Inverse Functions (1)

Table 1 gives data from an experiment in which a bacteria culture started with 100
bacteria in a limited nutrient medium; the size of the bacteria population was
recorded at hourly intervals. The number of bacteria N is a function of the time t:
N = f (t)
Suppose, however, that the biologist changes her point of view and becomes
interested in the time required for the population to reach various levels. In other
words, she is thinking of t as a function of N.
➢ This function is called the inverse function of f, denoted by, 𝑓 −1 and read
“f inverse.”
Thus 𝒕 = 𝒇−𝟏 (𝑵)
is the time required for the population level to reach N.
❖ The values of 𝑓 −1 can be found by reading Table 1 from right to left or by
consulting Table 2. For instance, 𝑓 −1 (550) = 6 because f (6) = 550.
 (2)

So, we come to the point that

and also, the cancellation equations

 (3)
CHANGING THE INDEPENDENT VARIABLE
If we want to graph the functions f and 𝑓 −1 together in the same xy-coordinate
system, then we would want to use x as the independent variable and y as the
dependent variable for both functions. and get the equations

A METHOD FOR FINDING INVERSE FUNCTIONS (Algebraic Method)

Verification:
 (4)
GRAPHS OF INVERSE FUNCTIONS (Graphical Method)
Not all functions possess inverses (5)

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Example:
Just think⋯ If there are two or more X-values for one y-value, how do we know
which one to choose when going back?

• Not a one-one Function No Inverse

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Example:

No Inverse

• There is no x-value for y=9 when going back

• Not on-to Function
• Range ≠ Codomain
EXISTENCE OF INVERSE FUNCTIONS (6)

Theorem: A function has an inverse if and only if it is bijective or one-to-one

 (7)

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Restricting the Domain
 (8)

INVERSE TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

 (9)

EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

(10)
Example: (11)
 (12)
IDENTITIES FOR INVERSE TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS