1

FUNCTIONS, INVERSES AND LOGARITHMS

These are the 5 types of algebraic functions that you will study from grade 10 to 12.
FUNCTION EQUATION CONSTANTS RESTRICTIONS
1. Linear 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 𝑚 and 𝑐
or or
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑞 𝑎 and 𝑞

2. Quadratic (Parabola) 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐

or or
𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑝)2 + 𝑞 𝑎, 𝑝 and 𝑞

3. Hyperbolic (Hyperbola) 𝑎 𝑎, 𝑝 and 𝑞 𝑥 − 𝑝 > 0 ;𝑎 ≠ 0

𝑦= +𝑞
𝑥−𝑝
4. Exponential 𝑦 = 𝑏𝑎 𝑥−𝑝 + 𝑞 𝑏, 𝑎, 𝑝 and 𝑞

5. Logarithmic (log) 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥 𝑎 0 < 𝑎 < 1 or 𝑎 > 1

𝑥>0

Two types of questions will be set, namely (1) graph sketching and (2) graph interpretation.
1. Graph Sketching
1.1 Linear function
Step 1 – Shape (𝑎 > 0, slope positive; 𝑎 < 0, slope negative )
Step 2 – X-intercept (let 𝑦 = 0 and solve for 𝑥)
Step 3 – Y-intercept (let 𝑥 = 0 and solve for 𝑦)
Step 4 – Sketch graph and show all critical values on graph.
Exercise 1―Sketch the graph of 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 6

1.2 Quadratic function (Parabola)

When quadratic function is in the standard form: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, then use the following steps:
Step 1 – Shape (𝑎 > 0, graph concaves up; 𝑎 < 0, graph concaves down)
Step 2 – X-intercept (let 𝑦 = 0 and solve for 𝑥)
Step 3 – Y-intercept (let 𝑥 = 0 and solve for 𝑦)
−𝑏
Step 4 – Axis of symmetry (use = )
2𝑎

Step 5 – Turning point (𝑥-value of axis of symmetry is x-co-ordinate of TP; substitute 𝑥-value into
original equation to get 𝑦-co-ordinate)
Step 6 – Sketch graph by first drawing axis of symmetry; show all critical values on graph.
1
Exercise 2―Sketch the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) = − 4 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 8

Dr AN Gounden
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When quadratic function is in the TP form: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑝)2 + 𝑞, then use the following steps:
Step 1 – Shape (𝑎 > 0, graph concaves up; 𝑎 < 0, graph concaves down)
Step 2 – X-intercept (let 𝑦 = 0 and solve for 𝑥)
Step 3 – Y-intercept (let 𝑥 = 0 and solve for 𝑦)
Step 4 – Axis of symmetry (obtained from equation, 𝑥 = 𝑝, sign of 𝑝 must be changed)
Step 5 – Turning point (obtained from equation, that is TP (𝑝; 𝑞), sign of 𝑝 must be changed)
Step 6 – Sketch graph by first drawing axis of symmetry; show all critical values on graph.
Exercise 3―Sketch the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) = −2(𝑥 + 3)2 + 2

1.3 Hyperbolic function (Hyperbola)

Step 1 – Shape (𝑎 > 0, graph lies in Q1 and Q3; 𝑎 < 0, graph lies in Q2 and Q4)
Step 2 – Horizontal asymptote/vertical shift (given by the line 𝑦 = 𝑞)
Step 3 – Vertical asymptote/horizontal shift (given by the line 𝑥 = 𝑝, sign of 𝑝 must be changed)
Step 4 – X-intercept (let 𝑦 = 0 and solve for 𝑥)
Step 5 – Y-intercept (let 𝑥 = 0 and solve for 𝑦)
Step 6 – Equation for axis of symmetry (𝑦 = 𝑥 − 𝑝 + 𝑞 or 𝑦 = −𝑥 + 𝑝 + 𝑞)
Step 7 – Sketch graph by first drawing HA and VA; show all critical values on graph.
4 𝑥+1
Exercise 4―Sketch the graph of (i) 𝑦 = 𝑥−2 + 4 (ii) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1

