How to find inverse function on a graph

A feature of a pair of inverse function is that their ordered pairs are reversed. For example f(x)=2x+1 and its inverse function, f−1(x)=x−12, have the following ordered pairs:

f(x) = 2x + 1:      (0, 1), (1, 3), (2, 5), (3, 7)

f−1(x)=x−12 :      (1, 0), (3, 1), (2, 5), (7, 3)

When graphed the functions will be a reflection of the other over the line y = x as shown below.

GRAPHS OF INVERSE FUNCTIONS:

Inverse functions have graphs that are reflections over the line y = x and thus have reversed ordered pairs.

Let's use this characteristic to identify inverse functions by their graphs.

GUIDELINES FOR FINDING IDENTIFYING INVERSE FUNCTIONS BY THEIR GRAPHS:

1. Sketch both graphs on the same coordinate grid.

2. Draw the line y = x and look for symmetry.

a. If no symmetry is apparent, the functions are not inverse functions.
b. If symmetry is apparent, go to Step 3 to verify.

3. Compare the coordinates of at least four points to determine if they are reversed. If so the functions are inverses.

Example 1: Sketch the graphs of f(x) = 2x2 and g(x)=x2 for x≥0 and determine if they are inverse functions.

Step 1: Sketch both graphs on the same coordinate grid.
Step 2: Draw line y = x and look for symmetry. If symmetry is not noticeable, functions are not inverses. If symmetry is noticeable double check with Step 3. In this case symmetry is apparent so proceed to Step 3.	y = x
Step 3: Compare the coordinates of at least four points to see if the coordinates are reversed. Since the four points selected show that the coordinates of f(x) are inverses of the coordinates of g(x) the functions are inverse functions.

Example 2: Sketch the graphs of f(x) = 3x2 - 1 and g(x)=x+13 for x≥0 and determine if they are inverse functions.

Step 1: Sketch both graphs on the same coordinate grid.
Step 2: Draw line y = x and look for symmetry. If symmetry is not noticeable, functions are not inverses. If symmetry is noticeable double check with Step 3. In this case symmetry is apparent so proceed to Step 3.	y = x
Step 3: Compare the coordinates of at least four points to see is the coordinates are reversed. Since the four points selected show that the coordinates of f(x) are NOT inverses of the coordinates of g(x) the functions are NOT inverse functions. A closer look at the y = x line will reveal that it is a little of center.

Definition of "Inverse" / Inverting from a Graph

Purplemath

Your textbook's coverage of inverse functions probably came in two parts. The first part had lots of curly-braces and lists of points; the second part has lots of "y=" or "f(x)=" functions that you have to find the inverses for, if possible.

The first part (with the sets of points) will show up in your homework and maybe on a test; the second part (with the equations) will definitely show up on your test, and you might even use it in later classes.

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What is the inverse of a relation?

The inverse of a relation has all the same points as the original relation, except that the x's and y's have been reversed. To find ("create"?) the inverse for a given relation, that's all you do: you reverse the x's and y's.

For instance, supposing your relation is made up of these points:

{ (1, 0), (−3, 5), (0, 4) }

Then the inverse of the relation is given by this set of points:

{ (0, 1), (5, −3), (4, 0) }

(Note that the order of the points doesn't matter; you can rearrange the points so the x's are "in order", or not. It's your choice.)

Your textbook started off with relations, but quickly turned to functions. Keep in mind the difference between these two. A relation is just a pairing of information; a function is a well-behaved relation. In particular, a function passes the Vertical Line Test, which confirms that no one x-value goes to more than one y-value; no vertical line will cross a function's graph more than once. (With a relation, on the other hand, all bets are off.)

When they've started you off with a function, which is a well-behaved relation, the question then becomes, "Is the inverse also a function? Is the inverse also well-behaved?"

Using the set of points from above, the relation we started with, above, graphs like this:

You know that this is a function (and you can check quickly by using the Vertical Line Test): there are no two distinct points that share the same x-value. The inverse graph is the blue dots below:

Since the blue dots (the points of the inverse) don't have any two points sharing an x-value, this inverse is also a function.

You can use the Mathway widget below to practice finding the inverse of relations consisting of sets of points. Try the entered exercise, or type in your own exercise. Then click the button and select "Find the Relation Inverse" to compare your answer to Mathway's. (Or skip the widget and continue with the lesson.)

(Click "Tap to view steps" to be taken directly to the Mathway site for a paid upgrade.)

How do you find the inverse from a graph?

Your textbook probably went on at length about how the inverse is "a reflection in the line y = x". What it was trying to say was that you could take your function, draw the line y = x (which is the diagonal line from the bottom-left to the top-right), put a two-sided mirror on this line, and you could "see" the inverse reflected in the mirror. Practically speaking, this "reflection" property can help you draw the inverse:

Draw the points and the reflection line:

Reflect the points across the line:

You can see on this last picture that there is a definite graphical relationship between the points of the function and the points of the inverse. You can use this relationship if you're given a random graph and are told to graph the inverse.

Suppose you are given this graph:

Note that I have NOT told you what the function is!

Now draw the reflection line:

(It would be a good idea to use a ruler for this; you'll want to be neat!).

Now eyeball the graph, and draw the diagonals from known points on the graph to their "reflections" on the other side of the line:

Note that the points actually ON the line y = x don't move; that is, where the function crosses the diagonal, the inverse will cross the diagonal, too.

Now draw in some plot-points:

...and connect the dots:

Without ever knowing what the rule or formula for the original function (the blue line), you can draw the inverse (the purple line).

URL: https://www.purplemath.com/modules/invrsfcn.htm

Whats an inverse on a graph?