Algebra

Inverse Functions
 Learning Objective
To find the inverse of a function.

Success Criteria
• To understand that the reverse process is the inverse function.
• To find and apply the inverse function.
• To check answers using outputs of the original function.
 Starter
The tables show the inputs and outputs of two functions, f and g.
Can you work out what f (x) and g(x) are and fill in the missing gaps?

f (x) = 3x − 2 g(x) = 5x + 3

x f (x) x g(x)
0 −2 1 8
1 1 4 23
2 4 10 53
3 7 13 68
4 10 15 78
10 28
15 43
 Inverse Functions

The inverse function is the rule that gets you from

the output back to the input.
It is written as f −1(x).
If we look at the function f (x) = 2x + 3, can you
work out what the inverse function might be?
 Inverse Functions
We can start by thinking of the function f (x) = 2x + 3 as a function machine, then
reversing the operations.

x ×2 +3 f (x)

f −1(x) ÷2 −3 x

x−3
So the inverse function is f −1(x) = 2

Check by choosing any input:

f (2) = 2 × 2 + 3 = 7
7−3
f −1(7) = 2 = 2
 Inverse Functions
There is a quicker way to do this than drawing out Take Notes!
a function machine every time.
f (x) = 2x + 3

Step one: Step three:

Start by writing your function in Make y the subject.
terms of y and x. x−3
y= 2
y = 2x + 3
This is your inverse function f −1(x)

Step two: Step four:

Switch the y and the x. Check by choosing an input.
x = 2y + 3 f (1) = 2 × 1 + 3 = 5
x−3
f −1(5) = 2 = 1
 Discuss
Find the inverse function f −1(x), for the function f (x)= 4x − 7

Step one: Step three:

Start by writing your function in Make y the subject.
terms of y and x. x+7
y= 4
y = 4x − 7 x+7
So f −1(x) = 4

Step two: Step four:

Switch the y and the x. Check by choosing an input.
x = 4y – 7 f (1) = 4 × 1 − 7 = −3
−3 + 7
f −1(−3) = 2 = 1
 Discuss
x2 + 2
Find the inverse function f −1(x), for the function f (x)= 5

Step one: Step three:

x2 + 2
y= 5 y = √5x − 2

So f −1(x) = √5x − 2
Step two:
y2 + 2
x= 5 Step four:
12 + 2
f (1) = 5 = 0.6
f −1(x) = √5 × 0.6 − 2 = 1
 Discuss
x+1
Find the inverse function f −1(x), for the function f (x)= x+2

Step one: Step three:

x+1 1 − 2x
y= x+2 y= x−1
1 − 2x
So f −1(x) = x−1
Step two:
y+1
x= y+2 Step four:
1+1
f (1) = 1 + 2= ⅔
−
f −1(⅔) = 1 ⅔− 2(⅔)
−1
= =
⅓
1
−
⅓
 Your Turn
Find the inverse of the following functions:

1. f (x) = 2x + 1
x+3
2. f (x) = 4

3. g(x) = x2

4. g(x) = 3x – 10

5. h(x) = 4(2x + 3)
x+1
6. h(x) = x−1

7. Solve the equation f-1(x) = g(x) for f (x) = 5x + 7 and g(x) = 2

2x − 4
8. Solve the equation f-1(x) = g(x) for f (x) = and
3 g(x) =x+5
 Answers
Find the inverse of the following functions:
x−1
1. f (x) = 2x + 1 f -1(x) = 2

x+3
2. f (x) = 4 f -1(x) = 4x – 3

3. g(x) = x2 g-1(x) = √x
x + 10
4. g(x) = 3x – 10 g-1(x) = 3

x − 12
5. h(x) = 4(2x + 3) h-1(x) = 8

x+1 x+1
6. h(x) = x−1
h-1(x) = x−1

7. Solve the equation f-1(x) = g(x) for f (x) = 5x + 7 and g(x) = 2 x = 17

2x − 4
8. Solve the equation f-1(x) = g(x) for f (x) = and
3 g(x) =x+5 x=6
Extension Answers

3−x
1. f -1(x) = 2

2. g-1(x) = 4(x – 1)

3. The inverse graph is a

reflection in the line y = x.
 Plenary
Can you find a function to convert miles into kilometres?
What is the inverse function?

5
f (x) = 8x

8
f -1(x) = 5x

What about converting temperature in Fahrenheit to temperature in Celsius? What is

the inverse function?

5
f (x) = 9(x – 32)
9
f -1(x) = 5x + 32