4.

6 Inverse of a Function
Essential Question How can you sketch the graph of the inverse of
a function?

Graphing Functions and Their Inverses

Work with a partner. Each pair of functions are inverses of each other. Use a
graphing calculator to graph f and g in the same viewing window. What do you notice
about the graphs?
CONSTRUCTING
VIABLE a. f(x) = 4x + 3 b. f(x) = x3 + 1
ARGUMENTS x−3 3—
g(x) = — g(x) = √x − 1
4
To be proficient in math,
you need to reason — —
c. f (x) = √ x − 3 d. f (x) = −√ x + 2
inductively and make a
plausible argument. g(x) = x2 + 3, x ≥ 0 g(x) = (2 − x)2, x ≤ 2

Sketching Graphs of Inverse Functions

Work with a partner. Use the graph of f to sketch the graph of g, the inverse function
of f, on the same set of coordinate axes. Explain your reasoning.
a. y b. y y=x
8 8

4 y=x 4
y = f(x)

−8 −4 4 8 x −8 −4 4 8 x

−4
y = f(x)

−8 −8

c. y d. y
8 8

y = f(x) 4 4
y=x y = f(x) y=x

−8 −4 4 8 x −8 −4 4 8 x

−4 −4

−8 −8

Communicate Your Answer

3. How can you sketch the graph of the inverse of a function?
4. In Exploration 1, what do you notice about the relationship between the equations
of f and g? Use your answer to find g, the inverse function of
f(x) = 2x − 3.
Use a graph to check your answer.

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 4.6 Lesson What You Will Learn
Explore inverses of functions.
Find and verify inverses of nonlinear functions.
Core Vocabul
Vocabulary
larry Solve real-life problems using inverse functions.
inverse functions, p. 233
Previous Exploring Inverses of Functions
input You have used given inputs to find corresponding outputs of y = f (x) for various types
output of functions. You have also used given outputs to find corresponding inputs. Now you
inverse operations will solve equations of the form y = f (x) for x to obtain a general formula for finding
reflection the input given a specific output of a function f.
line of reflection

Writing a Formula for the Input of a Function

Let f(x) = 2x + 3.
a. Solve y = f(x) for x.
b. Find the input when the output is −7.

SOLUTION
a. y = 2x + 3 Set y equal to f(x).
y − 3 = 2x Subtract 3 from each side.
y−3
—=x Divide each side by 2.
2
b. Find the input when y = −7.
−7 − 3
x=— Substitute −7 for y.
Check 2
f(−5) = 2(−5) + 3 −10
=— Subtract.
2
= −10 + 3
= −7 ✓ = −5 Divide.

So, the input is −5 when the output is −7.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

Solve y = f(x) for x. Then find the input(s) when the output is 2.

1. f(x) = x − 2 2. f(x) = 2x2 3. f(x) = −x3 + 3

In Example 1, notice the steps involved after substituting for x in y = 2x + 3 and after
y−3
substituting for y in x = —.
2
y−3
y = 2x + 3 x=—
2

Step 1 Multiply by 2. Step 1 Subtract 3.

Step 2 Add 3. Step 2 Divide by 2.
inverse operations
in the reverse order

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 Notice that these steps undo each other. Functions that undo each other are called
inverse functions. In Example 1, you can use the equation solved for x to write the
UNDERSTANDING inverse of f by switching the roles of x and y.
MATHEMATICAL f(x) = 2x + 3 original function
x−3
g(x) = — inverse function
TERMS 2
The term inverse functions Because inverse functions interchange the input and output values of the original
does not refer to a new function, the domain and range are also interchanged.
type of function. Rather, Original function: f(x) = 2x + 3 y
it describes any pair of f
functions that are inverses. x −2 −1 0 1 2 6

y −1 1 3 5 7 4
y=x
x−3
Inverse function: g(x) = — g
2
−4 4 6 x
x −1 1 3 5 7
y −2 −1 0 1 2
−4

The graph of an inverse function is a reflection of the graph of the original function.
The line of reflection is y = x. To find the inverse of a function algebraically, switch
the roles of x and y, and then solve for y.

Finding the Inverse of a Linear Function

Find the inverse of f (x) = 3x − 1.

SOLUTION
Method 1 Use inverse operations in the reverse order.

f(x) = 3x − 1 Multiply the input x by 3 and then subtract 1.

