Inverse Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Ref. Textbook: Calculus (10th ed.) by Anton, Bivens and Davis

❑ Inverse Functions
If the functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) satisfy the two conditions
𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑥 for every 𝑥 in the domain of 𝑓
𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑥 for every 𝑥 in the domain of 𝑔
then 𝒇 is an inverse of 𝒈 and 𝒈 is an inverse of 𝒇
or 𝒇 and 𝒈 are inverse functions to each other. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟑 + 𝟏

Example. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 + 1 is the inverse of

3
𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 1 as
3 3
𝑓 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 − 1 = ( 𝑥 − 1)3 +1 = 𝑥
3
𝑔 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑔 𝑥3 + 1 = 𝑥3 + 1 − 1 = 𝑥
We can write,
3
𝑓 −1 𝑥 = 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 1
𝑔−1 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 + 1 𝟑
𝒈(𝒙) = 𝒙−𝟏
The graphs of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑦 = 𝑔 𝑥 are
reflections of each other about the line 𝑦 = 𝑥.

Lesson 02: Inverse Functions and Inverse

2/7/2023 1
Trigonometric functions
 Inverse Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Ref. Textbook: Calculus (10th ed.) by Anton, Bivens and Davis

Example. For 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 2 with 𝑥 as the independent variable, find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) and state the
domain and range of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥). Also, graph both 𝑓 𝑥 and 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) in the same coordinate
system.
2 𝑦 2 +2
Solution. We assume that 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 𝑥 −3 ⇒ 𝑦2 = 3𝑥 − 2 ⇒ 𝑥 = 3
𝑥2 + 2
∴ 𝑓 −1 𝑥 = 𝑥2 + 2
3 𝑦=
3
2
Here, Dom 𝑓 = ,∞ and Range 𝑓 = [0, ∞)
3

Therefore, 𝒚 = 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟐

2
Dom 𝑓 −1 = 0, ∞ and Range 𝑓 −1 = ,∞
3

Lesson 02: Inverse Functions and Inverse

2/7/2023 2
Trigonometric functions
 Inverse Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Ref. Textbook: Calculus (10th ed.) by Anton, Bivens and Davis

𝑥
Example. (a) The inverse of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 is 𝑓 −1 𝑥 = 2

(b) The inverse of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 is 𝑓 −1 𝑥 = 𝑥 1/3

𝑥
(a) 𝑦 = 2𝑥 and 𝑦 = 2 are mirror image of (b) 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 1/3 are mirror image
each other with respect to the line 𝑦 = 𝑥. of each other with respect to the line 𝑦 =
𝑥.

Lesson 02: Inverse Functions and Inverse

2/7/2023 3
Trigonometric functions
 Inverse Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Ref. Textbook: Calculus (10th ed.) by Anton, Bivens and Davis

Theorem (The Horizontal Line Test) A function has an inverse function if and only if its graph is cut
at most once by any horizontal line.

Example. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 has no inverse but 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 does.

➢ A horizontal line cuts the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 more ➢ Any horizontal line cuts the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 at
than once, so 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 is not invertible. most once, so 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 is invertible.

Lesson 02: Inverse Functions and Inverse

2/7/2023 4
Trigonometric functions
 Inverse Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Ref. Textbook: Calculus (10th ed.) by Anton, Bivens and Davis

❑ Restricting Domains for Invertibility

Example. Restricted functions 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 , 𝑥 ≥ 0 and g 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 , 𝑥 ≤ 0 pass the horizontal line

test, hence these functions are invertible.

Their inverse functions are 𝑓 −1 𝑥 = 𝑥 and 𝑔−1 𝑥 = − 𝑥.

Lesson 02: Inverse Functions and Inverse

2/7/2023 5
Trigonometric functions
 Inverse Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Ref. Textbook: Calculus (10th ed.) by Anton, Bivens and Davis
❑Inverse Trigonometric Functions (sin−1 𝑥, cos −1 𝑥, tan−1 𝑥, sec −1 𝑥)

Lesson 02: Inverse Functions and Inverse

2/7/2023 6
Trigonometric functions
 Inverse Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Ref. Textbook: Calculus (10th ed.) by Anton, Bivens and Davis

❑Exercise Set 0.4

Lesson 02: Inverse Functions and Inverse

2/7/2023 7
Trigonometric functions