %^ ;# 0 range of $ ( # .

Class Example 1.52 Determining the Graph and Equation of an Inverse

The graph of ( # #2 9 is shown on the right.

(a) Sketch the graph of # ( $ on the same grid by
transforming each indicated () point.
(b) Describe the transformation from the graph of $ ( # to
that of # ( $ .

(c) Describe where any invariant points can be found, and how
many there are.

(d) State the domain and range of both $ ( # and # ( $ .

$ ( # D: # ( $ D:

R: R:

(e) Determine an equation for # ( $ , in terms of #.

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 Chapter 1 – Transformations

Let’s revisit the worked example on the previous page. A common mistake is to forget to restrict the
domain, and stating the equation of the inverse as just ( ^9 # # 2 2. (graphed below)
$ #2 2 / %^ ?
 But it’s important to see how – this graph makes no sense!

 The graph of ( # is a half-parabola (sideways)

( # # 2
 So graph of inverse, which recall is a reflection about $ #,
must also be a half-parabola!
 Therefore we must restrict the domain of the inverse!
Domain of $ ( ^9 # is equal to the range of $ ( #

You can sketch the graph of %^ on your graphing calculator!

(But it’s a bit cumbersome. Ready? Let’s go!)
Suppose we wish to sketch the inverse of ( # #2 4.
 Input the equation for $ ( # into $9 and graph.

 Access the draw inverse function in your calculator

by keying in “2nd” + “Program”

 Select #8, “DrawInv” 

 We want to instruct the calculator to draw the inverse of what we inputted into $9 .
With your cursor set after “DrawInv”, key in “VARS”, then scroll to “Y-VARS”, then
“Function”, finally select “Y1”. Once you have this on your screen, hit ENTER!

Follow these steps to get “Y1” after “DrawInv” Here’s

And here’s the inverse

Class Example 1.53 Determining the Inverse of a Linear Function

The graph of ( # 4# 3 is shown on the right.

(a) Sketch the graph of the reflection of ( # in the line
$ # by transforming the four indicated () points.
(b) State the coordinates of any invariant points.

(c) Determine an equation for the reflected graph, in terms of #.

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1.5 Inverse of a Relation

Equations of Inverses – Opposite Operations in the Opposite Order!

Consider the following pairs of function and inverse:
( # 2# 6  Multiply # by 2, then add 6
# 6
( ^9 #  Subtract 6 from #, then divide by 2
2
Can you see the pattern?
( # #2 4  Square #, then subtract 4
For each pair the equation of the
$ ± # 4 (inverse)  Add 4 to #, then square root inverse represents the opposite
operations in the opposite order!
( # # 4 1  Add 4 to #, then square root, then subtract 1

( ^9 # # 1 2 4  Add 1 to #, then square, then subtract 4

In previous examples we’ve practiced a method for obtaining the equation of an inverse to a function.
However it could be useful to remember this pattern as a double-check of our results.

Class Example 1.54 Determining the Inverse of a Radical Function

The graph of ( # # 4 1 is shown on the right.

(a) Sketch the graph of $ ( ^9 # on the same grid by
transforming each of the four indicated () points.
(b) Describe where any invariant points can be found, and how
many there are.

(c) State the domain and range of both $ ( # and $ ( ^9 # .

$ ( # D: $ ( ^9 # D:

R: R:

(d) Determine an equation for $ ( ^9 # , in terms of #.

Class Example 1.55 Restricting the Domain so that the Inverse is a Function

For each of the functions below, provide a restriction on the domain so that the inverse would be a function.
(a) % (b)
%

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 1.5 Practice Questions

1. The graph of $ ( # is shown on the right.

(a) Sketch the graph of # ( $ on the same grid

(b) State the coordinates of any invariant point(s)

(c) State the domain and range of both $ ( # and # ( $

$ ( # D: # ( $ D:

R: R:

(d) State whether the inverse is a function

2. The graph of $ ( # is shown on the right.

(a) Sketch the graph of # ( $ on the same grid

(b) State the coordinates of any invariant point(s)

(c) State the domain and range of both $ ( # and # ( $

$ ( # D: # ( $ D:

R: R:

(d) State whether the inverse is a function

3. The graph of $ ( # is shown on the right.

(a) Sketch the graph of $ ( ^9 # on the same grid

(b) State the coordinates of any invariant point(s)

(c) State the domain and range of both $ ( # and $ ( ^9 #

$ ( # D: $ ( ^9 # D:

R: R:
(d) State whether the inverse is a function

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1.5 Inverse of a Relation
1
4. The graph of ( # # 2 is shown on the right.
3
(a) Sketch the graph of the reflection of ( # in the line
$ # by transforming the three indicated () points.
(b) State the coordinates of any invariant point(s).

(c) Determine an equation for the reflected graph, in terms of #.

