LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

General Mathematics, Quarter 1, Week 4

One-to-One and Inverse Functions

Objectives
Objectives:

After going through this LAS, you are expected to:

1. represent real-life situations using one-to-one functions;
2. determine the inverse of a one-to-one function;
3. represent an inverse function through its: (a) table of values, and (b) graph;
4. find the domain and range of an inverse function; and
5. solve problems involving inverse functions.

Lesson

One-to-One and Inverse Functions

Definition of One-to-One Function

A function is a one-to-one if no two different elements in domain have the same element in
range.

In the Venn diagram below, function f is one-to-one since no two inputs have a common
output.

Figure 1. Venn diagram of a one-to-one function

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In the Venn diagram below, function f is NOT one-to-one since inputs -1 and 0 have the
same output.

Figure 2. Venn diagram of a function that is not one-to-one

Real life situations that show a one-to-one function:

• One person has one passport, and every passport can only be used by one person.
• One person has one ID number, and ID number is unique to every person.

Inverse Function
Not all functions have inverse functions. The graph of inverse functions are reflections over
the line y = x. This means that each x-value must be matched to one and only one y-value.
Functions that meet this criterion are called one-to-one function.

Horizontal Line Test

A function f is one-to-one and has an inverse function if and only no horizontal line intersects
the graph of 𝑓 at more than one point.

a. Graph of f(x) = 2x3 – 1

Thus, One-to-One Function has an Inverse Function

b. Graph of x -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
y 5 0 -3 -4 -3 0 5

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The graph above is not one-to-one and does not have an inverse function.

Determining the Inverse Function of One-to-One Function

Given the function 𝑓(𝑥), let us find the inverse function 𝑓 −1 (𝑥).

1. First, replace 𝑓(𝑥) with 𝑦 . This is done to make the rest of the process easier.
2. Replace every 𝑥 with 𝑦 and replace every 𝑦 with an 𝑥.
3. Solve the equation from Step 2 for new 𝑦. This step is where mistakes are most often
made, so be careful.
4. Replace new 𝑦 with 𝑓 −1 (𝑥). In other words, we have managed to find the inverse
function at this point!
5. Verify your work by checking that

(𝑓 ∘ 𝑓 −1 ) (𝑥) = 𝑥
and
−1)
(𝑓 ∘ 𝑓) (𝑥) = 𝑥
are both true. This work can sometimes be messy, making it easy to make mistakes. So,
again be careful.

Example:

Given: 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 2 find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥).

1. First, replace 𝑓(𝑥) with 𝑦 .

𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 2

2. Replace every 𝑥 with 𝑦 and replace every 𝑦 with an 𝑥.

𝑥 = 3𝑦 − 2

3. Solve the equation from Step 2 for new 𝑦.

𝑥 + 2 = 3𝑦

1
(𝑥 + 2) = 𝑦
3

𝑥 2
+ =𝑦
3 3

4. Replace new 𝑦 with 𝑓 −1 (𝑥).

𝑥 2
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = +
3 3

5. Verify your work by checking

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 (𝑓 ∘ 𝑓 −1 ) (𝑥) = 𝑓[𝑓 −1 (𝑥)] (𝑓 −1) ∘ 𝑓) (𝑥) = 𝑓 −1 (𝑓) (𝑥))

𝑥 2
= 𝑓[3 + 3 ] = 𝑓 −1 (3𝑥 − 2)

𝑥 2 3𝑥−2 2
= 3 (3 + 3) − 2 = +3
3

3𝑥−2+2
=𝑥+2−2 = 3

=𝑥 = 𝑥

Domain and Range of Inverse Function

Here are the ways on how to find the Domain of the Function (the Range of the Inverse
Function) and the Range of the Function (Domain of the Inverse Function).

A. When a function is defined by a fraction, the denominator of that fraction cannot be

equal to zero.
Example:

List the domain and range of the following function. Then find the inverse function and list its
domain and range.

1
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥+2

The denominator of fraction can never be equal to zero, so in this case 𝑥 + 2 ≠ 0. That
means 𝑥 ≠ −2. Hence, the domain is all real numbers except -2.

Domain of 𝑓: (−∞,- 2) U (-2, ∞)

Since the domain of a function and the range of its inverse are the same, therefore,

Range of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥): (−∞,- 2) U (-2, ∞)

To find the range of a function (or the domain of its inverse), find the inverse of the
function, and then find the domain of the inverse. Use this method when the original
function is rational (defined by a fraction) or quadratic.
1
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥+2
1
𝑦=
𝑥+2
1
𝑥=
𝑦+2

𝑥(𝑦 + 2) = 1

𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑥 = 1

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 𝑥𝑦 = 1 − 2𝑥

1 − 2𝑥
𝑦=
𝑥

1 − 2𝑥
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) =
𝑥
In this case 𝑥 ≠ 0, which means that the domain of 𝑓 −1 is all real numbers except 0.

