Skip to ContentGo to accessibility pageKeyboard shortcuts menu
OpenStax Logo
Calculus Volume 1

1.4 Inverse Functions

Calculus Volume 11.4 Inverse Functions

Learning Objectives

  • 1.4.1 Determine the conditions for when a function has an inverse.
  • 1.4.2 Use the horizontal line test to recognize when a function is one-to-one.
  • 1.4.3 Find the inverse of a given function.
  • 1.4.4 Draw the graph of an inverse function.
  • 1.4.5 Evaluate inverse trigonometric functions.

An inverse function reverses the operation done by a particular function. In other words, whatever a function does, the inverse function undoes it. In this section, we define an inverse function formally and state the necessary conditions for an inverse function to exist. We examine how to find an inverse function and study the relationship between the graph of a function and the graph of its inverse. Then we apply these ideas to define and discuss properties of the inverse trigonometric functions.

Existence of an Inverse Function

We begin with an example. Given a function ff and an output y=f(x),y=f(x), we are often interested in finding what value or values xx were mapped to yy by f.f. For example, consider the function f(x)=x3+4.f(x)=x3+4. Since any output y=x3+4,y=x3+4, we can solve this equation for xx to find that the input is x=y−43.x=y−43. This equation defines xx as a function of y.y. Denoting this function as f−1,f−1, and writing x=f−1(y)=y−43,x=f−1(y)=y−43, we see that for any xx in the domain of f,f−1(f(x))=f−1(x3+4)=x.f,f−1(f(x))=f−1(x3+4)=x. Thus, this new function, f−1,f−1, “undid” what the original function ff did. A function with this property is called the inverse function of the original function.

Definition

Given a function ff with domain DD and range R,R, its inverse function (if it exists) is the function f−1f−1 with domain RR and range DD such that f−1(y)=xf−1(y)=x if f(x)=y.f(x)=y. In other words, for a function ff and its inverse f−1,f−1,

f−1(f(x))=xfor allxinD,andf(f−1(y))=yfor allyinR.f−1(f(x))=xfor allxinD,andf(f−1(y))=yfor allyinR.
(1.11)

Note that f−1f−1 is read as “f inverse.” Here, the −1−1 is not used as an exponent and f−1(x)≠1/f(x).f−1(x)≠1/f(x). Figure 1.37 shows the relationship between the domain and range of f and the domain and range of f−1.f−1.

An image of two bubbles. The first bubble is orange and has two labels: the top label is “Domain of f” and the bottom label is “Range of f inverse”. Within this bubble is the variable “x”. An orange arrow with the label “f” points from this bubble to the second bubble. The second bubble is blue and has two labels: the top label is “range of f” and the bottom label is “domain of f inverse”. Within this bubble is the variable “y”. A blue arrow with the label “f inverse” points from this bubble to the first bubble.
Figure 1.37 Given a function ff and its inverse f−1,f−1(y)=xf−1,f−1(y)=x if and only if f(x)=y.f(x)=y. The range of ff becomes the domain of f−1f−1 and the domain of ff becomes the range of f−1.f−1.

Recall that a function has exactly one output for each input. Therefore, to define an inverse function, we need to map each input to exactly one output. For example, let’s try to find the inverse function for f(x)=x2.f(x)=x2. Solving the equation y=x2y=x2 for x,x, we arrive at the equation x=±y.x=±y. This equation does not describe xx as a function of yy because there are two solutions to this equation for every y>0.y>0. The problem with trying to find an inverse function for f(x)=x2f(x)=x2 is that two inputs are sent to the same output for each output y>0.y>0. The function f(x)=x3+4f(x)=x3+4 discussed earlier did not have this problem. For that function, each input was sent to a different output. A function that sends each input to a different output is called a one-to-one function.

Definition

We say a ff is a one-to-one function if f(x1)≠f(x2)f(x1)≠f(x2) when x1≠x2.x1≠x2.

One way to determine whether a function is one-to-one is by looking at its graph. If a function is one-to-one, then no two inputs can be sent to the same output. Therefore, if we draw a horizontal line anywhere in the xyxy-plane, according to the horizontal line test, it cannot intersect the graph more than once. We note that the horizontal line test is different from the vertical line test. The vertical line test determines whether a graph is the graph of a function. The horizontal line test determines whether a function is one-to-one (Figure 1.38).

