2.

4 Inverse Functions :
The inverse function performs the opposite operation of the original function.

1. For a function to have an inverse it must be one-one.

If it was many - one then we have to restrict the domain
in such a way to make it one-one.

2. To find the inverse :

(a) Replace 𝒇(𝒙) 𝑏𝑦 𝒚.
(b) make x the subject or solve for x .
(c) Replace 𝒙 𝑏𝑦 𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙) & replace each 𝒚 𝑏𝑦 𝒙 .

3. The Domain & Range of 𝒇(𝒙) & 𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙) are interchanged :
The Domain of 𝒇(𝒙) becomes the Range of 𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙).
The Range of 𝒇(𝒙) becomes the Domain of 𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙).

4. The graph of 𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙) is the mirror image of the graph of 𝒇(𝒙) after reflecting
it in the line 𝒚 = 𝒙 .

5. The point (𝒂, 𝒃) on the graph of 𝒇(𝒙) becomes (𝒃, 𝒂) on the graph of 𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙).

6. The composition of 𝒇𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙) = 𝒙 & 𝒇−𝟏 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙 .

Linear Functions :
Example: Given 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 − 4 , 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≥ 0,
(a) Find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) , stating its domain & range.
(b) Find 𝑓𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) & 𝑓 −1 𝑓(𝑥 ).
(c) On the same set of axes sketch the graphs of 𝑓(𝑥 ) & 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ).
(d) Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of 𝑓(𝑥 ) & 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ).
𝑦+4
(a) 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 − 4 → 𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 4 → 2𝑥 = 𝑦 + 4 → 𝑥 =
2
= 𝑥+4 1 𝑥+2
−1 −1
𝑓 (𝑥)
2
→ 𝑓 (𝑥) =
2
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑓(𝑥 ) → 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 ∶ 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≥ 0
𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 ∶ 𝑓 (𝑥 ) ∈ ℛ, 𝑓 (𝑥 ) ≥ −4
* To get the 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ): (c)
𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑓(𝑥 ),
𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝒇(𝒙) 𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝒙 .
* To get the 𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ):
𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑓(𝑥 ),
𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝒙 𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙) .

𝑇ℎ𝑢𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) → 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 ∶ 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≥ −4

−1 −1
𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 ∶ 𝑓 (𝑥) ∈ ℛ ,𝑓 (𝑥) ≥ 0
𝑥+4 𝑥+4
(b) 𝑓𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = 𝑓 ( ) = 2( − 4 = 𝑥.
2 2 )
1
𝑓 −1 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑓 −1 (2𝑥 − 4) = (2𝑥 − 4) + 2 = 𝑥 − 2 + 2 = 𝑥.
2

(d) To find the coordinates of the point of intersection of 𝑓(𝑥 ) & 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) solve
the equation 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) , or simply solve the equation 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 .
2𝑥 − 4 = 𝑥 → 2𝑥 − 𝑥 = 4 → 𝑥 = 4 , 𝑦 = 4 .
the coordinates of the point of intersection are ( 4 , 4 ). Notice that the 𝑥 & 𝑦
coordinates are the same since this point lies on the line 𝑦 = 𝑥 .
Rational Functions :
1
The simplest rational function is 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥
𝐷: 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≠ 0 𝑥 = 0 (𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠) 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑒.
𝑅: 𝑦 ∈ ℛ , 𝑦 ≠ 0 𝑦 = 0 (𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠) 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑒.

𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏
Rational Functions are those of the form 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑 .

1
The graph of these functions is the same as the graph of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 ,
but shifted up, down, left or right; i.e. the asymptotes will differ.
Example1: Given 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = ,𝑥 ∈ ℛ ,𝑥 ≠ 1

(a) Find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) , stating its domain & range.

(b) On the same set of axes sketch the graphs of 𝑓(𝑥 ) & 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ).
(c) Write down the functions 𝑓𝑓 (𝑥 ) , 𝑓𝑓𝑓 (𝑥 ) & 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 (𝑥 ) .

(a) 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = → 𝑦= → 𝑦(𝑥 − 1) = 𝑥 → 𝑦𝑥 − 𝑦 = 𝑥

𝑦𝑥 − 𝑥 = 𝑦 → 𝑥 (𝑦 − 1) = 𝑦 → 𝑥 = → 𝑓−1 (𝑥) =

Notice that 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = ; i.e. the inverse is the same as the

original function . 𝑓 (𝑥 ) is called a self – inverse function.
(b)

For 𝑓(𝑥 ) → 𝐷: 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≠ 1
𝑅: 𝑓(𝑥) ∈ ℛ , 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ 1
For 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) → 𝐷: 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≠ 1
𝑅: 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) ∈ ℛ , 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) ≠ 1
(c) 𝑓 (𝑥) =

