Senior High School

General Mathematics
Quarter 1 - Module 2
This education module was created to involve learners to the diverse activities. It gives exciting

activities that will surely help you to excel. Enjoy and have fun with this module!

Core Subject Description:

At the end of the course, the students must know how to solve problems involving rational

functions.

Content Standard

The learner demonstrates understanding of key concepts of rational functions.

Performance Standard

The learner is able to accurately formulate and solve real-life problems involving rational

functions.

Learning Competencies

The learner should able to:

a. represents real-life situations using rational functions. M11GM –Ib-1

b. distinguishes rational function, rational equation, and rational inequality. M11GM-Ib-2

c. solves rational equations and inequalities. M11GM-Ib-3

d. represents a rational function through its: (1) table of values, (2) graph, and (3) equation.

M11GM-Ib-4

e. finds the domain and range of a rational function. M11GM-Ib-5

Before we go on with the lesson, let us start with a simple activity. This will test what you

already know about our topic.

Pre - Activity

1. If the equations of two functions are given, explain how to determine the quotient function and
its domain.

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2. How do we perform the basic operations with functions?

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3. Describe how to find (f ° g)(x).

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RATIONAL EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES
Definition: Rational Expression
𝐴
A rational expression can be written in the form where A and B are polynomials and B ≠ 0.
𝐵
Rational expressions are also called algebraic fractions.
The following are rational expressions:
7 𝑥2 − 𝑥 − 6 𝑥 2 +7𝑥+10
, , and 𝑥+10
𝑎𝑏 𝑥+2

The following are not rational expressions:

3
5+ √𝑥 𝑥 2 +2 𝑥 2 +4
, , and
𝑥 𝑥+2 𝑥−1

RULE: Simplifying Rational Expressions

1. Factor the numerator and denominator.
2. Write a product of two rational expressions, one factor containing the GCF of the numerator
and denominator, and other containing the remaining factors.
3. Rewrite the factor containing the GCF as 1.
4. Multiply the remaining factors by 1.
RULE: Multiplying Rational Expression
1. Multiply the numerators and denominators.
2. Write the resulting numerator and denominator in factored form.
3. Divide out any numerator factor with matching denominator factor.
4. Simplify, if possible.
RULE: Adding or Subtracting Rational Expressions with Like Denominators
1. Add (or subtract) the numerators.
2. Retain the common denominator.
3. Simplify the result.
RULE: Adding/Subtracting Rational Expressions with Different Denominators
1. Find the least common denominator (LCD).
2. Write the equivalent expression of each rational expression.
3. Add or subtract the numerator and keep the LCD.
4. Simplify the result, if possible.
RULE: Finding the LCD
1. List the different denominators that appear in the rational expression.
2. Factor each denominator completely.
3. Find the product of each factor with the greatest number of appearances in the denominator
factorizations, that is, with the highest power.

Definition:
A rational equation is an equation that contains on or more rational expressions.
Some examples of rational equations are
1 1 4 𝑥2 1
= , x + = -5 , and =
𝑥 5−𝑥 𝑥 𝑥+1 𝑥+1

RULE: Solving Rational Equations

1. Eliminate the rational expressions in the equation by multiplying both sides of the equation by
the LCD.
2. Solve the equation.
3. Check your solution.
Example: Solve for x.
𝑥 1 𝑥
a. + =
5 4 2

SOLUTION:

The LCD of the denominators is 20

𝑥 1 𝑥
20 ( + ) = 20 ( ) Multiply both sides by the LCD, 20.
5 4 2
4x + 5 = 10x Apply the Distributive Property and then
simplify.
5 = 6x Subtract 4x from both sides.
5
=x Divide both side by 6.
6
Check:
5 5
6 1
+ =6
5 4 2
5 1 1 5 1
* + = *
6 5 4 6 2
1 1 5
+ =
6 4 12
2+3 5
=
12 12
5 5
= true
12 12
5
So, is the solution.
6

Definition:
An extraneous solution is an apparent solution that does not solve its equation.