Rule: Horizontal Line Test

A function ff is one-to-one if and only if every horizontal line intersects the graph of ff no more than once.

An image of two graphs. Both graphs have an x axis that runs from -3 to 3 and a y axis that runs from -3 to 4. The first graph is of the function “f(x) = x squared”, which is a parabola. The function decreases until it hits the origin, where it begins to increase. The x intercept and y intercept are both at the origin. There are two orange horizontal lines also plotted on the graph, both of which run through the function at two points each. The second graph is of the function “f(x) = x cubed”, which is an increasing curved function. The x intercept and y intercept are both at the origin. There are three orange lines also plotted on the graph, each of which only intersects the function at one point.
Figure 1.38 (a) The function f(x)=x2f(x)=x2 is not one-to-one because it fails the horizontal line test. (b) The function f(x)=x3f(x)=x3 is one-to-one because it passes the horizontal line test.

Example 1.28

Determining Whether a Function Is One-to-One

For each of the following functions, use the horizontal line test to determine whether it is one-to-one.

  1. An image of a graph. The x axis runs from -3 to 11 and the y axis runs from -3 to 11. The graph is of a step function which contains 10 horizontal steps. Each steps starts with a closed circle and ends with an open circle. The first step starts at the origin and ends at the point (1, 0). The second step starts at the point (1, 1) and ends at the point (1, 2). Each of the following 8 steps starts 1 unit higher in the y direction than where the previous step ended. The tenth and final step starts at the point (9, 9) and ends at the point (10, 9)
  2. An image of a graph. The x axis runs from -3 to 6 and the y axis runs from -3 to 6. The graph is of the function “f(x) = (1/x)”, a curved decreasing function. The graph of the function starts right below the x axis in the 4th quadrant and begins to decreases until it comes close to the y axis. The graph keeps decreasing as it gets closer and closer to the y axis, but never touches it due to the vertical asymptote. In the first quadrant, the graph of the function starts close to the y axis and keeps decreasing until it gets close to the x axis. As the function continues to decreases it gets closer and closer to the x axis without touching it, where there is a horizontal asymptote.

Checkpoint 1.23

Is the function ff graphed in the following image one-to-one?

An image of a graph. The x axis runs from -3 to 4 and the y axis runs from -3 to 5. The graph is of the function “f(x) = (x cubed) - x” which is a curved function. The function increases, decreases, then increases again. The x intercepts are at the points (-1, 0), (0,0), and (1, 0). The y intercept is at the origin.

Finding a Function’s Inverse

We can now consider one-to-one functions and show how to find their inverses. Recall that a function maps elements in the domain of ff to elements in the range of f.f. The inverse function maps each element from the range of ff back to its corresponding element from the domain of f.f. Therefore, to find the inverse function of a one-to-one function f,f, given any yy in the range of f,f, we need to determine which xx in the domain of ff satisfies f(x)=y.f(x)=y. Since ff is one-to-one, there is exactly one such value x.x. We can find that value xx by solving the equation f(x)=yf(x)=y for x.x. Doing so, we are able to write xx as a function of yy where the domain of this function is the range of ff and the range of this new function is the domain of f.f. Consequently, this function is the inverse of f,f, and we write x=f−1(y).x=f−1(y). Since we typically use the variable xx to denote the independent variable and yy to denote the dependent variable, we often interchange the roles of xx and y,y, and write y=f−1(x).y=f−1(x). Representing the inverse function in this way is also helpful later when we graph a function ff and its inverse f−1f−1 on the same axes.

Problem-Solving Strategy

Problem-Solving Strategy: Finding an Inverse Function

  1. Solve the equation y=f(x)y=f(x) for x.x.
  2. Interchange the variables xx and yy and write y=f−1(x).y=f−1(x).

Example 1.29

Finding an Inverse Function

Find the inverse for the function f(x)=3x−4.f(x)=3x−4. State the domain and range of the inverse function. Verify that f−1(f(x))=x.f−1(f(x))=x.

Checkpoint 1.24

Find the inverse of the function f(x)=3x/(x−2).f(x)=3x/(x−2). State the domain and range of the inverse function.

Graphing Inverse Functions

Let’s consider the relationship between the graph of a function ff and the graph of its inverse. Consider the graph of ff shown in Figure 1.39 and a point (a,b)(a,b) on the graph. Since b=f(a),b=f(a), then f−1(b)=a.f−1(b)=a. Therefore, when we graph f−1,f−1, the point (b,a)(b,a) is on the graph. As a result, the graph of f−1f−1 is a reflection of the graph of ff about the line y=x.y=x.

