GENERAL MATHEMATICS

Graphs of Inverse Functions

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE
GRAPHS OF A FUNCTION AND ITS
INVERSE
Graphing inverse functions
Given the graph of a one-to-one function, the graph of its
inverse can be obtained by reflecting the graph about the
line y=x.
 Examples:
• 1. Graph y = f -1(x) if the graph of y • Solution:
= f(x) = 2x + 1 restricted in the Take the reflection of the restricted graph of y = 2x + 1 across the
domain { x | -2 < x < 1.5 } is given. line y = x.
What is the range of f(x) ? What is
the domain and range of its
inverse?

The domain and range of the inverse function can be determined

by inspection of the graph:

Domain of f -1(x) = [-3,4]

Range of f -1(x) = [-2,1.5]
 Seatwork & Exercises:

• Seatwork 1. Construct a table of values for the function f(x) = x² + 1 in the

domain {0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3}. Is this a one-to-one function? If it is a one-
to-one function, construct a table of values of the inverse.
• Seatwork 2. The set A = {(-4,4),(-3,2),(-2,1),(0,-1),(1,-3),(2,-5)} of ordered
pairs form a function. Find the inverse of this function and plot the inverse on
a Cartesian plane.
• Seatwork 3. Identify if the given graph can be that of a one-to-one function.
Explain briefly why.
Seatwork 4. The function is a one-to-one function.
(a) What is the domain and range?
(b) Plot the graph of this function and its inverse.
(c) What is the domain and range of its inverse?
Seatwork 5. The rational function is a one-to-one function.
(a) Find the domain and range of its inverse.
(b) Find the lone zero of its inverse (a value x = a such that f-1(a)=0)
Answers: