1. Inverse Functions

2. Inverse Functions
A function f(x) = y takes an input x and produces one output y.

3. Inverse Functions
A function f(x) = y takes an input x and produces one output y.
We like to do the reverse, that is, if we know the output y, what
was (were) the input x?

4. Inverse Functions
A function f(x) = y takes an input x and produces one output y.
We like to do the reverse, that is, if we know the output y, what
was (were) the input x?
This procedure of associating the output y to the input x may
or may not be a function.

5. Inverse Functions
A function f(x) = y takes an input x and produces one output y.
We like to do the reverse, that is, if we know the output y, what
was (were) the input x?
This procedure of associating the output y to the input x may
or may not be a function. If it is a function, it is called the
inverse function of f(x)

6. Inverse Functions
A function f(x) = y takes an input x and produces one output y.
We like to do the reverse, that is, if we know the output y, what
was (were) the input x?
This procedure of associating the output y to the input x may
or may not be a function. If it is a function, it is called the
inverse function of f(x) and it is denoted as f -1(y).

7. Inverse Functions
A function f(x) = y takes an input x and produces one output y.
We like to do the reverse, that is, if we know the output y, what
was (were) the input x?
This procedure of associating the output y to the input x may
or may not be a function. If it is a function, it is called the
inverse function of f(x) and it is denoted as f -1(y).
We say f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other.

8. Inverse Functions
A function f(x) = y takes an input x and produces one output y.
We like to do the reverse, that is, if we know the output y, what
was (were) the input x?
This procedure of associating the output y to the input x may
or may not be a function. If it is a function, it is called the
inverse function of f(x) and it is denoted as f -1(y).
We say f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other.
Example A. Let f(x) = x2 = y. Suppose y = 9, what is (are) the
input x that produces y = 9? Is this reverse procedure a
function?

9. Inverse Functions
A function f(x) = y takes an input x and produces one output y.
We like to do the reverse, that is, if we know the output y, what
was (were) the input x?
This procedure of associating the output y to the input x may
or may not be a function. If it is a function, it is called the
inverse function of f(x) and it is denoted as f -1(y).
We say f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other.
Example A. Let f(x) = x2 = y. Suppose y = 9, what is (are) the
input x that produces y = 9? Is this reverse procedure a
function?
Since f(x) = x2 = 9,

10. Inverse Functions
A function f(x) = y takes an input x and produces one output y.
We like to do the reverse, that is, if we know the output y, what
was (were) the input x?
This procedure of associating the output y to the input x may
or may not be a function. If it is a function, it is called the
inverse function of f(x) and it is denoted as f -1(y).
We say f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other.
Example A. Let f(x) = x2 = y. Suppose y = 9, what is (are) the
input x that produces y = 9? Is this reverse procedure a
function?
Since f(x) = x2 = 9,
so x = ±√9
x = – 3, x = 3.

11. Inverse Functions
A function f(x) = y takes an input x and produces one output y.
We like to do the reverse, that is, if we know the output y, what
was (were) the input x?
This procedure of associating the output y to the input x may
or may not be a function. If it is a function, it is called the
inverse function of f(x) and it is denoted as f -1(y).
We say f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other.
Example A. Let f(x) = x2 = y. Suppose y = 9, what is (are) the
input x that produces y = 9? Is this reverse procedure a
function?
Since f(x) = x2 = 9,
so x = ±√9
x = – 3, x = 3.
This reverse procedure takes y = 9 and associates to it two
different answers so it is not a function.
What condition is needed for a function to have an inverse?

12. Inverse Functions
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs

13. Inverse Functions
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9).

14. Inverse Functions
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9). This prevents us from
knowing exactly what x is (given that we know the output is 9).

15. A function is one-to-one if different inputs produce different
outputs.
Inverse Functions
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9). This prevents us from
knowing exactly what x is (given that we know the output is 9).

16. Inverse Functions
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9). This prevents us from
knowing exactly what x is (given that we know the output is 9).
A function is one-to-one if different inputs produce different
outputs. That is, f(x) is said to be one-to-one if for every two
different inputs u and v then f(u)  f(v).