An image of two graphs. The first graph is of “y = f(x)”, which is a curved increasing function, that increases at a faster rate as x increases. The point (a, b) is on the graph of the function in the first quadrant. The second graph also graphs “y = f(x)” with the point (a, b), but also graphs the function “y = f inverse (x)”, an increasing curved function, that increases at a slower rate as x increases. This function includes the point (b, a). In addition to the two functions, there is a diagonal dotted line potted with the equation “y =x”, which shows that “f(x)” and “f inverse (x)” are mirror images about the line “y =x”.
Figure 1.39 (a) The graph of this function ff shows point (a,b)(a,b) on the graph of f.f. (b) Since (a,b)(a,b) is on the graph of f,f, the point (b,a)(b,a) is on the graph of f−1.f−1. The graph of f−1f−1 is a reflection of the graph of ff about the line y=x.y=x.

Example 1.30

Sketching Graphs of Inverse Functions

For the graph of ff in the following image, sketch a graph of f−1f−1 by sketching the line y=xy=x and using symmetry. Identify the domain and range of f−1.f−1.

An image of a graph. The x axis runs from -2 to 2 and the y axis runs from 0 to 2. The graph is of the function “f(x) = square root of (x +2)”, an increasing curved function. The function starts at the point (-2, 0). The x intercept is at (-2, 0) and the y intercept is at the approximate point (0, 1.4).

Checkpoint 1.25

Sketch the graph of f(x)=2x+3f(x)=2x+3 and the graph of its inverse using the symmetry property of inverse functions.

Restricting Domains

As we have seen, f(x)=x2f(x)=x2 does not have an inverse function because it is not one-to-one. However, we can choose a subset of the domain of ff such that the function is one-to-one. This subset is called a restricted domain. By restricting the domain of f,f, we can define a new function gg such that the domain of gg is the restricted domain of ff and g(x)=f(x)g(x)=f(x) for all xx in the domain of g.g. Then we can define an inverse function for gg on that domain. For example, since f(x)=x2f(x)=x2 is one-to-one on the interval [0,∞),[0,∞), we can define a new function gg such that the domain of gg is [0,∞)[0,∞) and g(x)=x2g(x)=x2 for all xx in its domain. Since gg is a one-to-one function, it has an inverse function, given by the formula g−1(x)=x.g−1(x)=x. On the other hand, the function f(x)=x2f(x)=x2 is also one-to-one on the domain (−∞,0].(−∞,0]. Therefore, we could also define a new function hh such that the domain of hh is (−∞,0](−∞,0] and h(x)=x2h(x)=x2 for all xx in the domain of h.h. Then hh is a one-to-one function and must also have an inverse. Its inverse is given by the formula h−1(x)=−xh−1(x)=−x (Figure 1.40).

An image of two graphs. Both graphs have an x axis that runs from -2 to 5 and a y axis that runs from -2 to 5. The first graph is of two functions. The first function is “g(x) = x squared”, an increasing curved function that starts at the point (0, 0). This function increases at a faster rate for larger values of x. The second function is “g inverse (x) = square root of x”, an increasing curved function that starts at the point (0, 0). This function increases at a slower rate for larger values of x. The first function is “h(x) = x squared”, a decreasing curved function that ends at the point (0, 0). This function decreases at a slower rate for larger values of x. The second function is “h inverse (x) = -(square root of x)”, an increasing curved function that starts at the point (0, 0). This function decreases at a slower rate for larger values of x. In addition to the two functions, there is a diagonal dotted line potted with the equation “y =x”, which shows that “f(x)” and “f inverse (x)” are mirror images about the line “y =x”.
Figure 1.40 (a) For g(x)=x2g(x)=x2 restricted to [0,∞),g−1(x)=x.[0,∞),g−1(x)=x. (b) For h(x)=x2h(x)=x2 restricted to (−∞,0],h−1(x)=−x.(−∞,0],h−1(x)=−x.

Example 1.31

Restricting the Domain

Consider the function f(x)=(x+1)2.f(x)=(x+1)2.

  1. Sketch the graph of ff and use the horizontal line test to show that ff is not one-to-one.
  2. Show that ff is one-to-one on the restricted domain [−1,∞).[−1,∞). Determine the domain and range for the inverse of ff on this restricted domain and find a formula for f−1.f−1.

