Calculus 1 (Math 105)

1.4 Inverse Functions

Page 1 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Outline:

Chapter 5: Inverse Functions, Exponential, and Logarithmic

Functions
5.1 Inverse Functions

5.1.1 One-To-One Function

5.1.2 Inverse Functions

5.1.3 Finding an Inverse Function

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5.1.1 One-To-One Function
➢ Recall that a function is a relation in which no two ordered pairs
that have the same first coordinate have different second
coordinates.

Definition 1: One-to-One Function

A function is one-to-one if no two ordered pairs in the function have the

same second component and different first components.

Example 1

Determine whether the following functions are one-to-one.

(a)

(b) {(−2,6), (−1,3), (0,2), (1,5), (2,8)}

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Solution

(a)

The function is not one-to-one because there are two different inputs,

55 and 61, that correspond to the same output, 38.

(b)

The function is one-to-one because no two different inputs correspond

to the same output.

Definition 2: Horizontal Line Test for a One-To-One Function

If every horizontal line intersects the graph of a function at most once,

then the graph is the graph of a one-to-one function.

Left Graph: Some horizontal lines intersect this graph at more than one

point. This is NOT a graph of a one-to-one function.

Right Graph: Every horizontal line intersects this graph at most once.

This is the graph of a one-to-one function.

Page 4 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Definition 3: One-to-One (Injection)

A function 𝑓: 𝐷 → 𝑅 is said to be one-to-one if

𝑓(𝑥1 ) = 𝑓(𝑥2 ) ⇒ 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 (1)
for all elements 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ∈ 𝐷.
Equivalently,
A function 𝑓: 𝐷 → 𝑅 is said to be one-to-one if
𝑥1 ≠ 𝑥2 ⇒ 𝑓(𝑥1 ) ≠ 𝑓(𝑥2 ) (2)
for all elements 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ∈ 𝐷.

Note that:

• A one-to-one function is also called an injection, and we call a function

injective if it is one-to-one.

• A function that is not one-to one is referred to as many-to-one.

• Let A function 𝑓: 𝐷 → 𝑅.

There exists 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑥2 in 𝐷 such that 𝑓(𝑥1 ) = 𝑓(𝑥2 ).

Then 𝑓 is not one-to-one.

Page 5 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

To prove a function is One-to-One

To prove 𝑓: 𝐷 → 𝑅 is one-to-one:

• Assume 𝑓(𝑥1 ) = 𝑓(𝑥2 )

• Show it must be true that 𝑥1 = 𝑥2

Example 2

Prove the function 𝑓: ℝ → ℝ defined by 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 2 is one-to-one.

Solution

Let 𝑓 (𝑥1 ) = 𝑓(𝑥2 )

⇒ 3𝑥1 + 2 = 3𝑥2 + 2.

⇒ 3𝑥1 = 3𝑥2

⇒ 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 .

We have shown if 𝑓 (𝑥1 ) = 𝑓(𝑥2 ) then 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 .

Therefore 𝑓 is one-to-one, by definition of one-to-one.

Checkpoint 1

Prove the function 𝑔: ℝ → ℝ defined by 𝑔(𝑥) = 5 − 7𝑥 is one-to-one.

Solution

Page 6 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Definition 4: Increasing and Decreasing Functions

• A function that is increasing on an interval 𝐼 is a one-to-one function

on 𝐼.
• A function that is decreasing on an interval 𝐼 is a one-to-one
function on 𝐼.

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 5.1.2 Inverse Functions
• Let 𝑓 be a one-to-one function with domain 𝐷 and range 𝑅.
• Thus, for each number 𝑦 in 𝑅, there is exactly one number 𝑥 in 𝐷
such that

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥),

as illustrated by the arrow in the Figure below.

• We may, therefore, define a function 𝑔 from 𝑅 to 𝐷 by means of the

following rule:

𝑥 = 𝑔(𝑦)

• As in the Figure below, 𝑔 reverses the correspondence given by 𝑓.

We call 𝑔 the inverse function of 𝑓, as in the next definition.