17. A function is one-to-one if different inputs produce different
outputs. That is, f(x) is said to be one-to-one if for every two
different inputs u and v then f(u)  f(v). In pictures,
Inverse Functions
a one-to-one function
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9). This prevents us from
knowing exactly what x is (given that we know the output is 9).

18. Inverse Functions
u
v
a one-to-one function
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9). This prevents us from
knowing exactly what x is (given that we know the output is 9).
any pair u = v
A function is one-to-one if different inputs produce different
outputs. That is, f(x) is said to be one-to-one if for every two
different inputs u and v then f(u)  f(v). In pictures,

19. Inverse Functions
u f(u)
v
a one-to-one function
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9). This prevents us from
knowing exactly what x is (given that we know the output is 9).
A function is one-to-one if different inputs produce different
outputs. That is, f(x) is said to be one-to-one if for every two
different inputs u and v then f(u)  f(v). In pictures,
any pair u = v

20. Inverse Functions
u f(u)
v f(v)
f(u) = f(v)
a one-to-one function
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9). This prevents us from
knowing exactly what x is (given that we know the output is 9).
A function is one-to-one if different inputs produce different
outputs. That is, f(x) is said to be one-to-one if for every two
different inputs u and v then f(u)  f(v). In pictures,
any pair u = v

21. Inverse Functions
u f(u)
v f(v)
f(u) = f(v)
a one-to-one function not a one-to-one function
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9). This prevents us from
knowing exactly what x is (given that we know the output is 9).
A function is one-to-one if different inputs produce different
outputs. That is, f(x) is said to be one-to-one if for every two
different inputs u and v then f(u)  f(v). In pictures,
any pair u = v

22. Inverse Functions
u f(u)
v f(v)
f(u) = f(v)
a one-to-one function
u
v
not a one-to-one function
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9). This prevents us from
knowing exactly what x is (given that we know the output is 9).
there exist u = v
A function is one-to-one if different inputs produce different
outputs. That is, f(x) is said to be one-to-one if for every two
different inputs u and v then f(u)  f(v). In pictures,
any pair u = v

23. Inverse Functions
u f(u)
v f(v)
f(u) = f(v)
a one-to-one function
u
v
not a one-to-one function
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9). This prevents us from
knowing exactly what x is (given that we know the output is 9).
there exist u = v
A function is one-to-one if different inputs produce different
outputs. That is, f(x) is said to be one-to-one if for every two
different inputs u and v then f(u)  f(v). In pictures,
any pair u = v

24. Inverse Functions
u f(u)
v f(v)
f(u) = f(v)
a one-to-one function
u
v
not a one-to-one function
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9). This prevents us from
knowing exactly what x is (given that we know the output is 9).
there exist u = v
such that
f(u)=f(v)
A function is one-to-one if different inputs produce different
outputs. That is, f(x) is said to be one-to-one if for every two
different inputs u and v then f(u)  f(v). In pictures,
any pair u = v

25. Example B.
a. g(x) = 2x is one-to-one
Inverse Functions
u f(u)
v f(v)
f(u) = f(v)
a one-to-one function
u
v
not a one-to-one function
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9). This prevents us from
knowing exactly what x is (given that we know the output is 9).
there exist u = v
such that
f(u)=f(v)
A function is one-to-one if different inputs produce different
outputs. That is, f(x) is said to be one-to-one if for every two
different inputs u and v then f(u)  f(v). In pictures,
any pair u = v

26. Example B.
a. g(x) = 2x is one-to-one
because if u  v, then 2u  2v.
Inverse Functions
u f(u)
v f(v)
f(u) = f(v)
a one-to-one function
u
v
not a one-to-one function
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9). This prevents us from
knowing exactly what x is (given that we know the output is 9).
there exist u = v
such that
f(u)=f(v)
A function is one-to-one if different inputs produce different
outputs. That is, f(x) is said to be one-to-one if for every two
different inputs u and v then f(u)  f(v). In pictures,
any pair u = v