Checkpoint 1.26

Consider f(x)=1/x2f(x)=1/x2 restricted to the domain (−∞,0).(−∞,0). Verify that ff is one-to-one on this domain. Determine the domain and range of the inverse of ff and find a formula for f−1.f−1.

Inverse Trigonometric Functions

The six basic trigonometric functions are periodic, and therefore they are not one-to-one. However, if we restrict the domain of a trigonometric function to an interval where it is one-to-one, we can define its inverse. Consider the sine function (Figure 1.34). The sine function is one-to-one on an infinite number of intervals, but the standard convention is to restrict the domain to the interval [−π2,π2].[−π2,π2]. By doing so, we define the inverse sine function on the domain [−1,1][−1,1] such that for any xx in the interval [−1,1],[−1,1], the inverse sine function tells us which angle θθ in the interval [−π2,π2][−π2,π2] satisfies sinθ=x.sinθ=x. Similarly, we can restrict the domains of the other trigonometric functions to define inverse trigonometric functions, which are functions that tell us which angle in a certain interval has a specified trigonometric value.

Definition

The inverse sine function, denoted sin−1sin−1 or arcsin, and the inverse cosine function, denoted cos−1cos−1 or arccos, are defined on the domain D={x|−1≤x≤1}D={x|−1≤x≤1} as follows:

sin−1(x)=yif and only ifsin(y)=xand−π2≤y≤π2;cos−1(x)=yif and only ifcos(y)=xand0≤y≤π.sin−1(x)=yif and only ifsin(y)=xand−π2≤y≤π2;cos−1(x)=yif and only ifcos(y)=xand0≤y≤π.
(1.12)

The inverse tangent function, denoted tan−1tan−1 or arctan, and inverse cotangent function, denoted cot−1cot−1 or arccot, are defined on the domain D={x|−∞<x<∞}D={x|−∞<x<∞} as follows:

tan−1(x)=yif and only iftan(y)=xand−π2<y<π2;cot−1(x)=yif and only ifcot(y)=xand0<y<π.tan−1(x)=yif and only iftan(y)=xand−π2<y<π2;cot−1(x)=yif and only ifcot(y)=xand0<y<π.
(1.13)

The inverse cosecant function, denoted csc−1csc−1 or arccsc, and inverse secant function, denoted sec−1sec−1 or arcsec, are defined on the domain D={x||x|≥1}D={x||x|≥1} as follows:

csc−1(x)=yif and only ifcsc(y)=xand−π2≤y≤π2,y≠0;sec−1(x)=yif and only ifsec(y)=xand0≤y≤π,y≠π/2.csc−1(x)=yif and only ifcsc(y)=xand−π2≤y≤π2,y≠0;sec−1(x)=yif and only ifsec(y)=xand0≤y≤π,y≠π/2.
(1.14)

To graph the inverse trigonometric functions, we use the graphs of the trigonometric functions restricted to the domains defined earlier and reflect the graphs about the line y=xy=x (Figure 1.41).

An image of six graphs. The first graph is of the function “f(x) = sin inverse(x)”, which is an increasing curve function. The function starts at the point (-1, -(pi/2)) and increases until it ends at the point (1, (pi/2)). The x intercept and y intercept are at the origin. The second graph is of the function “f(x) = cos inverse (x)”, which is a decreasing curved function. The function starts at the point (-1, pi) and decreases until it ends at the point (1, 0). The x intercept is at the point (1, 0). The y intercept is at the point (0, (pi/2)). The third graph is of the function f(x) = tan inverse (x)”, which is an increasing curve function. The function starts close to the horizontal line “y = -(pi/2)” and increases until it comes close the “y = (pi/2)”. The function never intersects either of these lines, it always stays between them - they are horizontal asymptotes. The x intercept and y intercept are both at the origin. The fourth graph is of the function “f(x) = cot inverse (x)”, which is a decreasing curved function. The function starts slightly below the horizontal line “y = pi” and decreases until it gets close the x axis. The function never intersects either of these lines, it always stays between them - they are horizontal asymptotes. The fifth graph is of the function “f(x) = csc inverse (x)”, a decreasing curved function. The function starts slightly below the x axis, then decreases until it hits a closed circle point at (-1, -(pi/2)). The function then picks up again at the point (1, (pi/2)), where is begins to decrease and approach the x axis, without ever touching the x axis. There is a horizontal asymptote at the x axis. The sixth graph is of the function “f(x) = sec inverse (x)”, an increasing curved function. The function starts slightly above the horizontal line “y = (pi/2)”, then increases until it hits a closed circle point at (-1, pi). The function then picks up again at the point (1, 0), where is begins to increase and approach the horizontal line “y = (pi/2)”, without ever touching the line. There is a horizontal asymptote at the “y = (pi/2)”.
Figure 1.41 The graph of each of the inverse trigonometric functions is a reflection about the line y=xy=x of the corresponding restricted trigonometric function.

