Inverse Functions

Notes and Practice

 Notation
•

In General, refers to the inverse of the function F.

Definition

An inverse function is a function that

undoes the action of another function.
 Reflection on Graph

The graph of a functions reflection across

the line y=x is the functions inverse.
 Important notes on Inverse Function
• If f(x) is a one-to-one function, its inverse is a function.

One-To-One Definition: A function for which every element of the
range of the function corresponds to exactly one element of the
domain.
The domain of f(x) is the range of and the range of f(x) is the
domain of
Horizontal line test: If a horizontal line intersects a function's
graph more than once, then the function is not one-to-one.
 How to find the Inverse (Algebraically)
•Steps:
Example:
Step #1: Rewrite the function
as an equation with x and y.
1. x
Step #2: Switch x and y.
Step #3: Solve Equation for y.
Step #4: Replace y with
 Inverse of a Radical?
•

Radical Parent Function:

Inverse of the Radical Parent Function:
 Inverse of a Radical?

Is a radical one-to-one?
Is the inverse of a radical a function?
Practice of a radical inverse (Algebraically)
•Steps:
Example:
Step #1: Rewrite the function
as an equation with x and y.
Step #2: Switch x and y. 1. x

Step #3: Solve Equation for y. 2. so

Step #4: Replace y with
 Graphing
•
Steps:
Step #1: Make a table with x and y for f(x).
Step #2: Make a table with x and y switched for .
Step #3: Graph.
 Graphing
•
Step 1:

x y
-2 1
0

1 2
 Graphing

Step
• 2:

y x
1 -2
0

2 1
Graphing
 Inverse of a Radical?
•

Radical Parent Function:

Inverse of the Radical Parent Function:
 Inverse of a Radical?

Is a radical one-to-one?
Is the inverse of a radical a function?
Now you Try!