27. Example B.
a. g(x) = 2x is one-to-one
because if u  v, then 2u  2v.
b. f(x) = x2 is not one-to-one because for example
3  –3, but f(3) = f(–3) = 9.
Inverse Functions
u f(u)
v f(v)
f(u) = f(v)
a one-to-one function
u
v
not a one-to-one function
The reverse of the function f(x) = x2 fails to be a function
because x2 produces the same output with two or more
different inputs (e.g. f(3) = f(–3) = 9). This prevents us from
knowing exactly what x is (given that we know the output is 9).
there exist u = v
such that
f(u)=f(v)
A function is one-to-one if different inputs produce different
outputs. That is, f(x) is said to be one-to-one if for every two
different inputs u and v then f(u)  f(v). In pictures,
any pair u = v

28. Fact: If y = f(x) is one-to-one, then f –1(y) exists, i.e. the reverse
procedure for f(x) is a function.
Inverse Functions

29. Fact: If y = f(x) is one-to-one, then f –1(y) exists, i.e. the reverse
procedure for f(x) is a function. In picture,
Inverse Functions
f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f(x) is a one-to-one function
f(x)
u

30. Fact: If y = f(x) is one-to-one, then f –1(y) exists, i.e. the reverse
procedure for f(x) is a function. In picture,
Inverse Functions
f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f(x) is a one-to-one function
u f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f –1(y) is a well defined function
f –1(y)f(x)
u

31. Fact: If y = f(x) is one-to-one, then f –1(y) exists, i.e. the reverse
procedure for f(x) is a function. In picture,
Inverse Functions
Given a simple y = f(x) we may solve equation y = f(x) for x in
terms of y to find f –1(y) explicitly.
f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f(x) is a one-to-one function
u f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f –1(y) is a well defined function
f –1(y)f(x)
u

32. Fact: If y = f(x) is one-to-one, then f –1(y) exists, i.e. the reverse
procedure for f(x) is a function. In picture,
Inverse Functions
Given a simple y = f(x) we may solve equation y = f(x) for x in
terms of y to find f –1(y) explicitly.
Example C. Find the inverse function of y = f(x) = x – 5
3
4
f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f(x) is a one-to-one function
u f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f –1(y) is a well defined function
f –1(y)f(x)
u

33. Fact: If y = f(x) is one-to-one, then f –1(y) exists, i.e. the reverse
procedure for f(x) is a function. In picture,
Inverse Functions
Given a simple y = f(x) we may solve equation y = f(x) for x in
terms of y to find f –1(y) explicitly.
Example C. Find the inverse function of y = f(x) = x – 5
Given y = x – 5, clear the denominator to solve for x.3
4
3
4
f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f(x) is a one-to-one function
u f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f –1(y) is a well defined function
f –1(y)f(x)
u

34. Fact: If y = f(x) is one-to-one, then f –1(y) exists, i.e. the reverse
procedure for f(x) is a function. In picture,
Inverse Functions
Given a simple y = f(x) we may solve equation y = f(x) for x in
terms of y to find f –1(y) explicitly.
Example C. Find the inverse function of y = f(x) = x – 5
Given y = x – 5, clear the denominator to solve for x.
4y = 3x – 20
3
4
3
4
f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f(x) is a one-to-one function
u f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f –1(y) is a well defined function
f –1(y)f(x)
u

35. Fact: If y = f(x) is one-to-one, then f –1(y) exists, i.e. the reverse
procedure for f(x) is a function. In picture,
Inverse Functions
Given a simple y = f(x) we may solve equation y = f(x) for x in
terms of y to find f –1(y) explicitly.
Example C. Find the inverse function of y = f(x) = x – 5
Given y = x – 5, clear the denominator to solve for x.
4y = 3x – 20
4y + 20 = 3x
3
4
3
4
f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f(x) is a one-to-one function
u f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f –1(y) is a well defined function
f –1(y)f(x)
u

36. Fact: If y = f(x) is one-to-one, then f –1(y) exists, i.e. the reverse
procedure for f(x) is a function. In picture,
Inverse Functions
Given a simple y = f(x) we may solve equation y = f(x) for x in
terms of y to find f –1(y) explicitly.
Example C. Find the inverse function of y = f(x) = x – 5
Given y = x – 5, clear the denominator to solve for x.
4y = 3x – 20
4y + 20 = 3x
= x
3
4
4y + 20
3
3
4
f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f(x) is a one-to-one function
u f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f –1(y) is a well defined function
f –1(y)f(x)
u