1.4 Exponential function

Step 1 – Shape (𝑎 > 1, graph is increasing; 0 < 𝑎 < 1, graph is decreasing; when 𝑏 > 0, graph lies
above asymptote; when 𝑏 < 0, graph lies below asymptote)
Step 2 – Horizontal asymptote/vertical shift (given by the line 𝑦 = 𝑞)
Step 3 – X-intercept (let 𝑦 = 0 and solve for 𝑥)
Step 4 – Y-intercept (let 𝑥 = 0 and solve for 𝑦)
Step 5 – Sketch graph by first drawing horizontal asymptote; show all critical values on graph.
1
Exercise 5―Sketch the graph of (a) 𝑦 = 4(2)𝑥−2 + 1 (b) 𝑓(𝑥) = − 2 (4)−𝑥+2 + 1

2. Graph Interpretation
2.1 Finding the equation of a quadratic, hyperbolic and exponential function
(a) Determine the equation of a parabola, if the points A(-2; 0) and B(5; 0) are the x-intercepts and
C(2; -24) is a point on the graph (use 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )(𝑥 − 𝑥2 ))
Dr AN Gounden
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(b) Determine the equation of a parabola, if the point A(-4; 4) is a turning point and B(-2; 2) is a point on
the graph (use 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑝)2 + 𝑞)
(c) The parabola’s y-intercept is at point A(0; -2). If points B(2; 8) and C(-6; -8) are points which lie on
the graph, determine the equation of the parabola (set-up two equations and solve simultaneously)
(d) Determine the equation of each hyperbola shown below:
(i) (ii)

Y Y
x = -2

(3 ; 3)
(1 ; 9)
y=6 (5 ; 2)

X
X

(e) An exponential function has the equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥−𝑝 + 𝑞. The line of 𝑦 = 2 is the horizontal
asymptote and A(3; 3) is a point on the graph. Determine the equation of the function.

3. Inverse Functions
A relation between any two sets of variables is described by a rule that links each element in the first
set to at least one element in the second set.
A function is defined as a relation that links each element in the first set to only one element in the
second set. A function is therefore a special type of relation.
The elements of the first set (x-values) is called the domain.
The elements of the second set (y-values) is called the function values or the range.
A function 𝑓 = {(𝑥; 𝑦)⁄𝑦 = 3𝑥}, can be written as (i) mapping notation, 𝑓: 𝑥 → 3𝑥 (read as “𝑓 maps
𝑥 onto 3𝑥”), or (ii) functional notation, 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 (read as “𝑓 of 𝑥 is equal to 3𝑥”). Remember
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).
We can use a ruler to perform a “vertical line test” on a graph to see whether the graph is a function or
not. You must hold a ruler parallel to the y-axis, ie. vertically. Move it from left to right across the
x-axis. If the ruler cuts the graph at one point only, then the graph is a function. If it cuts the graph at
two or more points, then it is not a function.
A one-to-one mapping is a function, ie. each x-value is associated with only one y-value.
A many-to-one mapping is a function, ie. each x-value is associated with only one y-value.
A one-to-many mapping is not a function, ie. each x-value is associated with more than one y-value.

Dr AN Gounden
 4

A many-to-many mapping is not a function, ie. each x-value is associated with more than one y-value
and each y-value is associated with more than one x-value.
The “horizontal line test” can be used to determine if the graph is a one-to-one or many-to-one function.
In this case, you must hold a ruler parallel to the x-axis, ie. horizontally. Move it from down to up
along the y-axis. If the ruler cuts the graph at one point only, then the graph is a one-to-one function.
If the ruler cuts the graph at more than one place, then it is a many-to-one function.

