Mathematics (1)

Calculus
Fall 2024
Alexandria National University
Lecture (3)
Inverse Functions
& Inverse Trigonometric Functions

By: Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

Faculty of Engineering
Alexandria University
 Inverse Functions

➢ In this section, we introduce the notion of an inverse function.

➢ Given an output (that is, a value in the range of a given function), we wish to
find the input (the value in the domain) that produces the observed output.

𝑦=𝑓 𝑥

Domain 𝑓 Range 𝑓

𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 𝑥

➢ Note that the action of the inverse function 𝑓 −1 𝑥 undoes the action of the
function 𝑓 𝑥 and vice versa.

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Inverse Functions

Consider the two functions 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 and 𝑔 𝑥 = 3

𝑥
3 3 3
𝑓 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑥 =𝑥
3 3
𝑔 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥3 =𝑥
Since the action of the function 𝑔 𝑥 undoes the action of the function 𝑓 𝑥 and
vice versa, then 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑓 −1 𝑥 .

𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥3 𝑓 −1 𝑥 = 3
𝑥

𝑎 𝑓 𝑎3 𝑓 −1 𝑎

𝑓 −1 𝑥 = 3
𝑥 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥3

3
𝑎 𝑓 −1 𝑎 𝑓 𝑎

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Inverse Functions
Inverse Functions:
Assume that 𝑓 and 𝑔 have domains 𝐴 and 𝐵, respectively, and that 𝑓 𝑔 𝑥 is defined
for all 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵 and 𝑔 𝑓 𝑥 is defined for all 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴.
If
𝑓 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑥 , for all 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵 and
𝑔 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 , for all 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴,
we say that 𝑔 is the inverse of 𝑓 and 𝑓 is the inverse of 𝑔.

∴ 𝑔 = 𝑓 −1 and 𝑓 = 𝑔−1

In the next sections, we will study the following:

How to find the inverse function?

How to find the range of a function using its inverse?

Conditions for the inverse function to exist.

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 To find the inverse function:
(1) Interchange 𝑥 and 𝑦 𝑥↔𝑦
(2) Solve the resulting equation for 𝑦

Examples
Ex 1: Find the inverse function of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 + 2
Solution:

𝑦 = 𝑥3 + 2
𝑥↔𝑦
𝑥 = 𝑦3 + 2
Solve for 𝑦
𝑦3 = 𝑥 − 2

3
∴𝑦= 𝑥−2
3
∴ 𝑓 −1 𝑥 = 𝑥−2

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Finding The Range of a Function Using Its Inverse

Since 𝑥 and 𝑦 are interchanged, then the domain and the range
will be interchanged too.
𝑦=𝑓 𝑥
∴ Domain 𝑓 = Range 𝑓 −1
and
Range 𝑓 = Domain 𝑓 −1 Range 𝑓
Domain 𝑓
Domain 𝑓 −1
Range 𝑓 −1

𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 𝑥

To find the range of 𝒇 𝒙 :

(1) Find the inverse of 𝑓 𝑥
(2) Find the domain of 𝑓 −1 𝑥
(3) Range 𝑓 = Domain 𝑓 −1

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Examples
Ex 2: Find the range of the function:
𝑥−1
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥+1
Solution:
𝑥−1
𝑦= 1+𝑥
𝑥+1 ∴𝑦=
𝑥↔𝑦 1−𝑥
𝑦−1
𝑥= 1+𝑥
𝑦+1 ∴ 𝑓 −1 𝑥 =
1−𝑥
Solve for 𝑦
𝑥𝑦 + 𝑥 = 𝑦 − 1
Domain 𝑓 −1 = ℝ − 1
𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦 = −𝑥 − 1

∴ Range 𝑓 = Domain 𝑓 −1
𝑥−1 𝑦 =− 𝑥+1
=ℝ− 1
𝑥+1
∴𝑦=−
𝑥−1

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Sketching the Inverse Function
Note that:
𝑦
If 𝑎, 𝑏 is a point on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥
and 𝑓 has an inverse, 𝑓 −1, then: 𝑦=𝑥
𝑏, 𝑎
𝑏=𝑓 𝑎
𝑎, 𝑏
𝑓 −1 𝑏 = 𝑓 −1 𝑓 𝑎 =𝑎

𝑥
∴ 𝑏, 𝑎 is a point on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 𝑥 .

Then given the graph of any invertible function, you can draw the graph of its inverse
simply by reflecting the entire graph through the line 𝑦 = 𝑥.

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

Sketching the Inverse Function
Ex: Sketching the graph of 𝑦 = 3
𝑥 from the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 3
𝑦
𝑦 = 𝑥3 𝑦=𝑥

3
𝑦= 𝑥

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Conditions for the Inverse Function to Exist

Does 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒙𝟐 has an inverse on the interval −∞, ∞ ?