37. Fact: If y = f(x) is one-to-one, then f –1(y) exists, i.e. the reverse
procedure for f(x) is a function. In picture,
Inverse Functions
Given a simple y = f(x) we may solve equation y = f(x) for x in
terms of y to find f –1(y) explicitly.
Example C. Find the inverse function of y = f(x) = x – 5
Given y = x – 5, clear the denominator to solve for x.
4y = 3x – 20
4y + 20 = 3x
= x
3
4
4y + 20
3
3
4
f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f(x) is a one-to-one function
u f(u)
v f(v)
u = v f(u) = f(v)
f –1(y) is a well defined function
f –1(y)f(x)
u
(Note: In general it’s impossible to solve for x explicitly.)

38. Inverse Functions
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b

39. Inverse Functions
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b
ba
f(a) = b

40. Inverse Functions
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).
ba
f(a) = b
a = f –1(b)

41. Inverse Functions
Theorem: If f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other,
then f –1(f(x)) = x
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).

42. Inverse Functions
Theorem: If f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other,
then f –1(f(x)) = x
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).
f(x)x
f(x)

43. Inverse Functions
Theorem: If f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other,
then f –1(f(x)) = x
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).
f(x)
f –1(f(x)) = x
x
f(x)

44. Inverse Functions
Theorem: If f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other,
then f –1(f(x)) = x and that f(f –1 (y)) = y.
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).
f(x)
f –1(f(x)) = x
x
f(x)

45. Inverse Functions
Theorem: If f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other,
then f –1(f(x)) = x and that f(f –1 (y)) = y.
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).
f(x)
f –1(f(x)) = x
x
f(x)
y
f –1(y)
f –1(y)

46. Inverse Functions
Theorem: If f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other,
then f –1(f(x)) = x and that f(f –1 (y)) = y.
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).
f(x)
f –1(f(x)) = x
x
f(x) f –1(y)
f(f–1 (y) = y
f –1(y) y

47. Inverse Functions
Theorem: If f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other,
then f –1(f(x)) = x and that f(f –1 (y)) = y.
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).
Example D. Given the pair of inverse functions f(x) = x – 5
and show that f(f –1(y)) = y.
3
4
f –1(y) = 4y + 20
3
f(x)
f –1(f(x)) = x
x
f(x) f –1(y)
f(f–1 (y) = y
f –1(y) y

48. Inverse Functions
Theorem: If f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other,
then f –1(f(x)) = x and that f(f –1 (y)) = y.
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).
Example D. Given the pair of inverse functions f(x) = x – 5
and show that f(f –1(y)) = y.
f (f –1(y)) =
3
4
f –1(y) = 4y + 20
3
f(x)
f –1(f(x)) = x
x
f(x) f –1(y)
f(f–1 (y) = y
f –1(y) y

49. Inverse Functions
Theorem: If f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other,
then f –1(f(x)) = x and that f(f –1 (y)) = y.
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).
Example D. Given the pair of inverse functions f(x) = x – 5
and show that f(f –1(y)) = y.
f (f –1(y)) = f ( )
3
4
f –1(y) = 4y + 20
3
4y + 20
3
f(x)
f –1(f(x)) = x
x
f(x) f –1(y)
f(f–1 (y) = y
f –1(y) y

50. Inverse Functions
Theorem: If f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other,
then f –1(f(x)) = x and that f(f –1 (y)) = y.
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).
Example D. Given the pair of inverse functions f(x) = x – 5
and show that f(f –1(y)) = y.
f (f –1(y)) = f ( )
= ( ) – 5
3
4
f –1(y) = 4y + 20
3
4y + 20
3
4y + 20
3
3
4
f(x)
f –1(f(x)) = x
x
f(x) f –1(y)
f(f–1 (y) = y
f –1(y) y

51. Inverse Functions
Theorem: If f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other,
then f –1(f(x)) = x and that f(f –1 (y)) = y.
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).
Example D. Given the pair of inverse functions f(x) = x – 5
and show that f(f –1(y)) = y.
f (f –1(y)) = f ( )
= ( ) – 5
3
4
f –1(y) = 4y + 20
3
4y + 20
3
4y + 20
3
3
4
f(x)
f –1(f(x)) = x
x
f(x) f –1(y)
f(f–1 (y) = y
f –1(y) y