3.1 Inverse of a linear function

Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 4
This is clearly a one-to-one function (for every x-value there is a corresponding y-value), thus it’s
inverse, denoted by the symbol 𝑓 −1 (𝑥), is also a function.
To determine the inverse of a function, (i) swop 𝑥 and 𝑦 and (ii) then make 𝑦 the subject. Therefore:
𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 4
(swop 𝑥 and 𝑦)
𝑥 = 2𝑦 − 4
(make 𝑦 the subject)
2𝑦 = 𝑥 + 4
1
∴ 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 2
1 1
The inverse function of 𝑓 can be written as 𝑦 = 2 𝑥 + 2 or 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 2 𝑥 + 2

A plot of these two functions on the same system of axes, indicate that they are reflections of each
other about the line y = x. To find the reflection of a point about the line y = x, you must interchange
the co-ordinates, that is, (x ; y) becomes (y ; x).
Y f
(axis of symmetry) The function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 4 is a one-to-one
y=x linear function.
1
-1
The function 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 2 𝑥 + 2 is also a one-to-
f
one linear function.
(0 ; 2) A(4 ; 4) The two graphs are symmetrical to each other
X about the line y = x.
(-4 ; 0) (2 ; 0)
The co-ordinates of the point of intersection of
(0 ; -4)
the two graphs (point A) can be determined by
solving the equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) (try it out)

Exercise 6―If 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 5, find 𝑓 −1 , and sketch the graph of 𝑓, 𝑓 −1 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 on the same system
of axes. Find the x-intercept, y-intercept and point of intersection of both graphs (indicate these points
on the sketch).

Dr AN Gounden
 5

4𝑥−3
Exercise 7―If 𝑓(𝑥) = , determine the value of 𝑓 −1 (4𝑝 + 1). [5𝑝 + 2]
5

3.2 Inverse of a quadratic function

A quadratic function is a many-to-one function.
Consider the quadratic function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 . Its inverse, 𝑓 −1 is determined as follows:

𝑦 = 𝑥2 ∴ 𝑥 = 𝑦2 then 𝑦 = ±√𝑥 or 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = ±√𝑥 , provided 𝑥 ≥ 0

Y
f The graph of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = ±√𝑥 is not a function,
y=x because a vertical line will cut the graph at two
places as we move the ruler from left to right, that
is, it is a one-to-many function.
Domain of 𝑓 is 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅 and the range of 𝑓 is 𝑦 ∈
[0 ; ∞) and the domain of 𝑓 −1 is 𝑥 ∈ [0 ; ∞) and
the range of 𝑓 −1 is 𝑦 ∈ 𝑅. Notice that the domain
of 𝑓 becomes the range 𝑓 −1 and the range of 𝑓
X
becomes the domain of 𝑓 −1 .

f-1

We can make the graph of 𝑓 −1 to be a function by restricting the domain in one of two ways:
Case I
Restrict the domain of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 as follows: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 where 𝑥 ≥ 0. The sketch below shows the
graphs of 𝑓 and 𝑓 −1 drawn on the same system of axes:

Y f x>0
The graph of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = √𝑥 is now a
y=x function, because a vertical line will cut the
graph at only one place as we move the ruler
from left to right. Both graphs are one-to-
f-1 y > 0 one functions.
Domain of 𝑓 is 𝑥 ≥ 0 and the range of 𝑓 is
𝑦 ≥ 0 and the domain of 𝑓 −1 is 𝑥 ≥ 0 and
the range of 𝑓 −1 is 𝑦 ≥ 0. Notice that the
X range and domain are the same for both
graphs.

