There are a couple of ways to think about the inverse of a function. We can approach inverses by looking at graphs or performing algebraic operations. In either case, it comes down to the basic notion that the inverse of a function reverses the x and y coordinates. In other words, for every ordered pair in a function there will be an ordered pair in the inverse function.

When we look at a graph, a function is reflected over the line to create the inverse of the function. By reflecting over the line we are achieving the goal of reversing the x and y coordinates.

In the graph below, the original function is reflected over the line (which is shown as a dotted line) and gives us the inverse function . The notation indicates that we are talking about the inverse of a function.



A graphical approach is helpful to:

• show that two functions are inverses of each other or not
• sketch the inverse of a function by reflecting it over the line

The graph above displayed two functions that were inverses of each other. We were told what those two functions were and could look at the graph and see that they are inverses of each other. But where did those two functions come from? If we are given just an original function, how do we go about finding an inverse on our own? It goes back to the idea of reversing the x and y coordinates.

Let’s return and re-examine the function . What is the process used to find the inverse? A step by step process is shown below.

1. Write the original function using y = notation. Remember that is just the name of our function and is often used interchangeably with y. So we write as

2. Interchange the x and y. Remember this is the foundation behind an inverse. So the equation will now become

3. Solve the new equation for y. Remember that equations are usually easier to deal with if we have y on one side and everything else on the other side. In solving for y, we get

We then simplify this equation to

4. Change the y to inverse notation. This step just helps to ensure that we clearly indicate the inverse. Back in Steps 2 and 3, we had another y = equation and this step just makes sure we don’t have too much confusing notation. So we end up with the inverse as . This is a good thing since we already showed in the graph that the two functions are inverses.

Let’s use this process when we don’t already know the answer and find the inverse of .

1. Change to y.

2. Interchange x and y.

3. Solve for y.

4. Change to inverse notation.

We now have a four step process to find the inverse of a given function. In the first example we did, we already knew the answer to confirm our process was correct. But in the second example we don’t already know what the answer is supposed to be. How do you know if two functions are indeed inverses of each other? One way is by looking at the graphs. Another way is algebraically using composition of functions. If you are not familiar with composition of function, click here to learn more.

We have a function and a candidate for the inverse . We can show these two functions really are inverses of each other by finding AND AND making sure those two compositions are equal to x.

Let’s begin by finding .

This is half of our process. We also have to verify is also equal to x.

We have now confirmed that and are inverses of each other.

If we graphed these two functions we could see that they are reflections of each other over the line . (Think about folding the graph along the line and noticing that the function and its inverse are superimposed over each other.)