52. Inverse Functions
Theorem: If f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other,
then f –1(f(x)) = x and that f(f –1 (y)) = y.
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).
Example D. Given the pair of inverse functions f(x) = x – 5
and show that f(f –1(y)) = y.
f (f –1(y)) = f ( )
= ( ) – 5
= – 5
3
4
f –1(y) = 4y + 20
3
4y + 20
3
4y + 20
3
4y + 20
4
3
4
f(x)
f –1(f(x)) = x
x
f(x) f –1(y)
f(f–1 (y) = y
f –1(y) y

53. Inverse Functions
Theorem: If f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other,
then f –1(f(x)) = x and that f(f –1 (y)) = y.
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).
Example D. Given the pair of inverse functions f(x) = x – 5
and show that f(f –1(y)) = y.
f (f –1(y)) = f ( )
= ( ) – 5
= – 5
3
4
f –1(y) = 4y + 20
3
4y + 20
3
4y + 20
3
4y + 20
4
4(y + 5)
4
= – 5
3
4
f(x)
f –1(f(x)) = x
x
f(x) f –1(y)
f(f–1 (y) = y
f –1(y) y

54. Inverse Functions
Theorem: If f(x) and f -1(y) are the inverse of each other,
then f –1(f(x)) = x and that f(f –1 (y)) = y.
Let f and f –1 be a pair of inverse functions and that
f(a) = b then a = f –1(b).
Example D. Given the pair of inverse functions f(x) = x – 5
and show that f(f –1(y)) = y.
f (f –1(y)) = f ( )
= ( ) – 5
= – 5
3
4
f –1(y) = 4y + 20
3
4y + 20
3
4y + 20
3
4y + 20
4
4(y + 5)
4
= – 5 = y + 5 – 5 = y
3
4
f(x)
f –1(f(x)) = x
x
f(x) f –1(y)
f(f–1 (y) = y
f –1(y) y

55. Inverse Functions
Since we usually use x as the independent variable for
functions so we often write the inverse as f –1(x) such as
f–1(x) = .4x + 20
3

56. Inverse Functions
Since we usually use x as the independent variable for
functions so we often write the inverse as f –1(x) such as
f–1(x) = .4x + 20
3
2x – 1
x + 1
Example D.
a. Find the inverse functions f–1(x) of f(x) = .

57. Inverse Functions
Since we usually use x as the independent variable for
functions so we often write the inverse as f –1(x) such as
f–1(x) = .4x + 20
3
2x – 1
x + 1
Example D.
a. Find the inverse functions f–1(x) of f(x) = .
2x – 1
x + 1
Set f(x) = y = ,

58. Inverse Functions
Since we usually use x as the independent variable for
functions so we often write the inverse as f –1(x) such as
f–1(x) = .4x + 20
3
2x – 1
x + 1
Example D.
a. Find the inverse functions f–1(x) of f(x) = .
2x – 1
x + 1
Set f(x) = y = , clear the denominator then solve for x.

59. Inverse Functions
Since we usually use x as the independent variable for
functions so we often write the inverse as f –1(x) such as
f–1(x) = .4x + 20
3
2x – 1
x + 1
Example D.
a. Find the inverse functions f–1(x) of f(x) = .
2x – 1
x + 1
y(x + 1) = 2x – 1
Set f(x) = y = , clear the denominator then solve for x.

60. Inverse Functions
Since we usually use x as the independent variable for
functions so we often write the inverse as f –1(x) such as
f–1(x) = .4x + 20
3
2x – 1
x + 1
Example D.
a. Find the inverse functions f–1(x) of f(x) = .
2x – 1
x + 1
y(x + 1) = 2x – 1
yx + y = 2x – 1
Set f(x) = y = , clear the denominator then solve for x.