Dr AN Gounden
 6

Case II
Restrict the domain of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 as follows: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 where 𝑥 ≤ 0. The sketch below shows the
graphs of 𝑓 and 𝑓 −1 drawn on the same system of axes:

The graph of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = −√𝑥 is now a

f x<0 Y
function, because a vertical line will cut the
graph at only one place as we move the
y=x ruler from left to right. Both graphs are one-
to-one functions.
Domain of 𝑓 is 𝑥 ≤ 0 and the range of 𝑓 is
𝑦 ≥ 0 and the domain of 𝑓 −1 is 𝑥 ≥ 0 and
the range of 𝑓 −1 is 𝑦 ≤ 0. Notice that the
domain of 𝑓 becomes the range 𝑓 −1 and the
X range of 𝑓 becomes the domain of 𝑓 −1 .

f-1 y < 0

Exercise 8―Given 𝑔(𝑥) = −1 + √𝑥, find the inverse of 𝑔(𝑥) in the form 𝑔−1 (𝑥) = ⋯
[𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1 ; 𝑥 ≥ −1]
Exercise 9*―The accompanying sketch graph shows the curves 𝑓 and 𝑔.
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = −4𝑥 − 6 and 𝑃𝑄 ∥ 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠

Y Determine:
9.1 The co-ordinates of A and B. [A(-1 ; 0) ; B(3 ; 0)]
f
g 9.2 The equation of the axis of symmetry of 𝑓. [𝑥 = 1]
9.3 The co-ordinates of C, the turning point of 𝑓. [C(1 ; -4)]
9.4 For which values of 𝑥 is 𝑓(𝑥) > 0? [𝑥 < −1 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 > 3]
A B X
P 9.5 For which values of 𝑘 will 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘 have only one root?
[𝑘 = −4]
C 1 3
Q 9.6 The equation of 𝑔−1 . [𝑔−1 (𝑥) = − 4 𝑥 − 2]

9.7 The equation of 𝑓 −1 . [𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = ±√𝑥 + 4 + 1]

9.8 Sketch the graph of 𝑓 −1 .
9.9 The minimum length of 𝑃𝑄. [2 units]

Dr AN Gounden
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3.3 Inverse of an exponential function

The inverse of an exponential function is called a logarithmic function (log function).
𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 is an exponential function, and 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥 is a log function.
The log function is read as “y is equal to log of x to the base a”.
Notice that the base of the exponential function (a) becomes the base of the log function.
For example, if 8 = 23 then log 2 8 = 3
Now consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 . In this case 𝑎 > 1. Since this is a one-to-one function, its
inverse will also be a one-to-one function, hence the domain will not need to be restricted. To
determine the inverse of 𝑓, (i) swop 𝑥 and 𝑦 and (ii) then make 𝑦 the subject. Therefore:
𝑦 = 2𝑥
𝑥 = 2𝑦
∴ 𝑦 = log 2 𝑥 or 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = log 2 𝑥
The sketch below now shows the graphs of 𝑓 and 𝑓 −1 drawn on the same system of axes:
(exponential function)
f(x) = 2x
Y
f (axis of symmetry)
y=x
(log function)
f-1(x) = log2x

f-1

(0 ; 1)

X
(1 ; 0)

1 𝑥
Furthermore, consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (2) . In this case 0 < 𝑎 < 1. Since this is a one-to-one
function, its inverse will also be a one-to-one function, hence the domain will not need to be restricted.
To determine the inverse of 𝑓, (i) swop 𝑥 and 𝑦 and (ii) then make 𝑦 the subject. Therefore:
1 𝑥
𝑦=( )
2
1 𝑦
𝑥=( )
2
∴ 𝑦 = log 1 𝑥 or 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = log 1 𝑥 = − log 2 𝑥
2 2

Dr AN Gounden
 8

The sketch below now shows the graphs of 𝑓 and 𝑓 −1 drawn on the same system of axes:
(exponential function)
Y
f(x) = (½)x
(axis of symmetry)
f
y=x

(0 ; 1)

X
(1 ; 0)

