General Mathematics Module 2

Unit 1
Inverse Functions

Observe that in the function A, each element in the domain

corresponds to exactly one element in the range, and vice versa.
Such function is called One-to-One Function.
On the other hand, in the function B, the element 4 and 9 in
the range is associated with two elements in the domain, ±2 and ±3
respectively. The function B is an example of function which has
inverse relation, but not an inverse function.

Name Definition:
A function is a one-to-one function in describing some of the
relationships that exist in the real world. The concept of one-to-one
Grade/Section appears often even in nontechnical contexts. For example, a social
security number uniquely identifies the person, the income tax rate
varies depending on the income, the final grade for a course is often
Prepared by:
determined by test and exam scores, home works and projects, and
Mr. Jhon Robert S. Clavo so on. In all these cases to each number of a set (social security
Subject Teacher
number, income, results of test and exam scores, home works and
projects) some member of another set (person, tax rate, grade,
One-to-One Function respectively) is assigned.
We show the mappings of sets A and B in the figures below. Horizontal Line Test
A function is one-to-one if and only if
A B every horizontal line intersects the graph of the
function in no more than one point.
-2 -1 -3 9
0 1 -2
Example: For each of the following functions, use the horizontal Solution: this function is not a rational function. Any horizontal line
line test to determine whether it is one-to-one. except the x-axis, intersect the graph in exactly one point. Therefore,
the function is one-to-one
a. f(x) = 3x + 1
Solution: This function is linear. Because
any horizontal line intersects the graph in If a function is one-to-one, the function has an inverse and
exactly one point, the function is one-to- inverse is also a function. In this case, we say that f is invertible.
one
Inverse Functions

Definition:
Let f be a one-to-one function. The inverse of f, denoted by
b. f(x) = (x + 3)4 -1
f , is the unique function with domain equal to the range of f that
Solution: Any horizontal line above the x- satisfies
axis intersects the graph in two points. f(f -1(x)) = x for all range of f
Thus, function is not one-to-one The use of the notation f -1 for the inverse only applies to
functions whose inverses are also functions. It is read as “f inverse”.
1
Note that f -1 (x) ≠
f (x)

c. f(x) = |x| Proof:

Solution: Any horizontal line above the x- Given two inverse functions: f(x) = x3
axis intersects the graph in two points. 1
and f -1(x) = x 3
Thus, the absolute value function is not
one-to-one By definition, f -1 satisfies the equation
f(f -1(x)) = x for all x
Set y = f -1(x) and solve for f(y) = x for
1
y: f(y) = x → y3 → x 3
Substitute f -1(x) back in for y, f -1(x) =
1
5 x3
d. f(x) =
x−2
Inverse of a set of Ordered Pairs and Table of Values
 Given a relation or a function, if the elements of its ordered Inverse of a Function Given an Equation
pair (x,y) are interchanged, a new set of ordered pairs, called the In finding the inverse if a function given an equation, the
inverse of relation or function, is obtained. If A is the set of ordered following steps can be followed:
pairs, A-1 (read as A inverse) denotes the inverse of A 1. Set the function = y
2. Interchange the x and y variables
Example: Find the inverse of the 3. Solve for y in terms of x
function describe by the set of 4. Replace y with f -1
ordered pairs, Example: find the inverse of the following described by equation
A = {(-2, -1), (0, 1), (2, 3), (5, 6)} f(x) = -2x + 5
Interchanged the values of x Rename f(x) as y y = -2x + 5
and y then denote its inverse as A-1. Substitute x and y x = -2y + 5
Therefore, the inverse of the given Solve the equation for y in terms -2y = x -5
function is\ x−5
of x and simplify y=
A-1 = {(-1, -2), (1, 0), (3,2), (6, 5)} −2
x−5
Replace y with f -1 f -1 =
Example 2: Find the inverse of the −2
function described by the table of x−5
The inverse of the given equation is f -1 =
values below. −2
B= x -3 -2 -1 2 3
y 9 4 1 4 9 Quiz:
A. Find the inverse of the following set of ordered pairs and table of
Interchanging x and y values, we values. On the blank before each number, indicate if the resulting
obtain, inverse is a function or just a mere relation.
B-1 = ___________1. A = {(-2, 4), (0, 5), (-5, 1), (6, 9), (3, 7)}
x 9 4 1 4 9
___________2. B = {(-1, -3), (0, -2), (4, 2), (5, 3)}
y -3 -2 -1 2 3
___________3. C = {(1, 5), (2, 0), (3, 1), (1, -5)}
It can be easily observed that A and A -1 are functions and inverses or ___________4. D = {(1, -1), (2, -2), (4, -4), (7, -7), (10, -10)}
each other. B and B-1 are inverses of each other; however, the graphs ___________5. E = {(-1, 0), (3, 1), (4, 2), (1, 0)}
also show that the inverse of a function may not always be a
function. B. Find the inverse of the ff. functions.
1. y = 3x + 5
2. f (x) = √ 6 x−4
3. y = 3x2 – 8
 −2+ x 4 x +3
4. f (x) = 5. f (x) =
6 x−5