By inspecting the denominators for each rational expression, we can determine the values that
would make the expressions undefined before solving the equation. If by solving an equation we obtain a
number that makes an expression in the equation undefined, then we say that number is an extraneous
solution, and we discard it.

3(𝑦+3)
Notice that if y = 1, then is undefined, so the solution cannot be -1. To solve, multiply both sides
𝑦+1
by the LCD, y + 1.
3(𝑦+3) 3𝑦+1
(y + 1)[ + 2] = (y + 1) Multiply both sides by y + 1.
𝑦+1 𝑦+1
3(y + 3) + 2(y + 1) = 3y + 1 Divide out the common factors
3y + 9 +2y + 2 = 3y + 1 Apply the Distributive Property.
5y + 11 = 3y + 1 Combine like terms.
2y + 11 = 1 Subtract 3y from both sides.
2y = -10 Subtract 11 from both sides.
y = -5 Divide both sides by 2.
Check:
3(𝑦+3) 3𝑦+1
+2=
𝑦+1 𝑦+1
3(−5+3) 3(−5)+1
+2= Substitute -5 for y.
−5+1 −5+1
−6 −14
+2=
−4 −4
3 14
+2=
2 4
3+4 14
=
2 4
7 7
= True Therefore y = -5.
2 2

Rational Inequalities
Definition:
A rational inequality is composed o rational expressions combined with a ≤, ≥, <, or > sign.
Some examples of rational inequalities are
1 𝑥+2 1 2 5
≤ 7, ≤ 0, + 2 > 1, and 2−4𝑥−5 ≥ 0…
𝑥 𝑥−3 2 𝑥 −1 𝑥
RULE: Solving Rational Inequality
1. Write the inequality with a single rational expression on the left-hand side of the inequality and
zero on the right-hand side of the inequality.
2. Determine the meaningful numbers by setting the numerator equal to zero and setting the
denominator equal to zero.
3. Use the meaningful numbers to separate the number line into intervals.
4. Test for the meaningful numbers if they make the inequality true or false. If true, then they are
part of the solution. If false, then then they are not part of the solution.
-Get the values in each interval and substitute these into the inequality.
-If the test value makes the inequality true, then the entire interval is a solution to the inequality.
-If the test value makes the inequality false, then the entire interval is not a solution to the
inequality.
5. Express the answer in interval notation.

Example:
𝑥+2
Solve : ≤0
𝑥−3
SOLUTIO N:
STEPS
1. Already done. 𝑥+2
≤0
𝑥−3
2. Get the meaningful numbers. Numerator: x + 2 = 0
Set both the numerator and the denominator equal X = -2
to zero. Then, solve. Test the meaningful numbers. −2+2 0
Test -2: = = 0 ≤ 0 True. Thus, -2 is a
2−3 −5
solution.
Denominator: x – 3 = 0
x=3
3+2 5
Test 3: = = undefined False. Thus, 3 is a
3−3 0
solution.
3. Separate the number line into intervals using the A B C
numbers found in Step 2.
-2 3
4. Get test values for A, B, and C. For A, test -3:
𝑥+2
≤0
𝑥−3

−3+2
0
−3−3
1
False
6
Thus, interval A is not a solution.
For B, test 1:
𝑥+2
≤0
𝑥−3

1+2
0
1−3
3
False
−2
Thus, interval B is a solution.
For C, test 4:
𝑥+2
≤0
𝑥−3

4+2
0
4−3
6 False

Thus, interval C is not a solution.

5. Answer in interval relation. {-2} ᴗ (-2 , 3) = [-2 , 3)
RATIONAL FUNCTION
Definition:
Polynomial function is a function denoted by f(x) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + … + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0
where 𝑎0 𝑎1 … 𝑎𝑛−1 , 𝑎𝑛 , are real numbers, 𝑎𝑛 ≠ 0, ad n is a non-negative integer.
A linear function f is a constant function if (x) = mx + b, where m = 0 and b are any real
number.
A function f is a linear function if f(x) = mx + b, where m and b are real numbers and m and f(x)
are both not equal to zero.
A quadratic function is any equation of the form
f(x) = a𝒙𝟐 + bx + c
where a, b, and c are real numbers and a ≠ 0.