A trial to get the inverse:

𝑦 = 𝑥2
𝑥↔𝑦
𝑥 = 𝑦2
Solve for 𝑦
𝑦2 = 𝑥
∴𝑦=± 𝑥 Not a function

∴ The inverse does not exist

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Conditions for the Inverse Function to Exist

One-to-one Functions:
A function 𝑓 is called one-to-one when for every 𝑦 ∈ 𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑓 , there is exactly one
𝑥 ∈ 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑓 for which 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 .

➢ Graphically, a function is one-to-one if and only if every horizontal line intersects its
graph in at most one point. This is usually referred to as the horizontal line test.
𝑦 𝑦 𝑦

𝑥 𝑥 𝑥

One-to-many Many-to-one One-to-one

relation function function
Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf
 Conditions for the Inverse Function to Exist

Theorem:
A function 𝑓 has an inverse if and only if it is one-to-one.

Ex: 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 𝑦
Relation

Vertical line
test is satisfied

Function
Horizontal line 𝑥
test is satisfied
One-to-one Function One-to-one
(Invertible) Function
(Invertible)

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Restricting the Domain of a Function to Find the Inverse
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥2 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2, 𝑥 ≥ 0
Non-invertible function Invertible function
𝑓 −1 𝑥 = 𝑥
𝑦 𝑦

𝑥 𝑥

The function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 restricted to the domain 𝑥 ≥ 0 has an invers 𝑓 −1 𝑥 = 𝑥

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 The Inverse Trigonometric Functions

In this section, inverses to the trigonometric functions are defined.

Note that: an inverse to the functions 𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 cannot be defined since sin 𝑥 is
not one-to-one.
We remedy this by restricting the domain to a certain interval such that the restricted
function is one-to-one and so, has an inverse.

𝑥 𝑓 𝑓 𝑥 𝑓 −1 𝑥

The restricted 𝑓 −1 𝑥 = sin−1 𝑥

𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥
Note that: sin−1 𝑥 ≠ sin 𝑥 −1

In the same manner, inverses for other trigonometric functions are defined.

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

Restricting the Domain of the Sine Function to Define the Inverse
𝑦
𝑦 = sin 𝑥

Not one-to-one

𝑦
𝑦 = sin 𝑥
𝜋 𝜋
The restricted domain= − 2 , 2

One-to-one 𝑥

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

The Inverse Sine Function
Definition:
𝜋 𝜋
𝑦 = sin−1 𝑥 if and only if sin 𝑦 = 𝑥 and − 2 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 2

Remarks:
𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 sin−1 = 𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 sin = −1,1

𝜋 𝜋
𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 sin−1 = 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 sin = − ,
2 2

Note that:
𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋 3𝜋
sin−1 sin = sin−1 sin ≠
4 4 4 4

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

Sketching The Curve of The Inverse Sine Function
𝑦
𝑦 = sin−1 𝑥
𝑦=𝑥

𝑦 = sin 𝑥

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

The Inverse Sine Function 𝑦

𝒚 = 𝐬𝐢𝐧−𝟏 𝒙

Domain = −1, 1

𝜋 𝜋
Range = − ,
2 2
𝑥
Odd function
sin−1 −𝑥 = − sin−1 𝑥

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Examples
Ex 3: Find the domain of the function:
𝑓 𝑥 = 3 sin−1 𝑥 2 − 3

Solution:
−1 ≤ 𝑥 2 − 3 ≤ 1
∴ 2 ≤ 𝑥2 ≤ 4

𝑥2 ≥ 2 and 𝑥2 ≤ 4
Taking the square root: Taking the square root:
𝑥 ≥ 2 𝑥 ≤2
− 2 2

−2 2

∴ The domain: 𝐷 = −2, − 2 ∪ 2, 2

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

Restricting the Domain of the Cosine Function to Define the
Inverse
𝑦
𝑦 = cos 𝑥

Not one-to-one

𝑦 = cos 𝑥 𝑦

The restricted domain= 0, 𝜋

One-to-one 𝑥

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

The Inverse Cosine Function
Definition:
𝑦 = cos −1 𝑥 if and only if cos 𝑦 = 𝑥 and 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 𝜋

Remarks:
𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 cos−1 = 𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 cos = −1,1

𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 cos −1 = 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 cos = 0, 𝜋

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

Sketching The Curve of The Inverse Cosine Function
𝑦
𝑦=𝑥

𝑦 = cos −1 𝑥

𝑦 = cos 𝑥

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 𝑦
The Inverse Cosine Function
𝒚 = 𝐜𝐨𝐬 −𝟏 𝒙

Domain = −1, 1

Range = 0, 𝜋

General function
(Neither even nor odd)