Domain of 𝑓 −1 : (−∞, 𝟎) ∪ (𝟎, ∞)

Range of 𝒇: (−∞, 𝟎) ∪ (𝟎, ∞)

B. When a function is defined by a square root, the radicand of that square root cannot
be negative.
Example:

List the domain and range of the following function. Then find the inverse function and list its
domain and range.

𝑓(x)= √𝑥 − 2

This function is defined by a square root, so the radicand must be non-negative.

𝑥−2≥0

𝑥≥2

Domain of 𝒇: [𝟐, ∞)

Range of 𝑓 −1 : [𝟐, ∞)

Inverse Function

y= √𝑥 − 2

x= √𝑦 − 2

𝑥 2 = (√𝑦 − 2)2

𝑥 2= 𝑦 − 2

𝑥 2 + 2= 𝑦

𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2

To find the range of a function (or the domain of its inverse), use an input/output. Use
this method only when the original function is defined by a square root.

Remember that one-to-one functions and their inverses never change direction, they are
either always increasing or always decreasing. Therefore, using an input/output table is a
good option because once you determine whether the outputs are increasing or decreasing,
they will always continue to move in that direction.

The domain of the Inputs Outputs The outputs for the

function 𝑓 is [2, ∞). x 𝒇(x)= √𝒙 − 𝟐 function 𝑓 start at 0 (𝑓 (25)

5 SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS4of10
 That is why it started 2 𝒇(𝟐) = √𝟐 − 𝟐 = √𝟎= 0 = 0) and proceeded to
at 𝑥 = 2 and 3 𝒇(𝟑) = √𝟑 − 𝟐 = √𝟏= 1 increase from there. That
proceeded to plug in means that the range of 𝑓
4 𝒇(𝟒) = √𝟒 − 𝟐 = √𝟐
larger 𝑥-values from is [0, ∞). This makes
5 𝒇(𝟓) = √𝟓 − 𝟐 = √𝟑
there. Since 𝑓 is sense because a square
defined by a square 6 𝒇(𝟔) = √𝟔 − 𝟐 = √𝟒= 2 root should produce only
root, some inputs do 11 𝒇(𝟏𝟏) = √𝟏𝟏 − 𝟐 = √𝟗= 3 non-negative outputs.
not produce good 18 𝒇(𝟏𝟖) = √𝟏𝟖 − 𝟐 = √𝟏𝟔= 4
outputs.
27 𝒇(𝟐𝟕) = √𝟐𝟕 − 𝟐 = √𝟐𝟓= 5

𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2

Domain of 𝑓 −1 : [0, ∞)

Range of 𝒇: [0, ∞)

Inverse function through its Table of Values and Graph

a. Table of Values
Since the inverse of a function is obtained by exchanging the input and output values of a
one-to-one function, the inverse of a function is represented by the table of values where the
value of x is replaced by the values of y and vice versa.

Example:

One-to-one Function
𝑓(x)= √𝑥 − 2
x 2 3 4 5 6 11 18 27
y 0 1 √2 √3 2 3 4 5

Inverse Function
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2
x 0 1 √2 √3 2 3 4 5
y 2 3 4 5 6 11 18 27

b. Graph
Inverse functions have graphs that are reflections over the line y = x and have reversed
ordered pairs.

Example

Graph 𝑓(x) = √𝑥 − 2 and 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2

6 SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS4of10
 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2

𝑓(x)= √𝑥 − 2

Solving Problems Involving Inverse Function

We can view a function as something that maps things of one type to things of another type.
The inverse of a function tells you how to get back to the original value. We do this a lot in
everyday life, even if we do not notice it.

Example:

A painter charges a flat fee of PhP 2500.00 plus PhP 250.00 per hour for his services.

a. Express a function that models the situation.

b. Find the amount of money earned in 8 hours of work.
c. Express the inverse, 𝑓 −1 (𝑥), of the original function.
d. Use the inverse to determine how many hours did the painter spend to earn PhP
4500.00.

Solution:

a. Express a function that models the situation.

𝑓(x)= 250𝑥 + 2500

b. Find the amount of money earned in 8 hours of work.

𝑓(8)= 250(8) + 2500

= 2000 + 2500

= 4500.00𝑃𝐻𝑃

c. Express the inverse, 𝑓 −1 (𝑥), of the original function.

𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 250𝑥 + 2500

𝑦 = 250𝑥 + 2500

𝑥 = 250𝑦 + 2500

𝑥 − 2500 = 250𝑦

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 𝑥 − 2500 250𝑦
=
250 250
𝑥 − 2500
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) =
250
d. Use the inverse to determine how many hours were spent by the painter to earn
4500.00PHP.
𝑥 − 2500
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) =
250
4500 − 2500
𝑓 −1 (4500) =
250
2000
=
250
=8

Thus, the painter worked for 8 hours to earn PhP 4500.00.

8 SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS4of10
 Learning Activities

General Directions: Work on Activities 1-4 that follow. Do them on separate sheets of
paper.

Activity 1. Know me!

Directions: Determine whether the following is a One-to-One Function or not.
1. Learner’s Reference Number (LRN)
2. Bank account number
3. {(2,3), (3,5), (2, -1), (1,8)}
4. Branches of Science
5. {(5,3), (3,5), (2, -1), (1,8)}

Activity 2. One and Only

Directions: Do the following tasks for each function.
a. Find the Inverse Function.
b. Determine the Domain and Range of the original and Inverse Function.
c. Show the Table of Values.
d. Show the Graph.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2
𝑥+2
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 − √
5
2
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = −
1−𝑥

Activity 3. How far?

Directions: Read the word problem and answer what is asked.
1. Suppose you are renting a reception hall for PhP 3000.00 and has an additional fee
of PhP 50.00 per guest.
a. Express a function that models the situation.
b. How much will you spend if you have 40 guests on your birthday?
c. Express the inverse, 𝑓 −1 (𝑥), of the original function.

9 SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS4of10
 Reflection

Directions: Complete the 3-2-1 Chart about your discoveries on One-to-One and Inverse
Functions. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

10 SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS4of10
 Learning Activities
SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS4of10 11
Activity 1
1. One- to One Function 3. Not a One- to One Function 5. One- to One Functio
2. One- to One Function 4. Not a One- to One Function
Activity 2
1.
a. 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 − 2
b. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2
𝐷: ℝ (all real numbers), 𝑅: ℝ (all real numbers)
X -3 -2 0 1 2
y -5 -4 -2 -1 0
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 − 2
𝐷: ℝ (all real numbers), 𝑅: ℝ (all real numbers)
x -5 -4 -2 -1 0
y -3 -2 0 1 2
2.
a. 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 5(𝑥 − 3)2 − 2
𝑥+2
b. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 − √ 5
𝐷: [2, ∞), 𝑅: (−∞, 3]
x -3 -2 0 1 2
y 3 2.5527864 2.3675445 2.2254033 2.1055728
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 5(𝑥 − 3)2 + 2
𝐷: (−∞, ∞), 𝑅: [2, ∞)
x 3 2.5527864 2.3675445 2.2254033 2.1055728
y -2 -2 0 1 2
3.
𝑥+2
a. 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑥
2
b. 𝑓(𝑥) = − 1−𝑥
𝐷: (-∞,1) U (1, ∞) 𝑅: (−∞, 0), U (0, ∞)
x -2 -1 0 1 2 3
y -0.66666667 -1 -2 undefined 2 1
𝑥+2
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) =
𝑥
D: (−∞, 0), U (0, ∞) R: (-∞,1) U (1, ∞)
x -0.66666667 -1 -2 undefined 2 3
y -2 -1 0 1 2 2
Activity 3
𝑥−3000
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3000 + 50𝑥 b. 5000PHP c. 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 50
Reflection
Learner’s answers may Vary
Answer Key
 References

Online:

[email protected]. “One-To-One Functions.” One-To-One Functions. Accessed August 11, 2021.

https://www.analyzemath.com/OneToOneFunct/OneToOneFunct.html.

Calculus i - inverse functions. Accessed August 11, 2021.

https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/classes/calci/inversefunctions.aspx.

“Graphing Calculator.” Desmos. Accessed August 11, 2021. https://www.desmos.com/calculator.

“Horizontal Line Test.” Mathwords. Accessed August 11, 2021.

https://www.mathwords.com/h/horizontal_line_test.htm.

“Inverse Functions: One to One.” Math. Accessed August 11, 2021.

https://www.softschools.com/math/pre_calculus/inverse_functions_one_to_one/.

“Math.” enotes.com. enotes.com. Accessed August 11, 2021. https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/give-a-

practical-example-of-the-use-of-inverse-
271510#:~:text=The%20inverse%20of%20a%20function,think%20of%20a%20sports%20team.&text=So
%20if%20you%20knew%20a,from%20players%20to%20their%20numbers.

General Mathematics – Grade 11

Learning Activities Sheets (LAS)
Quarter 1 – LAS 4: One-to-One and Inverse Functions
Second Edition, 2022

Published by the Department of Education, Caraga Region

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SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS4of10