To find the inverse, apply inverse operations in the reverse order.
x+1
g(x) = — Add 1 to the input x and then divide by 3.
Check 3
6 x+1 1 1
The inverse of f is g(x) = —, or g(x) = —x + —.
f 3 3 3
g
−9 9
Method 2 Set y equal to f(x). Switch the roles of x and y and solve for y.

y = 3x − 1 Set y equal to f(x).

−6 x = 3y − 1 Switch x and y.
The graph of g appears to be a x + 1 = 3y Add 1 to each side.
reflection of the graph of f in the
x+1
line y = x. ✓ —=y
3
Divide each side by 3.
x+1 1 1
The inverse of f is g(x) = —, or g(x) = — x + —.
3 3 3

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

Find the inverse of the function. Then graph the function and its inverse.
1
4. f(x) = 2x 5. f(x) = −x + 1 6. f(x) = —3 x − 2

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 Inverses of Nonlinear Functions
In the previous examples, the inverses of the linear functions were also functions.
However, inverses are not always functions. The graphs of f(x) = x2 and f(x) = x3 are
shown along with their reflections in the line y = x. Notice that the inverse of f(x) = x3
is a function, but the inverse of f (x) = x2 is not a function.

y y
4 4
g(x) = 3 x
2 2
f(x) = x2
−4 −2 2 4 x −4 −2 2 4 x
−2 f(x) = x3
x = y2
−4 −4

When the domain of f (x) = x2 is restricted to only nonnegative real numbers, the
inverse of f is a function.

Finding the Inverse of a Quadratic Function

Find the inverse of f(x) = x2, x ≥ 0. Then graph the function and its inverse.

SOLUTION
f(x) = x2 Write the original function.
y = x2 Set y equal to f(x).
x = y2 Switch x and y.
—
f(x) = x2,
±√ x = y Take square root of each side. x≥0
STUDY TIP y
6
If the domain of f were The domain of f is restricted to nonnegative
restricted to x ≤ 0, then values of x. So, the range of the inverse must 4 g(x) = x
the inverse would be also be restricted to nonnegative values.
—
g(x) = −√x . —
2
So, the inverse of f is g(x) = √ x .
2 4 6x

You can use the graph of a function f to determine whether the inverse of f is a function
by applying the horizontal line test.

Core Concept
Horizontal Line Test
The inverse of a function f is also a function if and only if no horizontal line
intersects the graph of f more than once.
Inverse is a function Inverse is not a function
y f y f

x x

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 Finding the Inverse of a Cubic Function

Consider the function f (x) = 2x3 + 1. Determine whether the inverse of f is a function.
Then find the inverse.

SOLUTION
Graph the function f. Notice that no horizontal line
f(x) = 2x3 + 1
intersects the graph more than once. So, the inverse
y
of f is a function. Find the inverse. 4

y = 2x3 + 1 Set y equal to f(x).

Check 2
x= 2y3 +1 Switch x and y.
5
f x − 1 = 2y3 Subtract 1 from each side. −2 2 x
g x−1
— = y3 Divide each side by 2.
−5 7 2

√x −2 1 = y
—
3
— Take cube root of each side.
−3

√x −2 1 .
—

So, the inverse of f is g(x) = 3

—

Finding the Inverse of a Radical Function

—
Consider the function f (x) = 2√ x − 3 . Determine whether the inverse of f is a
function. Then find the inverse.

SOLUTION
Graph the function f. Notice that no horizontal line y
8
intersects the graph more than once. So, the inverse
of f is a function. Find the inverse.
6 f(x) = 2 x − 3
—
y = 2√ x − 3 Set y equal to f(x).
4
—
x = 2√ y − 3 Switch x and y.
— 2 2
x2 = ( 2√ y − 3 ) Square each side.
Check
x2 = 4(y − 3) Simplify. 2 4 6 8 x
9
g x2 = 4y − 12 Distributive Property
f x2 + 12 = 4y Add 12 to each side.
1
—4 x2 +3=y Divide each side by 4.
−1 14
−1 Because the range of f is y ≥ 0, the domain of the inverse must be restricted to x ≥ 0.