5. The graph of ( # 2# 6 is shown on the right.

(a) Sketch the graph of the inverse of ( # by
transforming all points with integer coordinates.
(b) State the coordinates of any invariant point(s).

(c) Determine an equation for the reflected graph, in terms of #.

Answers from previous page

1. (a) To sketch, transform all points #, $ → $, # 0, 7
3, 7 → +, Plot all points to sketch # ( $ 
6, 4 → , C … and so on
(b) Invariant point is on the line $ #, so , 6, 1
(c) $ ( # , D: +, + R: ,C Domain and Range (d) NO
3, 7 6, 4
# ( $ , D: ,C R: +, + interchange %

2. (a) To sketch, transform all points #, $ → $, # 3. (a) To sketch, transform all points #, $ → $, #
5, 1 → , & … and so on, 6, 1 → , C … and so on,
1, 7 → +, graph isn’t shown 2, 2 → , graph isn’t shown

Invariant points at , and &, & Invariant point at ,

(c) $ ( # , D: &, & R: +, & (d) NO (c) $ ( # , D: C, + R: ,C (d) YES!
# ( $ , D: +, & R: &, & # ( $ , D: ,C R: C, +

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 Chapter 1 – Transformations

6. The graph of ( # # 4 is shown on the right.

(a) Sketch the graph of the reflection of ( # in the line $ #
by transforming all points with integer coordinates.
(b) State location and number of any invariant point(s).

(c) State the domain and range of both $ ( # and $ ( ^9 # .

$ ( # D: $ ( ^9 # D:

R: R:

(d) Determine an equation for the reflected graph, in terms of #.

7. The graph of ( # 2 # 8 2 is shown on the right.

(a) Sketch the graph of the inverse of ( # by
transforming the three indicated () points.
(b) State the domain and range of both $ ( # and $ ( ^9 # .
$ ( # D: $ ( ^9 # D:

R: R:

(c) State whether the inverse is a function.

(d) Determine an equation for the inverse, in terms of #.

Answers from previous page

4. (a) To sketch, transform all points #, $ → $, # Plot all points to sketch %^
3, 7 → +, … 6, 4 → , C … and so on $ ( ^9 # 
2, 0
(b) Invariant point is on the line $ #, so ,
1 1 3, 3
(c) # $ 2  # 2 $  3# 6 $  %^ C
3 3

5. (a) To sketch, transform all points #, $ → $, # Plot all points to

0, 6 → C, ! … 3, 0 → !, … and so on sketch inverse 
%^ 2, 2
(b) Invariant point is on the line $ #, so ,

(c) # 2$ 6  # 6 2$  # 6 L 2 $  %^

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1.5 Inverse of a Relation

8. The graph of ( # #2 1 is shown on the right.

(a) Sketch the graph of the inverse of ( # by
transforming all points with integer coordinates.
(b) State location and number of any invariant point(s).

(c) State the domain and range of both $ ( # and # ( $ .

$ ( # D: # ( $ D:

R: R:
(d) State whether the inverse is a function, and provide reasoning.

(e) Determine an equation for the inverse, in terms of #.

9. The graph of ( # # 1 2 9 is shown on the right.

(a) Sketch the graph of the inverse of ( # by
transforming all points with integer coordinates.
(b) State location and number of any invariant point(s).
(c) State whether the inverse is a function.
(d) State the domain and range of both $ ( # and # ( $ .
$ ( # D: # ( $ D:

R: R:

(e) Determine an equation for the inverse, in terms of #.

Answers from previous page

6. (a) To sketch, transform all points #, $ → $, # Plot all points to %^
4, 0 → !, … 0, 2 → ,! … and so on sketch inverse 
(b) Invariant point is on the line $ #, there is one.
(c) $ ( # , D: ,∞ R: !, ∞ $ ( ^9 # , D: !, ∞ R: ,∞

(d) # $ 4  #2 $ 4  %^ ;# 0
0, 4

7. (a) To sketch, transform all points #, $ → $, # Plot all points to sketch %^

8, 2 → , G 6, 0 → !, C … and so on $ ( ^9 # 

(b) $ ( # , D: ,∞ R: G, ∞ $ ( ^9 # , D: G, ∞ R: ,∞ (c) YES!

2
(d) # 2$ 16 2  # 2 2$ 16  %^ G; # 2
2, 8

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 Chapter 1 – Transformations

10. The graph of ( # 9

# 3 2 12 is shown on the right.
?
(a) Sketch the graph of the reflection of ( # in the line
$ # by transforming the five indicated () points.
(b) State location and number of any invariant point(s).
(c) State whether the inverse is a function.
(d) State the domain and range of both $ ( # and # ( $ .
$ ( # D: # ( $ D:

R: R:

(e) Determine an equation for the inverse, in terms of #.

11. The graph of ( # #2 4 is shown on the right.

Provide two possible restrictions on the domain of
$ ( # so that # ( $ is a function.