Media

Go to the following site for more comparisons of functions and their inverses.

When evaluating an inverse trigonometric function, the output is an angle. For example, to evaluate cos−1(12),cos−1(12), we need to find an angle θθ such that cosθ=12.cosθ=12. Clearly, many angles have this property. However, given the definition of cos−1,cos−1, we need the angle θθ that not only solves this equation, but also lies in the interval [0,π].[0,π]. We conclude that cos−1(12)=π3.cos−1(12)=π3.

We now consider a composition of a trigonometric function and its inverse. For example, consider the two expressions sin(sin−1(22))sin(sin−1(22)) and sin−1(sin(π)).sin−1(sin(π)). For the first one, we simplify as follows:

sin(sin−1(22))=sin(π4)=22.sin(sin−1(22))=sin(π4)=22.

For the second one, we have

sin−1(sin(π))=sin−1(0)=0.sin−1(sin(π))=sin−1(0)=0.

The inverse function is supposed to “undo” the original function, so why isn’t sin−1(sin(π))=π?sin−1(sin(π))=π? Recalling our definition of inverse functions, a function ff and its inverse f−1f−1 satisfy the conditions f(f−1(y))=yf(f−1(y))=y for all yy in the domain of f−1f−1 and f−1(f(x))=xf−1(f(x))=x for all xx in the domain of f,f, so what happened here? The issue is that the inverse sine function, sin−1,sin−1, is the inverse of the restricted sine function defined on the domain [−π2,π2].[−π2,π2]. Therefore, for xx in the interval [−π2,π2],[−π2,π2], it is true that sin−1(sinx)=x.sin−1(sinx)=x. However, for values of xx outside this interval, the equation does not hold, even though sin−1(sinx)sin−1(sinx) is defined for all real numbers x.x.

What about sin(sin−1y)?sin(sin−1y)? Does that have a similar issue? The answer is no. Since the domain of sin−1sin−1 is the interval [−1,1],[−1,1], we conclude that sin(sin−1y)=ysin(sin−1y)=y if −1≤y≤1−1≤y≤1 and the expression is not defined for other values of y.y. To summarize,

sin(sin−1y)=yif−1≤y≤1sin(sin−1y)=yif−1≤y≤1

and

sin−1(sinx)=xif−π2≤x≤π2.sin−1(sinx)=xif−π2≤x≤π2.

Similarly, for the cosine function,

cos(cos−1y)=yif−1≤y≤1cos(cos−1y)=yif−1≤y≤1

and

cos−1(cosx)=xif0≤x≤π.cos−1(cosx)=xif0≤x≤π.

Similar properties hold for the other trigonometric functions and their inverses.

Example 1.32

Evaluating Expressions Involving Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Evaluate each of the following expressions.

  1. sin−1(−32)sin−1(−32)
  2. tan(tan−1(−13))tan(tan−1(−13))
  3. cos−1(cos(5π4))cos−1(cos(5π4))
  4. sin−1(cos(2π3))sin−1(cos(2π3))

Student Project

The Maximum Value of a Function

In many areas of science, engineering, and mathematics, it is useful to know the maximum value a function can obtain, even if we don’t know its exact value at a given instant. For instance, if we have a function describing the strength of a roof beam, we would want to know the maximum weight the beam can support without breaking. If we have a function that describes the speed of a train, we would want to know its maximum speed before it jumps off the rails. Safe design often depends on knowing maximum values.

This project describes a simple example of a function with a maximum value that depends on two equation coefficients. We will see that maximum values can depend on several factors other than the independent variable x.

