Finding the inverse reflection – Summary

Finding the inverse reflection using transformation table of values

An inverse reflection is a reflection across the diagonal line 𝑦 = 𝑥. Geometrically, this means we are swapping
the 𝑥 − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 and 𝑦 − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 of every point. (𝑥, 𝑦) → (𝑦, 𝑥)
Using transformation table of values, add one transformation table at the end swapping 𝑥 and 𝑦 columns
Example: Find the inverse reflection 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = −2√𝑥 + 1 + 3
Step 1 – Identify values of a, k, c and d and stating the transformations
a = -2 → VR c = -1 → HT Left 1 unit
→ VS by a factor of 2 d = 3 → VT Up 3 units
Step 2 – Write the Mapping Statements
1
(𝑥, 𝑦) → ( 𝑥 + 𝑐, 𝑎𝑦 + 𝑑)
𝑘

(𝑥, 𝑦) → (𝑥 − 1, −2𝑦 + 3) Transformation table of values using a, k, c and d

(𝑥 − 1, −2𝑦 + 3) → (−2𝑦 + 3, 𝑥 − 1 ) Inverse Transformation Table of Values

Step 3 – Write the table of values
1) Base Table of Values
2) Transformation Table of Values
3) Inverse Reflection Table of Values

𝑦 = √𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) = −2√𝑥 + 1 + 3 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) NOTE: You need to be familiar

𝑥 𝑦 𝑥−1 −2𝑦 + 3 −2𝑦 + 3 𝑥−1 with the base functions, their
0 0 −1 3 key features and general shape
1 1 0 1 to properly graph the inverse
4 2 3 −1 reflections.
9 3 8 −3
16 4 15 −5
Finding the inverse reflection given a graph of a general function
Step 1 – Write the base table of values of the given graph using the key points
*** Find the key points going from left to right on the graph ***

Step 2 – Swap the 𝑥 and 𝑦 columns

Step 3 – Graph the points using your table of values

*** Connect the points in order going down the table of values. It should follow the same order as
the base function ***

Base Function 𝑓(𝑥) Inverse Reflection 𝑓 −1 (𝑥)

𝑥 𝑦

(𝑥, 𝑦) → (𝑦, 𝑥)

Base Function Inverse Reflection

𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓 −1 (𝑥)
𝑥 𝑦

1
1
Finding the inverse reflection algebraically given an equation

Step 1 – Write the equation with “𝑦” instead of “𝑓(𝑥)” (assuming it is written in function notation)

Step 2 – Swap the 𝑥 and 𝑦 variables

Step 3 – Isolate 𝑦
• Use “opposite” mathematical operations on both sides of the equation to keep it balanced

• “Cross-multiplying” is helpful for reciprocal functions

•
3
𝑥 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 √𝑥 are opposite operations

• For inverse reflections of quadratic functions where the variable is squared, when you apply the
square root to both sides, the final result should be ±√𝑥 not just the positive √𝑥

• Domain and range restrictions of the base function becomes the swapped range and domain
restrictions of the inverse function

Find the inverse reflection algebraically and state the domain and range of both the function and its’ inverse.

3 𝑔(𝑥) = 2√−4(𝑥 + 8) − 3
𝑓(𝑥) = +5
2(𝑥 − 4)