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Definition 5: Definition of an Inverse Function

If the ordered pairs of a function 𝑔 are the ordered pairs of a function 𝑓

with the order of the coordinates reversed, then 𝑔 is the inverse function
of 𝑓.
For example,

If an ordered pair (𝑎, 𝑏) is in 𝑓, then (𝑏, 𝑎) is in 𝑔.

Example 3

Find the inverse of the following one-to-one function:

{(−3, −27), (−2, −8), (−1, −1), (0,0), (1,1), (2,8), (3,27)}

State the domain and the range of the function and its inverse.

Solution

The inverse of the given function is found by interchanging the entries in

each ordered pair and so is given by

{(−27, −3), (−8, −2), (−1, −1), (0,0), (1,1), (8,2), (27,3)}

The domain of the function is {−3, −2, −1,0,1,2,3}.

The range of the function is {−27, −8, −1,0,1,8,27}.

The domain of the inverse function is {−27, −8, −1,0,1,8,27}.

The range of the inverse function is {−3, −2, −1,0,1,2,3}.

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Definition 6: Condition for an Inverse Function

Let 𝑓: 𝐷 → 𝑅 be a function with domain 𝐷 and range 𝑅. A function 𝑓 has

an inverse function, denoted 𝑓 −1 , if and only if 𝑓 is a one-to-one
function.

Definition 7: Alternative Condition for an Inverse Function

Let 𝑓: 𝐷 → 𝑅 be a function with domain 𝐷 and range 𝑅. If 𝑓 is an

increasing function or a decreasing function on it’s domain, then 𝑓 has
an inverse function.

• If 𝑓 is NOT one-to-one, then 𝑓 have NOT an inverse and 𝑓 −1

does not exist.

Example 4

Which of the functions graphed below has an inverse function

• If 𝑓 is a one-to-one function, then

Page 10 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Definition 8: Graphs of 𝒇 and 𝒇−𝟏

• There is a relationship between the graph of a one-to-one

function, 𝑓, and its inverse, 𝑓 −1 .
• Because inverse functions have ordered pairs with the
coordinates interchanged, if the point (𝑎, 𝑏) is on the graph of 𝑓,
then the point (𝑏, 𝑎) is on the graph of 𝑓 −1 . The points (𝑎, 𝑏) and
(𝑏, 𝑎) are symmetric with respect to the line 𝑦 = 𝑥.
• Thus, the graph of 𝑓 −1 is a reflection of the graph of 𝑓 about the
line 𝑦 = 𝑥. This is illustrated in the Figure below.

Page 11 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Example 5

Sketch the graph of 𝑓 −1 given that 𝑓 is the function shown in the Figure
below.

Solution

Because the graph of 𝑓 passes through (−1,0.5), (0,1), (1,2), and (2,4),

the graph of 𝑓 −1 must pass through (0.5, −1), (1,0), (2,1), and (4,2). Plot

the points and then draw a smooth curve through the points, as shown in

the Figure below.

Page 12 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Checkpoint 2

If 𝑓 is a one-to-one function and 𝑓(4) = 5, what is 𝑓 −1 (5) ?

Example 6

Does the function 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 3 + 5 have an inverse?

Solution

Note that 𝑓: ℝ → ℝ (Domain = ℝ , Range = ℝ).

𝑓 has an inverse iff 𝑓 is one-to-one. So, we need to prove that

𝑓(𝑥1 ) = 𝑓(𝑥2 ) ⇒ 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 , where 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 in domain of 𝑓.

Let 𝑓 (𝑥1 ) = 𝑓(𝑥2 )

⇒ 𝑥13 + 5 = 𝑥23 + 5

⇒ 𝑥13 = 𝑥23

𝑥1 = 𝑥2

⇒ 𝑓 is one-to-one.

Therefore, 𝑓 has an inverse.

We see later, how to find this function.

