In mathematics, an inverse function is a function that "reverses" another function: if the function applied to

an input gives a result of, then applying its inverse function to gives the result, and vice versa. I.e., if and only
if.

If you consider functions, f and g are inverse, f(g(x)) = g(f(x)) = x. A function that consists of its inverse fetches
the original value.

Example: f(x) = 2x + 5 = y

Then, g(y) = (y-5)/2 = x is the inverse of f(x).

Types of Inverse Function

There are various types of inverse functions like the inverse of trigonometric functions, rational functions,
hyperbolic functions and log functions. The inverses of some of the most common functions are given below.

Function Inverse of the Function Comment

+ –
× / Don’t divide by 0
1/x 1/y x and y not equal to 0
x2 √y x and y ≥ 0
xn y1/n n is not equal to 0
ex ln(y) y>0
ax log a(y) y and a > 0
Sin (x) Sin-1 (y) – π/2 to + π/2
Cos (x) Cos-1 (y) 0 to π
Tan (x) Tan-1 (y) – π/2 to + π/2

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is the inverse function?

An inverse function is a function that returns the original value for which a function has given the output. If
f(x) is a function which gives output y, then the inverse function of y, i.e. f-1(y) will return the value x.

How to find the inverse of a function?

Suppose, f(x) = 2x + 3 is a function.

Let f(x) = 2x+3 = y

y = 2x+3

x = (y-3)/2 = f-1(y)

This is the inverse of f(x).

Are inverse function and reciprocal of function, same?

One should not get confused inverse function with reciprocal of function. The inverse of the function returns
the original value, which was used to produce the output and is denoted by f-1(x). Whereas reciprocal of
function is given by 1/f(x) or f(x)-1

For example, f(x) = 2x = y

f-1(y) = y/2 = x, is the inverse of f(x).

But, 1/f(x) = 1/2x = f(x)-1 is the reciprocal of function f(x).

What is the inverse of 1/x?

Let f(x) = 1/x = y

Then inverse of f(x) will be f-1(y).

f-1(y) = 1/x

How to solve inverse trigonometry function?

If we have to find the inverse of trigonometry function sin x = ½, then the value of x is equal to the angle, the
sine function of which angle is ½.

As we know, sin 30° = ½.

Therefore, sin x = ½

x = sin-1(½) = sin-1 (sin 30°) = 30°