𝑓𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑓𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥

𝑓𝑓𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑓(𝑓𝑓 −1 (𝑥 )) = 𝑓(𝑥 ) =

𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑓𝑓(𝑓𝑓 −1 (𝑥 )) = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑓𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥

 2𝑥+3 2
Example 2 : Given 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = , 𝑥 ∈ ℛ ,𝑥 ≠ ,
3𝑥−2 3
(a) Find 𝑓𝑓 (𝑥 ) . Comment on the result .
(b) Find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) , stating its range.
(c) Sketch the graphs of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) .
2𝑥+3 2𝑥+3 3 2𝑥+3 2
(a) 𝑓𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑓 ( ) = {2 (3𝑥−2) + 1} ÷ {3 (3𝑥−2) − 1}
3𝑥−2
2(2𝑥+3)+3(3𝑥−2) 3(2𝑥+3)−2(3𝑥−2)
=( 3𝑥−2
) ÷ ( 3𝑥−2
)
(4𝑥+6)+(9𝑥−6) (6𝑥+9)−(6𝑥−4)
=( )÷( )
3𝑥−2 3𝑥−2
4𝑥+6+9𝑥−6 6𝑥+9−6𝑥+4 4𝑥+9𝑥 3𝑥−2
= ( 3𝑥−2
) ÷ ( 3𝑥−2
) = ( 3𝑥−2
) × ( 9+4
)
13𝑥 3𝑥−2
=( )×( )=𝑥.
3𝑥−2 13
Since 𝑓𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 & 𝑤𝑒 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 )
𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑓(𝑥 ) 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 − 𝑖𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.
2𝑥+3 2𝑥+3
(b) 𝑓(𝑥 ) = →𝑦= → 𝑦(3𝑥 − 2) = 2𝑥 + 3 → 3𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3
3𝑥−2 3𝑥−2
2𝑦 + 3 2𝑥 + 3
3𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑥 = 2𝑦 + 3 → 𝑥(3𝑦 − 2) = 2𝑦 + 3 → 𝑥 = → 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = = 𝑓(𝑥).
3𝑦 − 2 3𝑥 − 2
2𝑥+3 𝑑 2
We know that for 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝐷: 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≠ − ≠
3𝑥−2 𝑐 3
𝑎 2
𝑅: 𝑓 (𝑥 ) ∈ ℛ , 𝑓 (𝑥 ) ≠ ≠
𝑐 3
(c)
Example 3 : Given 𝑓(𝑥 ) = , 𝑥 ∈ ℛ ,2 < 𝑥 ≤ 6 .
(a) Determine the range of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) .
(b) Find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) , stating its domain & range.
(c) On the same set of axes sketch the graphs of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) &𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ).
(d) Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) &𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ).
(a) V.A. : 𝑥 − 1 = 0 → 𝑥 = 1.
𝑎 2
H.A. : 𝑦 = = 1 → 𝑦 = 2.
𝑐
2(2)+1
𝑓(2) = = 5 → ( 2 ,5 )
2−1
2(6)+1
𝑓(6) = = 2.6 → ( 6 , 2.6 )
6−1

