2.

4 Linear functions EMCF9

Inverse of the function y = ax +q EMCFB
Worked example 4: Inverse of the function y = ax + q
QUESTION
Determine the inverse function of p(x) = 3x + 1 and sketch the graphs of p(x) and
p
1
(x) on the same system of axes.
SOLUTION
Step 1: Determine the inverse of the given function
Interchange x and y in the equation.
Make y the subject of the new equation.
Express the new equation in function notation.
Let y = 3x + 1
Interchange x and y : x = 3y + 1
x 1 = 3y

1
3
(x 1) = y
y =
x
3
+
1
3
Therefore, p
1
(x) =
x
3
+
1
3
.
Step 2: Sketch the graphs of the same system of axes
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
y
x
0
p(x) = 3x + 1
p
1
(x) =
1
3
x +
1
3
The graph of p
1
(x) is the reection of p(x) about the line y = x. This means that
every point on the graph of p(x) has a mirror image on the graph of p
1
(x).
58 2.4. Linear functions