So, the inverse of f is g(x) = —14 x2 + 3, where x ≥ 0.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

Find the inverse of the function. Then graph the function and its inverse.
—
7. f(x) = −x2, x ≤ 0 8. f(x) = −x3 + 4 9. f(x) = √ x + 2

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 Let f and g be inverse functions. If f (a) = b, then g(b) = a. So, in general,
f (g(x)) = x and g( f (x)) = x.
REASONING
ABSTRACTLY Verifying Functions Are Inverses
Inverse functions undo x+1
Verify that f (x) = 3x − 1 and g(x) = — are inverse functions.
each other. So, when you 3
evaluate a function for a SOLUTION
specific input, and then
evaluate its inverse using Step 1 Show that f (g(x)) = x. Step 2 Show that g( f (x)) = x.
the output, you obtain the
x+1 g( f(x)) = g(3x − 1)
original input.
( )
f (g(x)) = f —
3
3x − 1 + 1
x+1 =—
= 3(
3 )
— −1 3
3x
=—
=x+1−1 3

=x ✓ =x ✓
Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

Determine whether the functions are inverse functions.

3—
10. f(x) = x + 5, g(x) = x − 5 11. f(x) = 8x3, g(x) = √ 2x

Solving Real-Life Problems

In many real-life problems, formulas contain meaningful variables, such as the radius r
in the formula for the surface area S of a sphere, S = 4πr2. In this situation, switching
the variables to find the inverse would create confusion by switching the meanings of S
and r. So, when finding the inverse, solve for r without switching the variables.

Solving a Multi-Step Problem

Find the inverse of the function that represents the surface area of a sphere, S = 4πr2.
Then find the radius of a sphere that has a surface area of 100π square feet.

SOLUTION
Step 1 Find the inverse of the function. Step 2 Evaluate the inverse when
S = 100π.
S = 4πr2

√
—
S 100π
— = r2 r= —
4π 4π

√4Sπ = r
—
The radius r must be positive, so —
— = √25 = 5
disregard the negative square root.

The radius of the sphere is 5 feet.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

12. The distance d (in meters) that a dropped object falls in t seconds on Earth is
represented by d = 4.9t 2. Find the inverse of the function. How long does it take
an object to fall 50 meters?

236 Chapter 4 Rational Exponents and Radical Functions

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 4.6 Exercises Dynamic Solutions available at BigIdeasMath.com

Vocabulary and Core Concept Check

1. VOCABULARY In your own words, state the definition of inverse functions.

2. WRITING Explain how to determine whether the inverse of a function is also a function.

3. COMPLETE THE SENTENCE Functions f and g are inverses of each other provided that f(g(x)) = ____ and
g( f(x)) = ____.

4. DIFFERENT WORDS, SAME QUESTION Which is different? Find “both” answers.

Let f(x) = 5x − 2. Solve y = f(x) for x and then Write an equation that represents a reflection of
switch the roles of x and y. the graph of f(x) = 5x − 2 in the x-axis.

Write an equation that represents a reflection of

the graph of f(x) = 5x − 2 in the line y = x. Find the inverse of f (x) = 5x − 2.

Monitoring Progress and Modeling with Mathematics

In Exercises 5–12, solve y = f(x) for x. Then find the 22. REASONING Determine whether each pair of
input(s) when the output is −3. (See Example 1.) functions f and g are inverses. Explain your reasoning.

5. f(x) = 3x + 5 6. f(x) = −7x − 2 a.

x −2 −1 0 1 2
1
7. f(x) = —2 x − 3
2
8. f(x) = −—3 x + 1 f(x) −2 1 4 7 10

9. f(x) = 3x3 10. f(x) = 2x 4 − 5

x −2 1 4 7 10
11. f(x) = (x − 2)2 − 7 g(x) −2 −1 0 1 2

12. f(x) = (x − 5)3 − 1 b.

x 2 3 4 5 6
In Exercises 13–20, find the inverse of the function. Then f(x) 8 6 4 2 0
graph the function and its inverse. (See Example 2.)
13. f(x) = 6x 14. f(x) = −3x x 2 3 4 5 6
15. f(x) = −2x + 5 16. f(x) = 6x − 3 g(x) −8 −6 −4 −2 0
1 1
17. f(x) = −—2 x + 4 18. f(x) = —3 x − 1 c.
x −4 −2 0 2 4
2 1 4 1
19. f(x) = —3 x − —3 20. f(x) = −—5 x + —5 f(x) 2 10 18 26 34
21. COMPARING METHODS Find the inverse of the
function f(x) = −3x + 4 by switching the roles of x x −4 −2 0 2 4
and y and solving for y. Then find the inverse of the
1 1 1 1 1
function f by using inverse operations in the reverse g(x) —2 —
10
—
18
—
26
—
34
order. Which method do you prefer? Explain.