61. Inverse Functions
Since we usually use x as the independent variable for
functions so we often write the inverse as f –1(x) such as
f–1(x) = .4x + 20
3
2x – 1
x + 1
Example D.
a. Find the inverse functions f–1(x) of f(x) = .
2x – 1
x + 1
y(x + 1) = 2x – 1
yx + y = 2x – 1
y + 1 = 2x – yx
Set f(x) = y = , clear the denominator then solve for x.

62. Inverse Functions
Since we usually use x as the independent variable for
functions so we often write the inverse as f –1(x) such as
f–1(x) = .4x + 20
3
2x – 1
x + 1
Example D.
a. Find the inverse functions f–1(x) of f(x) = .
2x – 1
x + 1
y(x + 1) = 2x – 1
yx + y = 2x – 1
y + 1 = 2x – yx
y + 1 = (2 – y)x
Set f(x) = y = , clear the denominator then solve for x.

63. Inverse Functions
Since we usually use x as the independent variable for
functions so we often write the inverse as f –1(x) such as
f–1(x) = .4x + 20
3
2x – 1
x + 1
Example D.
a. Find the inverse functions f–1(x) of f(x) = .
2x – 1
x + 1
y(x + 1) = 2x – 1
yx + y = 2x – 1
y + 1 = 2x – yx
y + 1 = (2 – y)x
= xy + 1
2 – y
Set f(x) = y = , clear the denominator then solve for x.

64. Inverse Functions
Since we usually use x as the independent variable for
functions so we often write the inverse as f –1(x) such as
f–1(x) = .4x + 20
3
Hence f–1(x) =
2x – 1
x + 1
Example D.
a. Find the inverse functions f–1(x) of f(x) = .
2x – 1
x + 1
y(x + 1) = 2x – 1
yx + y = 2x – 1
y + 1 = 2x – yx
y + 1 = (2 – y)x
= xy + 1
2 – y
Set f(x) = y = , clear the denominator then solve for x.
x + 1
2 – x

65. Inverse Functions
b. Show that f(f –1(x)) = x.

66. Inverse Functions
2x – 1
x + 1
b. Show that f(f –1(x)) = x.
We have and that f–1(x) =
x + 1
2 – xf (x) =

67. Inverse Functions
2x – 1
x + 1
b. Show that f(f –1(x)) = x.
We have and that f–1(x) =
x + 1
2 – xf (x) =
Hence that f(f –1(x)) =

68. Inverse Functions
2x – 1
x + 1
b. Show that f(f –1(x)) = x.
We have and that f–1(x) =
x + 1
2 – xf (x) =
Hence that f(f –1(x)) = f( )x + 1
2 – x

69. Inverse Functions
2x – 1
x + 1
b. Show that f(f –1(x)) = x.
We have and that f–1(x) =
x + 1
2 – xf (x) =
Hence that f(f –1(x)) = f( )x + 1
2 – x
=
x + 1
2 – x
– 12 )(
)( x + 1
2 – x
+ 1

70. Inverse Functions
2x – 1
x + 1
b. Show that f(f –1(x)) = x.
We have and that f–1(x) =
x + 1
2 – xf (x) =
Hence that f(f –1(x)) = f( )x + 1
2 – x
=
x + 1
2 – x
– 12 )(
)(
(2 – x)
(2 – x)
clear denominator
[
[
]
]x + 1
2 – x
+ 1

71. Inverse Functions
2x – 1
x + 1
b. Show that f(f –1(x)) = x.
We have and that f–1(x) =
x + 1
2 – xf (x) =
Hence that f(f –1(x)) = f( )x + 1
2 – x
=
x + 1
2 – x
– 12 )(
)(
(2 – x)
(2 – x)
clear denominator
[
[
]
]x + 1
2 – x
+ 1

72. Inverse Functions
2x – 1
x + 1
b. Show that f(f –1(x)) = x.
We have and that f–1(x) =
x + 1
2 – xf (x) =
Hence that f(f –1(x)) = f( )x + 1
2 – x
=
x + 1
2 – x
– 12 )(
)(
(2 – x)
(2 – x)
clear denominator
[
[
]
]x + 1
2 – x
+ 1