Page 13 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Composition of a Function and Its Inverse

Definition 9: Composition of Inverse Functions Property

Let 𝑓 be a one-to-one function. Then g is the inverse function of 𝑓 if

and only if

• (𝑓 ∘ g)(𝑥) = 𝑓[g(𝑥)] = 𝑥 for all 𝑥 in the domain of g ,

and

• (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥) = g[𝑓(𝑥)] = 𝑥 for all 𝑥 in the domain of 𝑓.

Therefore 𝑔 = 𝑓 −1 .

CAUTION:

• Be careful not to confuse inverse notation and reciprocal

notation. For numbers, a superscript of −1 means reciprocal:
1
2−1 = .
2

• For functions, a superscript of −1 means inverse: 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) is the

1
inverse of 𝑓(𝑥), which is not the same as .
𝑓(𝑥)

Page 14 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Example 7

Use composition of functions to show that

1
g(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 6 is the inverse function of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2.
3

Solution

We must show that 𝑓[𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑥 and 𝑔[𝑓(𝑥)] = 𝑥.

1
𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 + 2 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 6
3

1
* 𝑓[𝑔(𝑥 )] = [3𝑥 − 6] + 2
3

𝑓[𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑥 for all 𝑥 in the domain of 𝑔.

1
*𝑔[𝑓 (𝑥 )] = 3 [ 𝑥 + 2] − 6
3

𝑔[𝑓(𝑥)] = 𝑥 for all 𝑥 in the domain of 𝑓.

⇒ 𝑔 is the inverse 𝑓 and 𝑔 = 𝑓 −1 .

Checkpoint 3

Use composition of functions to determine whether 𝑓 and 𝑔 are inverses

of one another.
1 1 3
(a) 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥; 𝑔(𝑥) = (b) 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 − ; 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 3
3𝑥 2 2

Solution

Page 15 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 5.1.3 Finding an Inverse Function
If a one-to-one function 𝑓 is defined by an equation, then we can use the
following method to find the equation for 𝑓 −1 .

Steps for Finding the Inverse of a Function

To find the equation of the inverse 𝑓 −1 of the one-to-one function 𝑓,

follow these steps.

• Substitute 𝑦 for 𝑓(𝑥).

• Interchange 𝑥 and 𝑦.
• Solve, if possible, for 𝑦 in terms of 𝑥.
• Substitute 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) for 𝑦.

Example 8

Find the inverse of 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 8.

Solution

𝑓(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 + 8

𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 8 (Replace 𝑓(𝑥 ) with 𝑦.)

𝑥 = 3𝑦 + 8 Interchange 𝑥 and 𝑦.

Page 16 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

3𝑦 + 8 = 𝑥

3𝑦 = 𝑥 − 8 Solve for 𝑦

𝑥−8
𝑦=
3
𝑥−8 𝑥 8
𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = = − Replace 𝑦 with 𝑓 −1 .
3 3 3

1 8
The inverse function is given by 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 − .
3 3

Checkpoint 4

Find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥). State any restrictions on the domain of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥).

(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 4 (b) 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 8

Solution

Page 17 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 Appendix

Page 18 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

To prove a function is NOT One-to-One

To prove 𝑓: 𝐷 → 𝑅 is NOT one-to-one:

Show that there is a case (a counterexample) 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑥2 and 𝑓(𝑥1 ) =
𝑓 (𝑥2 ), therefore 𝑓 is NOT one-to-one.

Example 9

Prove the function ℎ: ℝ → ℝ given by ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 is NOT one-to-one.

Solution

Let 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑥2 ,

ℎ(𝑥1 ) = 𝑥12 and ℎ(𝑥2 ) = 𝑥22 .

If we choose 𝑥1 = 1 and 𝑥2 = −1, we have ℎ(1) = ℎ(−1).

therefore ℎ is NOT one-to-one.

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Checkpoint 5

(a) Prove the function 𝑘: ℝ → ℝ defined by 𝑘 (𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 2 − 5 is NOT one-to-

one.

(b) Prove the function 𝑘: ℝ → ℝ defined by 𝑓(𝑥) = √4 − 𝑥 2 is NOT one-to-

one.
(c) Prove the function ℎ: ℝ → ℝ defined by ℎ(𝑥 ) = 3 is NOT one-to-one.