Section 4.6 Inverse of a Function 237

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 In Exercises 23–28, find the inverse of the function. Then 3—
39. f(x) = 2√ x − 5 40. f(x) = 2x2 − 5
graph the function and its inverse. (See Example 3.)
23. f(x) = 4x2, x ≤ 0 24. f(x) = 9x2, x ≤ 0 41. f(x) = x4 + 2 42. f(x) = 2x3 − 5

√2x 3+ 4
—
3—
25. f(x) = (x − 3)3 26. f(x) = (x + 4)3 43. f(x) = 3√ x + 1 44. f(x) = − 3 —

27. f(x) = 2x4, x ≥ 0 28. f(x) = −x6, x ≥ 0

f(x) = −3√
—
1 4x − 7
45. f(x) = — x5 46. —
ERROR ANALYSIS In Exercises 29 and 30, describe and 2 3
correct the error in finding the inverse of the function.
47. WRITING EQUATIONS What is the inverse of the

✗
29. function whose graph is shown?
f(x) = −x + 3
3
y = −x + 3 A g(x) = —2 x − 6
○ y

−x = y + 3 3
B g(x) = —2 x + 6
○ 2 4 6 x
−x − 3 = y
−2
2
C g(x) = —3 x − 6
○

✗
30.
f(x) = —17 x 2, x ≥ 0 2
D g(x) = —3 x + 12
○
y = —17 x 2
x = —17 y 2 48. WRITING EQUATIONS What is the inverse of
1
f(x) = −— 3
64 x ?
7x = y 2
— 3—
± √7x = y A g(x) = −4x3
○ B g(x) = 4√
○ x
3— 3—
C g(x) = −4√
○ x D g(x) = √−4x
○
USING TOOLS In Exercises 31–34, use the graph to In Exercises 49–52, determine whether the functions are
determine whether the inverse of f is a function. Explain inverse functions. (See Example 6.)
your reasoning.
x
31. 10 32. 10
49. f(x) = 2x − 9, g(x) = — + 9
2
f x−3
f 50. f(x) = —, g(x) = 4x + 3
4
−5

√x +5 9 , g(x) = 5x − 9
8 —

51. f(x) = 5
— 5
−5 5
−1 −8
x+4
f(x) = 7x − 4, g(x) = (
7 )
3/2
52. 3/2 —
33. 6 34. 6

f f 53. MODELING WITH MATHEMATICS The maximum hull

−5 5 −5 5 speed v (in knots) of a boat with a displacement hull
—
can be approximated by v = 1.34√ℓ, whereℓ is the
waterline length (in feet) of the boat. Find the inverse
function. What waterline length is needed to achieve a
−10 −8
maximum speed of 7.5 knots? (See Example 7.)

In Exercises 35–46, determine whether the inverse

of f is a function. Then find the inverse.
(See Examples 4 and 5.)
35. f(x) = x3 − 1 36. f(x) = −x3 + 3 Waterline length
— —
37. f(x) = √ x + 4 38. f(x) = √ x − 6

238 Chapter 4 Rational Exponents and Radical Functions

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 54. MODELING WITH MATHEMATICS Elastic bands 59. REASONING You and a friend are playing a number-
can be used for exercising to provide a range of guessing game. You ask your friend to think of a
resistance. The resistance R (in pounds) of a band positive number, square the number, multiply the
can be modeled by R = —38 L − 5, where L is the total result by 2, and then add 3. Your friend’s final answer
length (in inches) of the stretched band. Find the is 53. What was the original number chosen? Justify
inverse function. What length of the stretched band your answer.
provides 19 pounds of resistance?
60. MAKING AN ARGUMENT Your friend claims that
unstretched every quadratic function whose domain is restricted
to nonnegative values has an inverse function. Is your
friend correct? Explain your reasoning.