  1. Consider the graph in Figure 1.42 of the function y=sinx+cosx.y=sinx+cosx. Describe its overall shape. Is it periodic? How do you know?
    An image of a graph. The x axis runs from -4 to 4 and the y axis runs from -4 to 4. The graph is of the function “y = sin(x) + cos(x)”, a curved wave function. The graph of the function decreases until it hits the approximate point (-(3pi/4), -1.4), where it increases until the approximate point ((pi/4), 1.4), where it begins to decrease again. The x intercepts shown on this graph of the function are at (-(5pi/4), 0), (-(pi/4), 0), and ((3pi/4), 0). The y intercept is at (0, 1).
    Figure 1.42 The graph of y=sinx+cosx.y=sinx+cosx.

    Using a graphing calculator or other graphing device, estimate the xx- and yy-values of the maximum point for the graph (the first such point where x > 0). It may be helpful to express the xx-value as a multiple of π.
  2. Now consider other graphs of the form y=Asinx+Bcosxy=Asinx+Bcosx for various values of A and B. Sketch the graph when A = 2 and B = 1, and find the xx- and y-values for the maximum point. (Remember to express the x-value as a multiple of π, if possible.) Has it moved?
  3. Repeat for A = 1, B = 2. Is there any relationship to what you found in part (2)?
  4. Complete the following table, adding a few choices of your own for A and B:
    A B x y A B x y
    0 1 33 1
    1 0 1 33
    1 1 12 5
    1 2 5 12
    2 1
    2 2
    3 4
    4 3
  5. Try to figure out the formula for the y-values.
  6. The formula for the xx-values is a little harder. The most helpful points from the table are (1,1),(1,3),(3,1).(1,1),(1,3),(3,1). (Hint: Consider inverse trigonometric functions.)
  7. If you found formulas for parts (5) and (6), show that they work together. That is, substitute the xx-value formula you found into y=Asinx+Bcosxy=Asinx+Bcosx and simplify it to arrive at the yy-value formula you found.

Section 1.4 Exercises

For the following exercises, use the horizontal line test to determine whether each of the given graphs is one-to-one.

183.
An image of a graph. The x axis runs from -4 to 4 and the y axis runs from -4 to 4. The graph is of a function that decreases in a straight in until the origin, where it begins to increase in a straight line. The x intercept and y intercept are both at the origin.
184.
An image of a graph. The x axis runs from 0 to 7 and the y axis runs from -4 to 4. The graph is of a function that is always increasing. There is an approximate x intercept at the point (1, 0) and no y intercept shown.
185.
An image of a graph. The x axis runs from -4 to 4 and the y axis runs from -4 to 4. The graph is of a function that resembles a semi-circle, the top half of a circle. The function starts at the point (-3, 0) and increases until the point (0, 3), where it begins decreasing until it ends at the point (3, 0). The x intercepts are at (-3, 0) and (3, 0). The y intercept is at (0, 3).
186.
An image of a graph. The x axis runs from -4 to 4 and the y axis runs from -4 to 4. The graph is of a curved function. The function increases until it hits the origin, then decreases until it hits the point (2, -4), where it begins to increase again. There are x intercepts at the origin and the point (3, 0). The y intercept is at the origin.
187.
An image of a graph. The x axis runs from -4 to 4 and the y axis runs from -4 to 4. The graph is of a curved function that is always increasing. The x intercept and y intercept are both at the origin.
188.
An image of a graph. The x axis runs from -4 to 7 and the y axis runs from -4 to 4. The graph is of a function that increases in a straight line until the approximate point (, 3). After this point, the function becomes a horizontal straight line. The x intercept and y intercept are both at the origin.

For the following exercises, a. find the inverse function, and b. find the domain and range of the inverse function.

189.

f ( x ) = x 2 − 4 , x ≥ 0 f ( x ) = x 2 − 4 , x ≥ 0

190.

f ( x ) = x − 4 3 f ( x ) = x − 4 3

191.

f ( x ) = x 3 + 1 f ( x ) = x 3 + 1

192.

f ( x ) = ( x − 1 ) 2 , x ≤ 1 f ( x ) = ( x − 1 ) 2 , x ≤ 1

193.

f ( x ) = x − 1 f ( x ) = x − 1

194.

f ( x ) = 1 x + 2 f ( x ) = 1 x + 2

For the following exercises, use the graph of ff to sketch the graph of its inverse function.