Recall
A relation is a set of ordered pairs. The domain of a relation is the set of first coordinates. The
range is the set of second coordinates.
An asymptote is a straight line associated with a curve such that as a point moves along an
infinite branch of the curve, the distance from the point to the line approaches zero and the slope of the
curve at the point approaches the slope of the line.

The following are examples of polynomial functions:

f(x) = 3𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 – 5x + 2, g(x) = 5𝑥 4 – 2, and h(x) = 6𝑥 3 – 2x
The following are constant functions:
1
f(x) = 3, g(x) = -5 , and h(x) =
2
The following are linear functions:
3
f(x) = 3x + 2, g(x) = -5 – 4, and h(x) = x – 8
4
The following are quadratic functions:
f(x) = 𝑥 2 , g(x) = 𝑥 2 – 4, and h(x) = 𝑥 2 + 2x +1
If (2, 3), (3, 4), (4, 5), (5, 6), and (6, 7) are elements of the function f, then the domain is the set
whose elements are {2, 3, 4, 5, 6} and the range is the set whose elements are {3, 4, 5, 6, 7}.

Definition:
A rational function can be written in the form
𝑁(𝑥)
f(x) =
𝐷(𝑥)
where N(x) and D(x) are polynomials and D(x) is not the zero polynomial.
𝑁(𝑥)
The domain of a rational function f(x) = is all the values of x that will not make D(x) equal
𝐷(𝑥)
to zero.

Note: The range of a rational function is sometimes easier to find by first finding the inverse of the
function and determining its domain. If this does not work, the best way is to graph the rational
function. To do that, locate all asymptotes.

The following are rational functions:

1 𝑥 𝑥 2 +1 3𝑥 2 −5𝑥−2
f(x) = , g(x) = 2−9 , h(x) = , and i(x) = .
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥−1 3𝑥 2 +7𝑥+2
The form of the function: f is a constant divided by a linear function.
g is a linear function divided by a quadratic function.
h is a quadratic function divided by a linear function.
i is a quadratic function divided by another quadratic function.

Notice that the domain of most rational functions of y includes all real numbers except x-values that make
the denominator zero. In order to get the values of x to exclude from the domain, set the denominator
equal to zero and solve for x.
The domain of f is a set whose elements are all the real numbers except 0. The domain of g is all real
numbers except 3 and -3, [𝑥 2 – 9 = (x + 3)(x – 3)]. The domain of h is all real numbers except 1. Finally,
1
the domain of the function i is all real numbers except - and -2, [3𝑥 2 + 7x + 2 = (3x + 1)(x + 2)].
3
1
Note: 0 in f, 3 and -3 in g, 1 in h, and - and -2 in i are the restrictions on the x-values of the
3
functions f, g, h, and i, respectively.
The following are not rational function:
√𝑥 𝑥+1 𝑥+1
f(x) = , g(x) = 1 , and h(x) = √
𝑥+1 𝑥−2
1+𝑥 2 −4𝑥 2

The numerator of f(x) is not a polynomial because polynomials do not allow the square root of
the independent variable. Thus, f is not a rational function. Similarly, the denominator of g(x) is not a
polynomial because fractions are not allowed as exponents of polynomials. Thus, g is not a rational
function. In h(x), although the radicand is a rational function, the square root prevents h from being a
rational function.

Example 1:
Identify which of the following are rational functions:
2+𝑥 𝑥 2 −4𝑥−5
a. f(x) = b. g(x) =
𝑥+1 𝑥+3
1
√𝑥+2 2+ 𝑥 2 −3𝑥
c. h(x) = d. i(x) =
𝑥 2 +3 𝑥 2 +2𝑥+1
SOLUTION:
a. Rational Function: Both numerator and denominator are polynomials.
b. Rational Function: Both numerator and denominator are polynomials.
c. Not a Rational function: Numerator is not a polynomial.
d. Not a Rational Function: Numerator is not a polynomial.