61. PROBLEM SOLVING When calibrating a spring scale,

you need to know how far the spring stretches for
stretched various weights. Hooke’s Law states that the length a
spring stretches is proportional
to the weight attached spring with
to it. A model for one unweighted weight
ANALYZING RELATIONSHIPS In Exercises 55–58, match scale isℓ = 0.5w + 3, spring attached
the graph of the function with the graph of its inverse. whereℓ is the total
length (in inches) of the
55. 56. 3
stretched spring and w
y y 0.5w
is the weight (in pounds)
2 2 of the object.
a. Find the inverse
−4 −2 2 4x −4 2 4x
function. Describe
−2 −2 what it represents. Not drawn to scale

b. You place a melon on the scale, and the spring

57. 58. stretches to a total length of 5.5 inches. Determine
y y the weight of the melon.
2 c. Verify that the functionℓ = 0.5w + 3 and the
inverse model in part (a) are inverse functions.
−4 −2 2 4x −4 −2 2 4x
−2 −2 62. THOUGHT PROVOKING Do functions of the form
y = x m/n, where m and n are positive integers, have
inverse functions? Justify your answer with examples.
A. B.
y y 63. PROBLEM SOLVING At the start of a dog sled race
2 2
in Anchorage, Alaska, the temperature was 5°C. By
the end of the race, the
temperature was −10°C.
−4 −2 4x −2 2 4x
The formula for converting
−2 −2 temperatures from degrees
Fahrenheit F to degrees
Celsius C is C = —59 (F − 32).
C. D.
y y a. Find the inverse function.
Describe what it represents.
2 2
x b. Find the Fahrenheit temperatures at the start and
−4 −2 2 −4 −2 2 4x end of the race.
−2 c. Use a graphing calculator to graph the original
function and its inverse. Find the temperature that
is the same on both temperature scales.

Section 4.6 Inverse of a Function 239

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 64. PROBLEM SOLVING The surface area A (in square 69. DRAWING CONCLUSIONS Determine whether the
meters) of a person with a mass of 60 kilograms can statement is true or false. Explain your reasoning.
be approximated by A = 0.2195h 0.3964, where h is the
a. If f(x) = x n and n is a positive even integer, then
height (in centimeters) of the person.
the inverse of f is a function.
a. Find the inverse function. Then estimate the height
b. If f(x) = x n and n is a positive odd integer, then
of a 60-kilogram person who has a body surface
the inverse of f is a function.
area of 1.6 square meters.
b. Verify that function A and the inverse model in
part (a) are inverse functions. 70. HOW DO YOU SEE IT? The graph of the function f
is shown. Name three points that lie on the graph of
USING STRUCTURE In Exercises 65–68, match the the inverse of f. Explain your reasoning.
function with the graph of its inverse. y
4
3—
65. f(x) = √ x − 4
2
3— f
66. f(x) = √ x + 4
−4 −2 4x
—
67. f(x) = √ x + 1 − 3 −2
—
68. f(x) = √ x − 1 + 3

A. y B. y

71. ABSTRACT REASONING Show that the inverse of any

linear function f (x) = mx + b, where m ≠ 0, is also
2 a linear function. Identify the slope and y-intercept of
−8 4x
the graph of the inverse function in terms of m and b.
−4
2 x
72. CRITICAL THINKING Consider the function f(x) = −x.

C. y D. y a. Graph f(x) = −x and explain why it is its own

inverse. Also, verify that f(x) = −x is its own
4
−2 2 x inverse algebraically.
−2 b. Graph other linear functions that are their own
−4 4 8x
inverses. Write equations of the lines you graphed.
−4
c. Use your results from part (b) to write a general
equation describing the family of linear functions
that are their own inverses.

Maintaining Mathematical Proficiency Reviewing what you learned in previous grades and lessons

Simplify the expression. Write your answer using only positive exponents. (Skills Review Handbook)
4
73. (−3)−3 74. 23 ⋅2 2 75. —3
45
4
76. ( 23 )
—

Describe the x-values for which the function is increasing, decreasing, positive,
and negative. (Section 3.1)
77. y 78. y 79. y
3
4

−2 4x −3 −1 1 3x 4 x
−2 1 3 4 −4
y= x − x
y = 2x2 − 4x −3 3 3

1 25
y = −16 x3 + 16
x

240 Chapter 4 Rational Exponents and Radical Functions

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