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5 INVERSE OF A FUNCTION
The inverse of a relation can be found by switching the domain and range of the relation
(interchanging the x and y co-ordinates in each of the ordered pairs).
Recall: In Grade 10, we used SIN −1 to find the angle that has the value of the given ratio.
This is the inverse function of SIN .
Recall that a function is a specific type of relation where each value of x corresponds with
only one value of y.
So if the inverse of a function f(x), is also a function, then the inverse of f(x) is denoted by f-1(x).
Example 1.
−1
Find the inverse f of the function, whose ordered pairs are
{(−2,−8), (−1,1), (0,0), (1,1, ).( 2,8)} . Graph both relations. Is the inverse a function? Explain.
y
8 Findings: From your graph you should see that
by switching the x-and y-coordinates, you are
6
reflecting the original function, f ( x ) , in the line
4 .
-8
Finding the Equation of the Inverse
Example 2
Step 3: Rearrange the equation to solve for y.(i.e. "undress" the y (SAMDEB)).
−1
Step 4: Replace with the y with the inverse notation, f ( x) .
Example 3
1
a) f ( x) = −2 x −1 b) f ( x ) = 4( x − 3) +
2
x −5
c) f ( x) =
3
Example 4
6
4
2
x
-8 -6 -4 -2 2 4 6 8
-2
-4
-6
-8
Example 5
9
The formula to find temperature in degrees Celsius into degrees Fahrenheit is F = C + 32 .
5
Determine the inverse of this function. What does this represent? Is it a function?
Solution