Example 2:
Give the domain of the following rational functions. (Give the range wen finding the inverse of f
works.)
1 𝑥
a. f(x) = b. g(x) =
𝑥 𝑥−1
SOLUTION:
a. The restricted x-value of f is 0. Hence, the domain of f is the set of all the real numbers except
0. Thus, the range of f is the set of all real numbers except 0.
b. To get restricted x-value for the function g, equate the denominator to 0 and solve for x.
(x-1 = 0; x = 1) Thus, the restricted x-value is 1. Hence, the domain of g is the set of all real numbers
except 1.

REFERENCE:
General Mathematics, First Edition, Orlando A. Oronce, Rex Publishing
Senior High School

General Mathematics
Quarter 1 - Module 3
This education module was created to involve learners to the diverse activities. It gives exciting

activities that will surely help you to excel. Enjoy and have fun with this module!

Core Subject Description:

At the end of the course, the students must know how to solve problems involving

rational functions.

Content Standard

The learner demonstrates understanding of key concepts of rational functions.

Performance Standard

The learner is able to accurately formulate and solve real-life problems involving

rational functions.

Learning Competencies

The learner should able to:

a. determines the intercepts, xeroes, and asymptotes of rational functions.MG11-

Ic-1

b. solves problems involving rational functions, equations, and inequalities.

M11GM-Ic-2
Before we go on with the lesson, let us start with a simple activity. This will test what you

already know about our topic.

Pre - Activity

Let us check how much you know about rational functions.

Direction: Put (✔ ) if the statement is TRUE and put ( X ) if the statement is wrong.

True False

1. Every term of a
polynomial function is
either a constant, a variable,
or a product of constants
and variables.

2. The domain of the

1
function f(x) = is set of
𝑥
real numbers.

3. The graph of rational

function is a parabola.

4. A rational function is
formed by dividing one
polynomial function by
another polynomial
function.
 RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
Asymptote
Definition: An asymptote is a line (or a curve) that the graph of a function gets close to
but does not touch.
. The line x = a is a vertical asymptote of the graph if f(x) → ∞ of f(x) → -
∞ as x → a, either from right or from left.
The line y = b is a horizontal asymptote of the graph if f(x) → b as x → ∞
or x → -∞.

Note: f(x) → ∞ is read as “f of x approaches infinity.”

20
The graph of r = shown at the right has vertical asymptote x = 0 and horizontal
𝑡
asymptote,
y= 0.
Note: Note that y → ∞ and y → -∞ as x → 0.
Also y → 0 as x → ∞ or x → -∞.

c = 20/x
F(x) y
x=0
y → ∞ as x → 0

y=0 x→ ∞ as y → 0

x→ -∞ as y → 0

y → -∞ as x → 0
Finding Asymptotes

1. On Vertical Asymptotes
They are the restrictions on the x-values of a reduced rational function. To find the
restriction, equate the denominator to 0 and solve for x.
Note: The factors that are cancelled when a rational function is reduced represent
holes in the graph.
2. On Horizontal Asymptotes
The horizontal asymptote is determined by comparing the degrees of N(x) and
𝑁(𝑥) 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑥𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + ... 𝑎1 𝑥+ 𝑎0
D(x) in f(x) = ,= .
𝐷(𝑥) 𝑏𝑚 𝑥 𝑚 + 𝑏𝑚−1 𝑥 𝑚−1 + ...𝑏𝑚 𝑥+ 𝑏0

a. If n < m, the graph of f has the line y = 0 as a horizontal asymptote.

𝑎
b. If n < m, the graph of f has the line y = 𝑛 as a horizontal asymptote where
𝑎𝑚
𝑎𝑛 and 𝑏𝑚 are the leading coefficients of the numerator and denominator, respectively.
c. If n > m, the graph of f has no horizontal asymptote.

3. On Oblique or Slant Asymptotes

Oblique asymptote occurs when the numerator of f(x) has a degree that is one
higher than the degree of the denominator. If you have this situation, simply divide the
numerator by the denominator by either using long division or synthetic division. The
oblique asymptote is the quotient with the remainder ignored and set equal to y.