(log function)

f-1 f-1(x) = log½ x

Characteristics of 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 ; 𝑎 > 0 ; 𝑎 ≠ 1
 Domain is 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅 and range is (0 ; ∞).
 There is no x-intercept and the y-intercept is the point (0 ; 1), since 𝑎0 = 1.
 The x-axis (𝑦 = 0) is a horizontal asymptote.
 For 𝑎 > 1, the graph is an increasing function(as x increases y also increases)
 For 0 < 𝑎 < 1, the graph is an decreasing function(as x increases y decreases)
Characteristics of 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥 ; 𝑎 > 0 ; 𝑎 ≠ 1 ; 𝑥 > 0
 Domain is (0 ; ∞) and range is 𝑦 ∈ 𝑅
 There is no y-intercept and the x-intercept is the point (1 ; 0), since log 𝑎 1 = 0 for all allowable
𝑎 values.
 The y-axis (𝑥 = 0) is a vertical asymptote.
 For 𝑎 > 1, the graph is an increasing function(as x increases y also increases)
 For 0 < 𝑎 < 1, the graph is an decreasing function(as x increases y decreases)
The graph 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥 is the reflection of the graph 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 about the line 𝑦 = 𝑥.

Exercise 10―The function 𝑓 ∶ 𝑥 → log 𝑎 𝑥 passes through the point (4 ; −2).

1
10.1 Determine the value of 𝑎 and hence the equation of 𝑓. [𝑎 = 2]

10.2 Write down the equation of the inverse of 𝑓 in the form 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = ⋯
10.3 Draw sketch graphs of 𝑓 and 𝑓 −1 on the same set of axes.
10.4 Determine the values of x for which the functions are either increasing or decreasing.
1
Exercise 11―Determine the domain of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = log 2 (1 − 2𝑥). [𝑥 ∈ (−∞ ; 2)

Dr AN Gounden
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1 1
Exercise 12―Solve for 𝑥: (i) log 1 𝑥 < 3 [𝑥 > ] (ii) log 3 𝑥 < −2 [0 < 𝑥 < ]
2 8 9

1
Exercise 13*―The graph of ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑎 𝑥 is sketched. A(−1 ; 2)is a point on ℎ.

A(-1 ; 1/2) Q

0 X

13.1 Explain why the co-ordinates of Q are (0 ; 1).

13.2 Calculate the value of 𝑎. [𝑎 = 2]
13.3 Write down the equation for the inverse function, ℎ−1 , in the form 𝑦 = ⋯[ 𝑦 = log 2 𝑥]
13.4 Draw the sketch graph of ℎ−1 . Indicate on this graph the co-ordinates of two points that lie
on this graph.
1
13.5 Read of from your graph the values of 𝑥 for which log 2 𝑥 > −1. [𝑥 > 2]

13.6 If 𝑔(𝑥) = 100 ∙ 3𝑥 , determine the value of 𝑥 for which ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥). [𝑥 = −11.36]

1 𝑥
Exercise 14*―Given 𝑓(𝑥) = (4)

14.1 Determine the value of 𝑓(−2). [𝑦 = 16]

14.2 Write down the equation of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥), in the form 𝑦 = ⋯ [𝑦 = log 1 𝑥 𝑜𝑟 𝑦 = − log 4 𝑥]
4

14.3 Describe the relationship between 𝑓 and 𝑓 −1 . How would you obtain 𝑓 −1 from 𝑓 ?
14.4 Sketch graph of 𝑓 −1 . Clearly indicate all intercepts with the axes.
14.5 Write down the domain of 𝑓 −1 . [𝑥 > 0]
14.6 For which values of 𝑥 will 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) ≥ −2 ? [0 < 𝑥 ≤ 16]
1
14.7 Given 𝑞 = log 1 2
4

1
14.7.1 Determine the value of 𝑞. [𝑞 = 2]

14.7.2 Hence or otherwise, determine the co-ordinates of the point of intersection of 𝑓 and 𝑓 −1 .
1 1
[2 ; 2]
Dr AN Gounden