Thus, the range : 2.6 ≤ 𝑓(𝑥) < 5

(b) 𝑓(𝑥 ) = →𝑦=
𝑦(𝑥 − 1) = 2𝑥 + 1 → 𝑦𝑥 − 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 1 → 𝑦𝑥 − 2𝑥 = 𝑦 + 1
𝑦+1 𝒙+𝟏
(𝑦 − 2)𝑥 = 𝑦 + 1 → 𝑥 = → 𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙) =
𝑦−2 𝒙−𝟐
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑓 (𝑥 ) → 𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒: 2.6 ≤ 𝑓 (𝑥 ) < 5 ∴ 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) → 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛: 2.6 ≤ 𝑥 < 5 .
−1
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑓(𝑥 ) → 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛: 2 < 𝑥 ≤ 6 ∴ 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) → 𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒: 2 < 𝑓 𝑥≤6.
(d) To find coordinates of the point of
intersection of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) &𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) solve (c)
the equation 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 .
= 𝑥 → 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 1
3±√13
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 1 = 0 → 𝑥 = .
2
3+√13 3+√13
Thus, the point is ( , )
2 2
Quadratic Functions :
For a function to have an inverse it must be one – one .
A quadratic function is a many – one function, so to have an inverse, we
must restrict the domain in such a way to make it a one – one function.
Example 1:
Given 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 − 4 , 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≥ 𝒂 ,
(a) Find the least possible value of 𝒂 for 𝑓 (𝑥 ) to have an inverse.
(b) Find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ), stating its domain & range.
(c) On the same set of axes, sketch the graphs of 𝑓(𝑥 ) & 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ).
(a) For 𝑓(𝑥 ) to have an inverse, we must restrict
the domain to make it a one – one function.
This can be done by taking the part to the right or
to the left of the axis of symmetry, which is 𝑥 = 0
for this function, which means 𝒂 = 𝟎.
(b)The given domain forces us to take the R.H.S. of the axis of symmetry.
Accordingly, for 𝑓 (𝑥 ) → 𝐷: 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≥ 0 .
𝑅: 𝑓(𝑥 ) ∈ ℛ, 𝑓(𝑥 ) ≥ −4 .
Accordingly, for 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) → 𝐷: 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≥ −4 .
𝑅: 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) ∈ ℛ, 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) ≥ 0 .
To find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ):
𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 − 4 → 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 4
𝑥 2 = 𝑦 + 4 → 𝑥 = ± √𝑦 + 4
∴ 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = ±√𝑥 + 4
But the range of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) ≥ 0 (+𝑣𝑒)
Thus 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = +√𝑥 + 4
 In the previous example if we take
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 − 4 , 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≤ 0; 𝑖. 𝑒.
take the L.H.S. of the graph of 𝑓(𝑥 )
then the range of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) becomes
𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) ≤ 0 (−𝑣𝑒) .
Thus 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = −√𝑥 + 4
The graphs of these functions are shown.
Example 2:
Given 𝑓(𝑥 ) = (𝑥 + 2)2 , 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≤ 𝒂,
(a) Find the greatest possible value of 𝒂 for 𝑓(𝑥 ) to have an inverse.
(b) Find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ), stating its domain & range.
(c) On the same set of axes, sketch the graphs of 𝑓(𝑥 ) & 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ).
(a) For 𝑓(𝑥 ) to have an inverse, we must restrict
the domain to make it a one – one function. This
can be done by taking the part to the right or to the
left of the axis of symmetry, which is 𝑥 = −2
for this function, which means 𝒂 = −𝟐.
(b)The given domain forces us to take the L.H.S. of the axis of symmetry.
Accordingly, for 𝑓 (𝑥 ) → 𝐷: 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≤ −2 .
𝑅: 𝑓(𝑥 ) ∈ ℛ, 𝑓(𝑥 ) ≥ 0 .
Accordingly, for 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) → 𝐷: 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≥ 0 .
𝑅: 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) ∈ ℛ, 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) ≤ −2 .
To find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ):
𝑓(𝑥 ) = (𝑥 + 2)2 → 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 2)2

𝑥 + 2 = ± √𝑦 → 𝑥 = −2 ± √𝑦
∴ 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = −2 ± √𝑥
But the range of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) ≤ −2
Thus 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = −2 − √ 𝑥
 In the previous example if we take
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = (𝑥 + 2)2 , 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≥ −2; 𝑖. 𝑒.
take the R.H.S. of the graph of 𝑓(𝑥 )
then the range of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) becomes 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) ≥ −2 .
Thus 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = −2 + √ 𝑥
The graphs of these functions are shown.

In Example 1 the Quadratic function was a difference of two squares.

In Example 2 the Quadratic function was a perfect square.
In both Examples it was relatively easy to find the inverse function.
If the Quadratic function was of the form 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, then to
be able to find the inverse function, we must first complete the square to express
it as a perfect square.

𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝑨(𝒙 + 𝑩)𝟐 + 𝑪 as follows:

𝒃 ∆
As a first step find the coordinates of the turning point (− ,− )
𝟐𝒂 𝟒𝒂

𝒃 ∆
𝑨=𝒂 , 𝑩= , 𝑪= − .
𝟐𝒂 𝟒𝒂
𝒃
𝑺𝒐 𝑩= + (𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒙 − 𝒄𝒐𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏),
𝟐𝒂
∆
𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑪 = − (𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒚 − 𝒄𝒐𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏).
𝟒𝒂
Complete the square for the following:
8 64
1. 𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 𝑥=− = −4 , ∆= 82 = 64 , 𝑦 = − = −16
2(1) 4(1)

Min. point (−4, −16) 𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 ≡ (𝑥 + 4)2 − 16.

___________________________________________________________________
(−6) 36
2. 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 𝑥=− = 3 , ∆= (−6)2 = 36, 𝑦 = − = −9
2(1) 4(1)

Min. point (+3, −9) 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 ≡ (𝑥 − 3)2 − 9 .

 −(12) 144
3. 3𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 𝑥= = −2 , ∆= (12)2 = 144 , 𝑦 = − = −12
2 (3 ) 4(3)

Min. point (−2, −12) 3𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 ≡ 3 (𝑥 + 2)2 − 12 .