Example:
Find all asymptotes of the graph of each rational function.
1 4𝑥
a. f(x) = b. f(x) =
𝑋+1 2𝑥+1

SOLUTION:
a.To find the vertical asymptote, set the denominator equal to zero and solve for x.
x+1=0
x = -1
The graph has the line x = -1 as vertical asymptote.
The degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator, so the graph has
the line y = 0 as a horizontal asymptote.
b. To find the vertical asymptote, set the denominator equal to zero and solve for x.
2x + 1 = 0
2x = -1
1
x=-
2
1
Thus, the graph has the line x = - as vertical asymptote.
2
The degree of the numerator is equal to the degree of the denominator. The leading
coefficient of the numerator is 4 and the leading coefficient of the denominator is 2. So
4
the graph has the line y = or y = 2 as a horizontal asymptote.
2

The diagram will help you in determining the asymptotes of a rational function.

• Reduce the rational Other Asymptotes

function to lowest
terms Vertical asymptotes Horizontal:
Set the denominator If m > n, then y = 0
𝑎
• Hole(s) at the
to 0 and solve for x. If m = n, then y = 𝑛
𝑏𝑚
xero(s) is(are)
produced when Oblique:
x = 𝑥1 , x = 𝑥2 , . .
numerator and .
denominator have If m = n + 1, divide
common factor(s). a𝑥 𝑚 . . . by b𝑥 𝑛 . . .
• There may be The quotient is the
• Arrange both the one or more oblique asymptote in the
numerator and or none. form of a linear function
denominator in with non-zero slope.
ascending degree
order.

Note: It is possible to have no vertical, horizontal, or oblique asymptotes.

It is not possible for a function to have both horizontal and oblique asymptotes.

The Zeros of Rational Functions

𝑁
In the fraction , D must not be equal to zero since division by zero is undefined.
𝐷
7 53 0 𝑁
Thus, ,− , and are all undefined. However, in the same fraction , if N = 0 and
0 0 0 𝐷
0 0 0
D ≠ 0, then the fraction is equal to zero. For example, , , and are all equal to zero.
7 53 12

In general when dealing with rational functions, whatever value of x that will
make the numerator zero without simultaneously making the denominator equal to zero
will be a zero of the said rational function.

STEPS

Finding Zeros of Rational Functions

1. Factor the numerator and the denominator of the rational function f if possible.

2. Identify the restrictions of the rational function f. (The restrictions are the values
of the independent variable that make the denominator equal to zero.)

3. Identify the values of the independent variable that make the numerator equal to
zero.
 4. The zeros of the rational function f are the values of the independent variable
that make the numerator zero but are not restrictions of the rational function f.

Example 1:
𝑥 2 +6𝑥+8
Find the zeros of the rational function f(x) = .
𝑥 2 −𝑥−6

SOLUTION:
Steps
1. Factor the numerator and denominator of (𝑥+2)(𝑥+4)
f(x) =
(𝑥+2)(𝑥−3)
f.
2. Identify the restrictions. The values x = -2 and x = 3 make
3. Identify the values of x that make the x = -2 and x = -4 both make the numerator
numerator equal to zero. equal to zero.
4. Identify the zero of f. x = -2 will not be a zero of f because it is
also a restriction.
x = -4 will be a zero of f.
Although we have identified the zeros of f, we still need to check the values of x that
make the numerator equal to zero. Substituting x = -2 into the original function, we have:
(−2)2 +6(−2)+8 0
f(-2) = =
(−2)2 −(−2)−6 0
and is undefined. Hence, x = -2 is not a zero of f.
When x = -4 is substituted into the original function, we have:
(−4)2 +6(−4)+8 0
f(-4) = =
(−4)2 −(−4)−6 14
In this case, x = -4 makes the numerator equal to zero without making the denominator
equal to zero. Thus, x = -4 is a zero of f.