73. Inverse Functions
2x – 1
x + 1
b. Show that f(f –1(x)) = x.
We have and that f–1(x) =
x + 1
2 – xf (x) =
Hence that f(f –1(x)) = f( )x + 1
2 – x
=
x + 1
2 – x
– 12 )(
)(
(2 – x)
(2 – x)
clear denominator
[
[
]
]
(2 – x)
x + 1
2 – x
+ 1
(2 – x)

74. Inverse Functions
2x – 1
x + 1
b. Show that f(f –1(x)) = x.
We have and that f–1(x) =
x + 1
2 – xf (x) =
Hence that f(f –1(x)) = f( )x + 1
2 – x
=
x + 1
2 – x
– 12 )(
)(
(2 – x)
(2 – x)
clear denominator
[
[
]
]
(2 – x)
=
2(x + 1) – (2 – x)
(x + 1) + (2 – x)
x + 1
2 – x
+ 1
(2 – x)

75. Inverse Functions
2x – 1
x + 1
b. Show that f(f –1(x)) = x.
We have and that f–1(x) =
x + 1
2 – xf (x) =
Hence that f(f –1(x)) = f( )x + 1
2 – x
=
x + 1
2 – x
– 12 )(
)(
(2 – x)
(2 – x)
clear denominator
[
[
]
]
(2 – x)
=
2(x + 1) – (2 – x)
(x + 1) + (2 – x)
=
2x + 2 – 2 + x
x + 1 + 2 – x
x + 1
2 – x
+ 1
(2 – x)

76. Inverse Functions
2x – 1
x + 1
b. Show that f(f –1(x)) = x.
We have and that f–1(x) =
x + 1
2 – xf (x) =
Hence that f(f –1(x)) = f( )x + 1
2 – x
=
x + 1
2 – x
– 12 )(
)(
(2 – x)
(2 – x)
clear denominator
[
[
]
]
(2 – x)
=
2(x + 1) – (2 – x)
(x + 1) + (2 – x)
=
2x + 2 – 2 + x
x + 1 + 2 – x
x + 1
2 – x
+ 1
= 3x
3
= x
(2 – x)

77. Inverse Functions
2x – 1
x + 1
b. Show that f(f –1(x)) = x.
We have and that f–1(x) =
x + 1
2 – xf (x) =
Hence that f(f –1(x)) = f( )x + 1
2 – x
=
x + 1
2 – x
– 12 )(
)(
(2 – x)
(2 – x)
clear denominator
[
[
]
]
(2 – x)
=
2(x + 1) – (2 – x)
(x + 1) + (2 – x)
=
2x + 2 – 2 + x
x + 1 + 2 – x
x + 1
2 – x
+ 1
= 3x
3
= x
Your turn: verify that f–1 (f (x)) = x.
(2 – x)

78. Inverse Functions
Exercise. Find the inverse functions of the given functions
and verify the function–compositions.
1. f(x) = 2x + 3; f–1(f(x)) = x 2. f(x) = –3x + 5; f (f–1(x)) = x
3. f(x) = –x + 3; f (f–1 (x)) = x 4. f(x) = –3x – 4; f –1(f (x)) = x
5. f(x) = x + 3; f–1(f(x)) = x 6. f(x) = x + 5; f (f–1(x)) = x
7. f(x) = + ; f–1 (f(x)) = x 8. f(x) = x – ; f –1(f (x)) = x
1
2
–2
3
–x
2
2
3
–3
4
1
3
9. f(x) = ; f–1(f(x)) = x3
2x
10. f(x) = ; f (f–1(x)) = x–1
2 + x
11. f(x) = ; f (f–1(x)) = x
3
2 – x
12. f(x) = ; f–1(f(x)) = x3
2x + 1
13. f(x) = ; f–1(f(x)) = x 14. f(x) = ; f (f–1(x)) = xx – 1
2 + x
15. f(x) = ; f (f–1 (x)) = xx – 1
2x – 1
16. f(x) = ; f–1(f(x)) = x3 – x
2x + 3
x + 3
2 – x
17. f(x) = 1 + x3; f (f–1 (x)) = x 18. f(x) = 3x3 – 2 ; f (f–1 (x)) = x
19. f(x) = 1 + x1/3; f (f–1 (x)) = x 20. f(x) = 3x1/3 – 2 ; f (f–1 (x)) = x