___________________________________________________________________
(−5) 5 (25) 25
4. 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 𝑥=− = , ∆= (−5)2 = 25, 𝑦 = − =−
2(2) 4 4(2) 8
5 25 2 5 2 25
Min. point ( , − ) 2𝑥 − 5𝑥 ≡ 2 (𝑥 − ) − .
4 8 4 8

___________________________________________________________________

2
(10) 5 100 25
5. −4𝑥 + 10𝑥 𝑥=− = , ∆= (10)2 = 100 , 𝑦 == − =−
2(−4) 4 4(2) 4
5 25 5 2 25
Max. point ( , − ) −4𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 ≡ −4 (𝑥 − ) − .
4 4 4 4

___________________________________________________________________
(−6) (−16)
6. 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 13 𝑥=− = , ∆= (−6)2 − 4(1)(13) = −16 , 𝑦 = − = 4.
2(1) 4( 1)

Min. point (3 , 4) 𝑥2 − 6𝑥 + 13 ≡ (𝑥 − 3)2 + 4 .

___________________________________________________________________
(−9) 9 33 33
7. 2𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 + 6 𝑥=− = ∆= (−9)2 − 4(2)(6) = 33. 𝑦=− =−
2(2) 4 4(2) 8

9 33 2
9 2 33
Min. point ( , − ) 2𝑥 − 9𝑥 + 6 ≡ 2 (𝑥 − ) − .
4 8 4 8
___________________________________________________________________
(9) 9
8. − 2𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 − 5 𝑥=− =
2(−2) 4

41 41
∆= (9)2 − 4(−2)(−5) = 81 − 40 = 41 , 𝑦 = − =
4(−2) 8

9 41 2 41 9 2
Max. point ( , ) −2𝑥 + 9𝑥 − 5 ≡ − 2 (𝑥 − ) .
4 8 8 4
Example 3:
Given 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 5 , 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≤ 𝒂,
(a) Find the least possible value of 𝒂 for 𝑓 (𝑥 ) to have an inverse.
(b) Find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ), stating its domain & range.
(c) On the same set of axes, sketch the graphs of 𝑓(𝑥 ) & 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ).

(a) For 𝑓(𝑥 ) to have an inverse, we must restrict

the domain to make it a one – one function.
This can be done by taking the part to the right or
to the left of the axis of symmetry, which is
(−6)
𝑥= − → 𝑥 = 3, for this function, so 𝒂 = 𝟑.
2×1

(b) For the minimum point:

The 𝑥 − 𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒 is 𝑥 = 3. 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑦 = 𝑓(3) = (3)2 − 6(3) + 5 = −4 .
Thus, the minimum point is ( 3 , −4 ) & 𝑓(𝑥 ) = (𝑥 − 3)2 − 4 .
The given domain forces us to take the L.H.S. of the axis of symmetry.
for 𝑓 (𝑥 ) → 𝐷: 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≤ 3 .
𝑅: 𝑓(𝑥 ) ∈ ℛ, 𝑓(𝑥 ) ≥ −4 .
Accordingly, for 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) → 𝐷: 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≥ −4 .
𝑅: 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) ∈ ℛ, 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) ≤ 3 .
To find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ):
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = (𝑥 − 3)2 − 4 → 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 3)2 − 4 → 𝑦 + 4 = (𝑥 − 3)2
(𝑥 − 3)2 = 𝑦 + 4 → 𝑥 − 3 = ±√𝑦 + 4 → 𝑥 = 3 ± √𝑦 + 4 .

So 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = 3 − √𝑥 + 4 𝑜𝑟 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = 3 + √𝑥 + 4 . 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) ≤ 3
Then 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = 3 − √𝑥 + 4
The coordinates of the point of intersection can be found by solving the
Equation 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 → 𝑥2 − 6𝑥 + 5 = 𝑥 → 𝑥2 − 7𝑥 + 5 = 0
7 ± √49−4(1)(5) 7 ± √29
𝑥= = → 𝑥 = 0.807 𝑜𝑟 6.19 ∴ (0.807 , 0.807)
2 2
 the graphs of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) & 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) as shown below.

In the previous example if we take 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 5 , 𝑥 ∈ ℛ , 𝑥 ≥ 3

i.e. take the R.H.S. of the graph of 𝑓(𝑥 ), then the range of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) becomes
𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) ≥ 3 . 𝑇ℎ𝑢𝑠 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = 3 + √𝑥 + 4 .
The graphs of these functions are shown below. Point of intersection (6.19,6.19) .
( 3 , −4 ) ( −4 , 3 ) ( 1 , 0 ) ( 0 , 1 ) ( 5 ,0 ) ( 0 ,5 )
(−4 , 0) (0 , −4) (2 , 0) (0 , 2)
𝒙=𝟏 𝒚=𝟐