Step-by-step solutions, along with videos and additional practice exams, can be found at math30-1edge.com
8. (a) To sketch, transform all points #, $ → $, # Plot all points to
0, 1 → ,! … 1, 2 → , … 1, 2 → , and so on… sketch inverse 
(b) On the line $ # … no invariant points here (d) NO by Horiz. Line Test
(c) $ ( # , D: ∞, ∞ R: ,∞ # ( $ , D: , ∞ R: ∞, ∞ 1, 0
2 2
(e) # $ 1  # 1 $  # 1 $2  Inverse: ± %

9. (a) To sketch, transform all points #, $ → $, # Plot all points to sketch

1, 9 → ,, … 2, 0 → !, … and so on $ ( ^9 # 
9, 1
(b) On the $ #, two invariant points (c) NO
(d) $ ( # , D: ∈ℝ R: | ,, ∈ℝ # ( $ , D: | ,, ∈ ℝ R: ∈ℝ

(e) # $ 1 2
9  # 2 Inverse: ± , %
9 $ 1 

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1.5 Inverse of a Relation

2
12. The graph of ( # # 4 2 is shown on the left.
(a) Determine an equation for the inverse.

(b) Provide two possible restrictions on the

domain of $ ( # so that a ( $ is
a function.

13. Given each function below, provide a restriction on the domain so that the inverse is a function.
For (b) only, provide three different domain restrictions that would work.

(a) (b)

%
'

Answers from previous page

10. (a) To sketch, transform all points #, $ → $, # Plot all points to sketch
%
3 , 12 → , … 0, 9 → , , ! … and so on inverse 
(b) On the $ #, two invariant points ( ) (c) NO 12, 3

(d) $ ( # , D: ∈ℝ R: | ≤ , ∈ℝ # ( $ , D: | ≤ , ∈ ℝ R: ∈ℝ
1 2 2
(e) # $ 3 12  3 # 12 $ 3  Inverse: ±
3
11. There are two “largest domain” options, either !, ∈ ℝ or ≤!, ∈ℝ < need to create a “half-parabola”
However there are many other options, including # 1 , # ∈ ℝ or # ≤ 3 , # ∈ ℝ and so on! (infinite options)

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 Chapter 1 – Transformations

14. The graph of $ ( # is shown on the right.

When the graph of $ ( # is reflected in the line $ #, the
number of invariant points is:
A. one
 Exam
Style
B. two
C. three
D. four

15. A function ( # 5# 6 is reflected in the line $ #.

^9
0 \
The resulting equation can be written in the form ( # #
I b
NR The values of 0, I, \, and b are, respectively, ____ ,
 Exam
Style
____, _____, and ____.
Codes can be used more than once

16. The graph of ( # 2 # 4 2 shown on the right.

Graphically determine the approximate coordinates (nearest
hundredth) of the invariant points.
Sketch $ ( ^9 # , and plot / label the coordinates of the
invariant point on same graph.

17. A function $ ( # has a domain ∞, 1 and a range 2, ∞ .

 Exam
Style A function $ < # is obtained by transforming the graph of ( # so that < # 4( # 1.
The domain of $ <^9 # is:
A. 9, ∞
B. 1 ,∞
C. ∞, 1
D. ∞, 9

Answers from previous page

12. (a) Inverse: $ ± # 2 4
(b) There are two “largest domain” options, either ≤RTD
, Learning
∈ ℝ or PowerMath
, ∈ ℝ < create that “half-parabola”!
13. (a) Largest domain is | ≤ , ∈ℝ
(b) Largest domain is | ≤ , ∈ℝ another option: c| , ∈ ℝ and another: ≤ ≤ , ∈ℝ

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1.5 Inverse of a Relation

2
18. A restriction on the domain of a function ( # 0 # ℎ 5, so that # ( $ is always a function is:

A. #|# ≤ 0 , # ∈ ℝ
 Exam
Style
B. #|# ≤ ℎ , # ∈ ℝ
C. #|# b ,# ∈ ℝ
D. #|# 0 ,# ∈ ℝ

An equation representing the inverse of the function ( # 2 5 is:

19. 0 # ℎ

A. $ ± 1/0 # 5 ℎ
 Exam
Style
B. $ ± 0# 5 ℎ
C. $ ± 1/0 # ℎ 5
D. $ ± 0# ℎ 5

20. The graphs of four relations are given below:

1 2 3 4

Assuming no additional restrictions are given, which of the two above graphs will have an inverse that
 Exam
Style is a function?

A. Graph 1 and Graph 4

B. Graph 2 and Graph 3
C. Graph 1 and Graph 2
D. Graph 3 and Graph 4

Answers from previous page and this page

14. C 15. 1565
1 2
16. Graph $9 2 # 4 2 and $2 # 2 4 . C, . C
4
(Restrict domain, # 2)
17. A

18. B 19. A 20. C

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