195.
An image of a graph. The x axis runs from -4 to 4 and the y axis runs from -4 to 4. The graph is of an increasing straight line function labeled “f” that is always increasing. The x intercept is at (-2, 0) and y intercept are both at (0, 1).
196.
An image of a graph. The x axis runs from -4 to 4 and the y axis runs from -4 to 4. The graph is of a curved decreasing function labeled “f”. As the function decreases, it gets approaches the x axis but never touches it. The function does not have an x intercept and the y intercept is (0, 1).
197.
An image of a graph. The x axis runs from -8 to 8 and the y axis runs from -8 to 8. The graph is of an increasing straight line function labeled “f”. The function starts at the point (0, 1) and increases in straight line until the point (4, 6). After this point, the function continues to increase, but at a slower rate than before, as it approaches the point (8, 8). The function does not have an x intercept and the y intercept is (0, 1).
198.
An image of a graph. The x axis runs from -4 to 4 and the y axis runs from -4 to 4. The graph is of a decreasing curved function labeled “f”, which ends at the origin, which is both the x intercept and y intercept. Another point on the function is (-4, 2).

For the following exercises, use composition to determine which pairs of functions are inverses.

199.

f ( x ) = 8 x , g ( x ) = x 8 f ( x ) = 8 x , g ( x ) = x 8

200.

f ( x ) = 8 x + 3 , g ( x ) = x − 3 8 f ( x ) = 8 x + 3 , g ( x ) = x − 3 8

201.

f ( x ) = 5 x − 7 , g ( x ) = x + 5 7 f ( x ) = 5 x − 7 , g ( x ) = x + 5 7

202.

f ( x ) = 2 3 x + 2 , g ( x ) = 3 2 x + 3 f ( x ) = 2 3 x + 2 , g ( x ) = 3 2 x + 3

203.

f ( x ) = 1 x − 1 , x ≠ 1 , g ( x ) = 1 x + 1 , x ≠ 0 f ( x ) = 1 x − 1 , x ≠ 1 , g ( x ) = 1 x + 1 , x ≠ 0

204.

f ( x ) = x 3 + 1 , g ( x ) = ( x − 1 ) 1 / 3 f ( x ) = x 3 + 1 , g ( x ) = ( x − 1 ) 1 / 3

205.

f ( x ) = x 2 + 2 x + 1 , x ≥ −1 , g ( x ) = −1 + x , x ≥ 0 f ( x ) = x 2 + 2 x + 1 , x ≥ −1 , g ( x ) = −1 + x , x ≥ 0

206.

f ( x ) = 4 − x 2 , 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 , g ( x ) = 4 − x 2 , 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 f ( x ) = 4 − x 2 , 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 , g ( x ) = 4 − x 2 , 0 ≤ x ≤ 2

For the following exercises, evaluate the functions. Give the exact value.

207.

tan −1 ( 3 3 ) tan −1 ( 3 3 )

208.

cos −1 ( − 2 2 ) cos −1 ( − 2 2 )

209.

cot −1 ( 1 ) cot −1 ( 1 )

210.

sin −1 ( −1 ) sin −1 ( −1 )

211.

cos −1 ( 3 2 ) cos −1 ( 3 2 )

212.

cos ( tan −1 ( 3 ) ) cos ( tan −1 ( 3 ) )

213.

sin ( cos −1 ( 2 2 ) ) sin ( cos −1 ( 2 2 ) )

214.

sin −1 ( sin ( π 3 ) ) sin −1 ( sin ( π 3 ) )

215.

tan −1 ( tan ( − π 6 ) ) tan −1 ( tan ( − π 6 ) )

216.

The function C=T(F)=(5/9)(F−32)C=T(F)=(5/9)(F−32) converts degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius.

  1. Find the inverse function F=T−1(C)F=T−1(C)
  2. What is the inverse function used for?
217.

[T] The velocity V (in centimeters per second) of blood in an artery at a distance x cm from the center of the artery can be modeled by the function V=f(x)=500(0.04−x2)V=f(x)=500(0.04−x2) for 0≤x≤0.2.0≤x≤0.2.

  1. Find x=f−1(V).x=f−1(V).
  2. Interpret what the inverse function is used for.
  3. Find the distance from the center of an artery with a velocity of 15 cm/sec, 10 cm/sec, and 5 cm/sec.
218.

A function that converts dress sizes in the United States to those in Europe is given by D(x)=2x+24.D(x)=2x+24.

