The inverse does not pass the vertical line test and is not a function.

Step 3: Determine the restriction on the domain

If f (x) = x2 , for x 0:
domain x 0

range y 0

domain x 0

range y 0

f:

domain x 0

range y 0

f 1 :

domain x 0

range y 0

f:
f

If f (x) = x2 , for x 0:

Exercise 2 4: Inverses - domain, range, intercepts, restrictions

1. Determine the inverse for each of the following functions:
a) y = 34 x2

c) x2 + 5y = 0

b) 4y 8x2 = 0

d) 4y 9 = (x + 3)(x 3)

2. Given the function g(x) = 21 x2 for x 0.

a) Find the inverse of g.
b) Draw g and g 1 on the same set of axes.
c) Is g 1 a function? Explain your answer.
d) State the domain and range for g and g 1 .
e) Determine the coordinates of the point(s) of intersection of the function and
its inverse.
3. Given the graph of the parabola f (x) = ax2 with x 0 and passing through the
point P (1; 3).

y
1
1
1

x
1

2
3

P (1; 3)

f (x) = ax2

a) Determine the equation of the parabola.

b) State the domain and range of f .
c) Give the coordinates of the point on f 1 that is symmetrical to the point P
about the line y = x.

66

2.5. Quadratic functions