Example 2:
𝑥 2 +4𝑥+4
Find the zeros of the rational function f(x) = .
𝑥 2 −4
SOLUTION:
Steps
1. Factor the numerator and denominator of f(x) = (𝑥−2)2
f. (𝑥+2)(𝑥−2)

2. Identify the restrictions. The values x = -2 and x = 2 make the

denominator equal to zero and are therefore
restrictions.
3. Identify the values of x that make the x = 2 makes the numerator equal to zero.
numerator equal to zero.
4. Identify the zeros of f. The function has no zero because x = 2,
although it makes the numerator equal to
zero, is also a restriction.

𝑥 2 +4𝑥+4 𝑥−2
Note: The function f(x) = can be reduced to g(x) = after cancelling the like
𝑥 2 −4 𝑥+2
factors x -2. Note that the function g has only one restriction, x = -2. Further, x = 2
makes the numerator of g equal to zero and is not a restrictions. Thus, x = 2 is a zero of
the function g but not a zero of the definition f.
Example 2 demonstrates that before we cancel common factors, we must first identify the
zeros of the rational function.

Intercepts of Rational Functions

Definition:
Intercepts are x- or y-coordinates of the points at which a graph crosses the x-axis
or y-axis, respectively.
y-intercept is the y-coordinate of the point where the graph crosses the y-axis.
x-intercept is the x-coordinate of the point where the graph crosses the x-axis.

Note: Not all rational functions have both x and y intercepts. If the rational function f
has no real solution, then it does not have intercepts.
RULE: 1. To find the y-intercept, substitute 0 for x and solve for y or f(x).

2. To find the x-intercept, substitute 0 for y and solve for x.

Example
Find the intercepts of the following rational functions.
𝑥+8 𝑥 2 −5𝑥+6
a. f(x) = b. f(x) =
𝑥−2 𝑥 2 −2𝑥+3
SOLUTION:
a. For y-intercept:
0+8
f(0) = Substitute 0 for x.
0−2
8
= Simplify.
−2
= -4
⸫ The y-intercept is -4.
For x-intercept:
𝑥+8
0= Substitute 0 for y or f(x).
𝑥−2
0=x+8 Multiply both sides by x – 2.
x = -8 Simplify.
⸫ The x-intercept is -8.

b. For y-intercept:
(0)2 −5(0)+6
f(0) = Substitute 0 for x.
(0)2 −2(0)+3
6
= Simplify.
3
=2
⸫ The y-intercept is 2.
For x-intercept:
𝑥 2 −5𝑥+6
0= Substitute 0 for y or f(x).
𝑥 2 −2𝑥+3
2
0 = 𝑥 – 5x + 6 Multiply both sides by 𝑥 2 – 2x + 3.
0 = (x – 2)(x – 3) Factor.
x = 2 or x = 3
⸫ The x-intercepts are 2 and 3.

REFERENCE:
General Mathematics, First Edition, Orlando A. Oronce, Rex Publishing
Senior High School

General Mathematics
Quarter 1 - Module 4
This education module was created to involve learners to the diverse activities. It gives exciting

activities that will surely help you to excel. Enjoy and have fun with this module!

Core Subject Description:

At the end of the course, the students must know how to solve inverse functions.

Content Standard

The learner demonstrates understanding key concepts of inverse functions

Performance Standard

The learner is able to apply the concepts of inverse functions and solve real-life

problems with precision and accuracy.

Learning Competencies

The learner should able to:

a. represents real-life situations using one-to-one functions. M11GM-Id-1

b. determine the inverse of a one-to-one function. M11GM-Id-2

c. represents an inverse function through its: (1) table of values, and (2) graph.

M11GM-Id-3

d. find the domain and range of an inverse functions. M11GM-Id-4

Before we go on with the lesson, let us start with a simple activity. This will test what you

already know about our topic.

Pre - Activity

For each operation in the first column, record the inverse operation in the second column.