  1. Find the European dress sizes that correspond to sizes 6, 8, 10, and 12 in the United States.
  2. Find the function that converts European dress sizes to U.S. dress sizes.
  3. Use part b. to find the dress sizes in the United States that correspond to 46, 52, 62, and 70.
219.

[T] The cost to remove a toxin from a lake is modeled by the function

C(p)=75p/(85−p),C(p)=75p/(85−p), where CC is the cost (in thousands of dollars) and pp is the amount of toxin in a small lake (measured in parts per billion [ppb]). This model is valid only when the amount of toxin is less than 85 ppb.

  1. Find the cost to remove 25 ppb, 40 ppb, and 50 ppb of the toxin from the lake.
  2. Find the inverse function. c. Use part b. to determine how much of the toxin is removed for $50,000.
220.

[T] A race car is accelerating at a velocity given by

v(t)=254t+54,v(t)=254t+54, where v is the velocity (in feet per second) at time t.

  1. Find the velocity of the car at 10 sec.
  2. Find the inverse function.
  3. Use part b. to determine how long it takes for the car to reach a speed of 150 ft/sec.
221.

[T] An airplane’s Mach number M is the ratio of its speed to the speed of sound. When a plane is flying at a constant altitude, then its Mach angle is given by μ=2sin−1(1M).μ=2sin−1(1M).

Find the Mach angle (to the nearest degree) for the following Mach numbers.

An image of a birds eye view of an airplane. Directly in front of the airplane is a sideways “V” shape, with the airplane flying directly into the opening of the “V” shape. The “V” shape is labeled “mach wave”. There are two arrows with labels. The first arrow points from the nose of the airplane to the corner of the “V” shape. This arrow has the label “velocity = v”. The second arrow points diagonally from the nose of the airplane to the edge of the upper portion of the “V” shape. This arrow has the label “speed of sound = a”. Between these two arrows is an angle labeled “Mach angle”. There is also text in the image that reads “mach = M > 1.0”.
  1. M=1.4M=1.4
  2. M=2.8M=2.8
  3. M=4.3M=4.3
222.

[T] Using μ=2sin−1(1M),μ=2sin−1(1M), find the Mach number M for the following angles.

  1. μ=π6μ=π6
  2. μ=2π7μ=2π7
  3. μ=3π8μ=3π8
223.

[T] The average temperature (in degrees Celsius) of a city in the northern United States can be modeled by the function

T(x)=5+18sin[π6(x−4.6)],T(x)=5+18sin[π6(x−4.6)], where xx is time in months and x=1.00x=1.00 corresponds to January 1. Determine the day(s) (month and day) when the average temperature is 21°C.21°C. Use the integer portion of your answer(s) as the month and calculate the day of the month from the decimal portion.

224.

[T] The depth (in feet) of water at a dock changes with the rise and fall of tides. It is modeled by the function

D(t)=5sin(π6t−7π6)+8,D(t)=5sin(π6t−7π6)+8, where tt is the number of hours after midnight. Determine the first time after midnight when the depth is 11.75 ft.

225.

[T] An object moving in simple harmonic motion is modeled by the function

s(t)=−6cos(πt2),s(t)=−6cos(πt2), where ss is measured in inches and tt is measured in seconds. Determine the first time when the distance moved is 4.5 in.

226.

[T] A local art gallery has a portrait 3 ft in height that is hung 2.5 ft above the eye level of an average person. The viewing angle θθ can be modeled by the function

θ=tan−15.5x−tan−12.5x,θ=tan−15.5x−tan−12.5x, where xx is the distance (in feet) from the portrait. Find the viewing angle when a person is 4 ft from the portrait.

227.

[T] Use a calculator to evaluate tan−1(tan(2.1))tan−1(tan(2.1)) and cos−1(cos(2.1)).cos−1(cos(2.1)). Explain the results of each.

228.

[T] Use a calculator to evaluate sin(sin−1(−2))sin(sin−1(−2)) and tan(tan−1(−2)).tan(tan−1(−2)). Explain the results of each.

PreviousNext
Order a print copy

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Citation/Attribution

This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission.

Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License and you must attribute OpenStax.

Attribution information
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a print format, then you must include on every physical page the following attribution:
    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/calculus-volume-1/pages/1-introduction
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a digital format, then you must include on every digital page view the following attribution:
    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/calculus-volume-1/pages/1-introduction
Citation information

© Feb 5, 2024 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.