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Examples
Ex 4: Find the range of the function:
𝑓 𝑥 = 3 cos −1 2𝑥
Solution:

0 ≤ cos −1 2𝑥 ≤ 𝜋

∴ 0 ≤ 3 cos −1 2𝑥 ≤ 3𝜋

0 ≤ 𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 3𝜋

∴ Range 𝑓 = 0,3𝜋

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Restricting the Domain of the Tangent Function to Define
the Inverse
𝑦
𝑦 = tan 𝑥

Not one-to-one

𝑦 = tan 𝑥 𝑦

𝜋 𝜋
The restricted domain= − 2 , 2

One-to-one 𝑥

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

The Inverse Tangent Function
Definition:
𝜋 𝜋
𝑦 = tan−1 𝑥 if and only if tan 𝑦 = 𝑥 and − 2 < 𝑦 < 2

Remarks:
𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 tan−1 = 𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 tan = ℝ

𝜋 𝜋
𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 tan−1 = 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 tan = − ,
2 2

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

Sketching The Curve of The Inverse Tangent Function
𝑦
𝑦 = tan 𝑥
𝑦=𝑥

𝑦 = tan−1 𝑥

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 𝑦
The Inverse Tangent Function
𝒚 = 𝐭𝐚𝐧−𝟏 𝒙

Domain = ℝ

𝜋 𝜋
Range = − ,
2 2 𝑥

Odd function
tan−1 −𝑥 = − tan−1 𝑥

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Examples
Ex 5: Check if the following function is even or odd:
−1
sin 𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 = cos
𝑥3
Solution:
sin 𝑥
Odd/Odd = Even
𝑥3

sin 𝑥
𝑔 𝑥 = ℎ 𝑥 = cos −1 𝑥
𝑥3

𝑓 𝑥 =ℎ 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 Even = Even

∴ 𝑓 𝑥 is an even function.

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Simplifying Expressions Involving Inverse
Trigonometric Functions

Important Remarks:
1
𝑓 −1 𝑥 ≠
𝑓 𝑥

Ex:
1 1
sin−1 𝑥 ≠ cosec 𝑥 =
sin 𝑥 sin 𝑥

Trigonometric identities are not applicable for the inverse trigonometric functions:

Ex:

sin 2𝑥 = 2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 Correct

sin−1 2𝑥 = 2 sin−1 𝑥 cos −1 𝑥 Incorrect

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Examples
Ex 6: Simplify: 𝑓 𝑥 = sin2 sin−1 2𝑥
Solution:

𝑓 𝑥 = sin sin−1 2𝑥 2

= 2𝑥 2

= 4𝑥 2

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Examples
Ex 7: Simplify: 𝑓 𝑥 = sec cos −1 𝑥
Solution:

𝑓 𝑥 = sec cos−1 𝑥

1
=
cos cos−1 𝑥

1
=
𝑥

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Examples
Ex 8: Simplify: 𝑓 𝑥 = sin cos −1 𝑥
Solution: Another Solution:

𝑓 𝑥 = sin cos−1 𝑥 Let: 𝛼 = cos−1 𝑥

∴ cos 𝛼 = 𝑥
= 1 − cos cos−1 𝑥 2

= 1 − 𝑥2 1
1 − 𝑥2
𝛼
𝑥

𝑓 𝑥 = sin cos −1 𝑥
= sin 𝛼

= 1 − 𝑥2

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Examples
Ex 9: Simplify: 𝑓 𝑥 = tan cos −1 𝑥
Solution:
Let: 𝛼 = cos−1 𝑥 1

∴ cos 𝛼 = 𝑥 1 − 𝑥2
𝛼
𝑥

𝑓 𝑥 = tan cos−1 𝑥

= tan 𝛼

1 − 𝑥2
=
𝑥

You can use the triangle in simplification in case of existing an inverse

trigonometric function inside a trigonometric function.

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

 Finding 𝐬𝐞𝐜 −𝟏 𝒙, 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐜 −𝟏 𝒙, and 𝐜𝐨𝐭 −𝟏 𝒙

The inverse trigonometric functions sec −1 𝑥, cosec −1 𝑥, and cot −1 𝑥 can be

calculated using the following identities:

−1 −1
1 −1 −1
1 −1 −1
1
cosec 𝒙 = sin sec 𝒙 = cos cot 𝒙 = tan
𝒙 𝒙 𝒙

Note that:
1 1 1
cosec −1 𝑥 ≠ sec −1 𝑥 ≠ cot −1 𝑥 ≠
sin−1 𝑥 cos−1 𝑥 tan−1 𝑥

Ex: To find: cosec −1 2

1 𝜋
∴ cosec −1 2 = sin−1 =
2 4

Mathematics (1) ---- Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf

Good Luck
Dr.\ Ahmed M. Makhlouf