Operation Inverse

1. Add 8

2. Subtract 10

3. Multiply by 5

4. Divide by 6

5. Square

6. Raise to the third power

7. Fifth root

8. Fourth root
 INVERSE FUNCTIONS
RECALL: A relation is a set of ordered pairs. The domain of a relation is the set of the
first coordinate. The range is the set of second coordinates. A function is one-to-one if
no horizontal line intersects its graph more than once.
A one-to-one function is a function in which foe each value of y in the range of f,
there is just one value x in the domain of f such that y = f(x).
In other words, f is one-to-one if f(𝑥1) = f(𝑥2 ) implies 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 .

Properties of Equality
Let x, y and z be any real number:
1. Addition Property of Equality (APE)
If x = y, then x + z = y + z.
Equal values may be added on both sides of the equation.
2. Subtraction Property of Equality (SPE)
If x = y, then x – z = y – z.
Equal values may be subtracted from both sides of the equation.
3. Multiplication Property of Equality (MPE)
If x = y, then xz = yz
Both sides of the equation may be multiplied by the same value.
4. Division Property of Equality (DPE)
𝑥 𝑦
If x = y and z ≠ 0, then = .
𝑧 𝑧
Both sides of the equation may be divided by the same non-zero real number.
5. Substitution Law
If x + y = z and x = y, then y + y = z or x + x = z.
Equals may be substituted for equals.

Definition: A relation reversing the process performed by any function f(x) is called
inverse of f(x).
This means that the domain of the inverse is the range of the original function and
that the range of the inverse is the domain of the original function.
Original Function Inverse Relation
x 20 30 50 100 x 68 86 122 212

y 68 86 122 212 y 20 30 50 100

Definition: If f is a one-to-one
−1
function, then the inverse of f denoted by f is the function formed by reversing all the
ordered pairs in f. Thus,
f −1 = {(y, x ) │(x, y) is in f.
From the definition, the following properties of an inverse function follows:

Properties of an Inverse Function

If the f −1 inverse function exists,
1. f −1 is a one-to-one function; f is also one-to-one.
2. Domain of f −1 = Range of f.
3. Range of f −1 = Domain of f.
Example:
Find the inverse of the function described by the set of ordered pairs {(0, -2), (1,
0), (2, 2), (3, 4), (4, 6)}.
SOLUTION:
Switch the coordinates of each ordered pair.
{(0, -2), (1, 0), (2, 2), (3, 4), (4, 6)} Original function
{(-2, 0), (0, 1), (2, 2), (4, 3), (6, 4)} Inverse function

To find 𝐟 −𝟏(x):
1. Replace f(x) with y.
2. Interchange x and y.
3. Solve for the new y from the equation in Step 2.
4. Replace the new y with f −1 (x) if the inverse is a function.

Example:
Find the inverse of the function f(x) = 3x + 6.
SOLUTION:
To find the inverse of a function defined by an equation, we interchange the
independent variable x and the dependent variable y. We know that f(x) = y; hence,
f(x) = 3x + 6
y = 3x + 6
Interchanging x and y to find f −1, we have
x = 3y + 6
Solving for the new y, we obtain
3y = x – 6
1
y= x–2
3
Replacing the new y with f −1(x) because the inverse is a function, we have
1
f −1(x) = x – 2.
3

Property
The two functions f and g are inverses of each other if
f(g(x)) = x for every x in the domain of g and
g(f(x)) = x for every x in the domain of f.
That is, f(g(x)0 = g(f(x)) = x or
If g(x) = f −1(x), then
f(f −1(x)) = f −1(f(x)) = x
Example:
Show that the following functions are inverses of each other.
1
f(x) = 2x + 5 and g(x) = (x – 5)
2
SOLUTION:
a. We find the composite function f of g. b. We find the composite function
g by f.
1
f(g(x)) = f [ (x – 5) ] g(f(x)) = g(2x + 5)
2
1 1
= 2 [ (x – 5) ] + 5 = (2x + 5 – 5)
2 2
1
=x–5+5 = (2x)
2
=x =x
Since f(g(x)) = g(f(x)) = x, then f and g are inverses of each other

REFERENCE:
General Mathematics, First Edition, Orlando A. Oronce, Rex Publishing