Solution

Page 20 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Example 10

2𝑥+1
Find the inverse of 𝑓(𝑥) = , 𝑥 ≠ 0.
𝑥

Solution

2𝑥 + 1
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥
2𝑥+1
𝑦= (Replace 𝑓(𝑥 ) with 𝑦.)
𝑥

2𝑦+1
𝑥= Interchange 𝑥 and 𝑦.
𝑦

𝑥𝑦 = 2𝑦 + 1 Solve for 𝑦.

𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑦 = 1

𝑦(𝑥 − 2) = 1

1
𝑦=
𝑥−2
1
𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = , 𝑥≠2 Replace 𝑦 with 𝑓 −1 .
𝑥−2

Checkpoint 6

Find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥). State any restrictions on the domain of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥).

𝑥 𝑥−1
(a)𝑓(𝑥) = , 𝑥≠2 (b) 𝑓(𝑥) = , 𝑥 ≠ −1
𝑥−2 𝑥+1

Solution

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Example 11

Does each function have an inverse. If so, find it.

(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1 (b) 𝑓(𝑥 ) = √𝑥 − 2 , 𝑥 ≥ 2

Solution

(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1,

𝑦 = 𝑥2 + 1 (Replace 𝑓(𝑥 ) with 𝑦.)

𝑥 = 𝑦2 + 1 Interchange 𝑥 and 𝑦.

𝑦2 = 𝑥 − 1 Solve for 𝑦

𝑦 = ±√𝑥 − 1, 𝑥 ≥ 1

We can see from the last equation that there are two 𝑦-values correspond

the same value of 𝑥.

Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1 is not one-to-one and does not have an inverse

function.

(b) 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 2, 𝑥 ≥ 2

We need to prove that if

𝑓(𝑥1 ) = 𝑓(𝑥2 ) ⇒ 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 ,

where 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 in domain of 𝑓.

Let 𝑓 (𝑥1 ) = 𝑓(𝑥2 )

⇒ √𝑥1 − 2 = √𝑥2 − 2

𝑥1 − 2 = 𝑥2 − 2

Page 22 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

⇒ 𝑥1 = 𝑥2

⇒ 𝑓 is one-to-one.

Therefore, 𝑓 has an inverse function.

𝑦 = √𝑥 − 2 (Replace 𝑓(𝑥 ) with 𝑦.)

𝑥 = √𝑦 − 2 Interchange 𝑥 and 𝑦.

𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 2, 𝑥 ≥ 0 Solve for 𝑦

Note that,

𝑓: [2, ∞) → [0, ∞) ⇒ 𝑓 −1 : [0, ∞) → [2, ∞)

Checkpoint 7

Find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥). State any restrictions on the domain of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥).

(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1, 𝑥 ≥ 0 (b) 𝑓(𝑥) = √4 − 𝑥, 𝑥 ≤ 4

Solution

Page 23 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Example 12

Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 1.
(a) Show that 𝑓 is one-to-one.
(b) Find the inverse of 𝑓.
(c) Graph 𝑓 and its inverse on the same set of axes.

Solution

(a) The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 1, which is shown in the Figure below,

passes the horizontal line test. Thus 𝑓 is one-to-one.

(b) To find the inverse, we proceed as follows.

Step 1 Start with the definition of the given function.

𝑦 = 𝑥3 + 1

Step 2 Interchange the variables 𝑥 and 𝑦.

𝑥 = 𝑦3 + 1
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Step 3 Solve for 𝑦.

𝑥−1 = 𝑦3
3
√𝑥 − 1 =𝑦

Step 4 The expression for the inverse function 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) is now given by 𝑦.

3
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = √𝑥 − 1

Thus, the inverse of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 1 is

3
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = √𝑥 − 1 .

(c) Points on the graph of 𝑓 −1 can be found by interchanging the 𝑥 and 𝑦

coordinates of points on the graph of 𝑓.

We list several points on the graph of 𝑓.

The graphs of 𝑓 and its inverse are shown in the Figure below.

Page 25 of 25 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi