LESSON

1.4 Name Class Date

Inverses of Functions 1.4 Inverses of Functions

Essential Question: What is an inverse function, and how do you know it’s an inverse
Common Core Math Standards function?

The student is expected to: Resource

Locker
COMMON Explore Understanding Inverses of Functions
CORE F-BF.B.4
Recall that a relation is any pairing of the elements of one set (the domain) with the elements of a second set (the
Find inverse functions. Also F-BF.B.4b(+) range). The elements of the domain are called inputs, while the elements of the range are called outputs. A function
is a special type of relation that pairs every input with exactly one output. In a one-to-one function, no output is ever
Mathematical Practices used more than once in the function’s pairings. In a many-to-one function, at least one output is used more than once.
COMMON
CORE MP.4 Modeling An inverse relation reverses the pairings of a relation. If a relation pairs an input x with an output y, then the inverse
relation pairs an input y with an output x. The inverse of a function may or may not be another function. If the
inverse of a function ƒ(x) is also a function, it is called the inverse function and is written ƒ -1(x). If the inverse of a
Language Objective function is not a function, then it is simply an inverse relation.
Show or explain what the inverse of the graph of a function would look
like and justify your reasoning to a partner. A The mapping diagrams show a function and its Function Inverse of Function
inverse. Complete the diagram for the inverse of Domain Range Domain Range
the function.
-4 -2 -2 -4
ENGAGE Is the function one-to-one or many-to-one? Explain.
0
1
-3
2
-3
2
0
1

Essential Question: What is an inverse 4 1 1 4

function, and how do you know it’s an The function is one-to-one, because no output is ever used more than once in the
inverse function? function’s pairings.
Possible answer: Given a function f(x) that pairs Is the inverse of the function also a function? Explain.
domain values with range values, the inverse The inverse is a function, because for each input there is only one output.
function f -1(x), if it exists, reverses those pairings.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

(The inverse function exists only when the original B The mapping diagrams show a function and its Function Inverse of Function
inverse. Complete the diagram for the inverse of Domain Range Domain Range
function is one-to-one or has had its domain the function.
restricted so that it becomes one-to-one.) The -4 -2 -2 -4
Is the function one-to-one or many-to-one? Explain.
0 -3 -3 0
composition of f(x) and f -1(x) is just x, and the
1 2 2 1
graphs of f(x) and f -1(x) are reflections across the 4 4
line y = x.
The function is many-to-one, because there are two inputs, 1 and 4, that have the same
output.
PREVIEW: LESSON Is the inverse of the function also a function? Explain.
PERFORMANCE TASK The inverse is not a function, because the input 2 has two different outputs, 1 and 4.
View the Engage section online. Discuss the photo,
asking which would be more helpful and why: to Module 1 ges must
be made throu
gh "File info" 47 Lesson 4
EDIT--Chan

obtain femur length as a function of height, or use the

DO NOT Key=NL-A;CA-A
Correction
Date
Class

Name
Fu nctions
Inverses of
e

HARDCOVER PAGES 3542

it’s an invers
1.4
inverse function to find height as a function of femur
do you know
and how Resource
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is an invers Locker
Quest ion: What
Essential function? 4b(+) ns
inverse functio
ns. Also F-BF.B.
of Functio set (the
COMMON F-BF.B.4 Find ing Inverses elements
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Understand
CORE
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set (the domai of the range are
Explore ts of one elements -one functio
n, no output once.

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g of the elemen , while the output. In a one-to is used more
than
is any pairin n are called inputs one output
a relation exactly one n, at least e
Recall that of the domai every input with to-one functio then the invers
elements output y,

A2_MNLESE385894_U1M01L4.indd 47 19/03/14 2:46 PM

range). The n that pairs gs. In a many- x with an If the
l type of relatiothe function’s pairin an input r function. a
is a specia in relation pairs or may not be anothe inverse of

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reverses the The e function
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An invers y with an it is called Function
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The mappi 0
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or many- 2 4
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 lete the diagra -4 -3
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a function,
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The inver
47

2:47 PM
19/03/14
Module 1

47
L4.indd
4_U1M01
SE38589
A2_MNLE

47 Lesson 1.4
 y
C The graph of the original function in Step A is shown. Note that 4
the graph also shows the dashed line y = x. Write the inverse of the
function as a set of ordered pairs and graph them. 2
y= x EXPLORE
⎧ ⎫
Function: ⎨(-4, -2), (0, -3), (1, 2), (4, 1)⎬ x
⎩ ⎭
Inverse of function:
-4 -2 2 4 Understanding Inverses of Functions
-2
⎧
⎩( )(
⎨ -2 , -4 , -3 , 0 )(2
, , 1 )(1
, , 4 )⎫
⎬
⎭ -4

What do you observe about the graphs of the function and its inverse in
INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY
relationship to the line y = x? Why does this make sense? Students have the option of completing the Explore
The graphs are reflections across the line y = x, which makes sense because the ordered activity either in the book or online.
pairs in a function and its inverse have their x- and y-coordinates reversed.

The composition of two functions ƒ(x) and g(x), written ƒ(g(x)) and read as “f of g of x,” is
D
a new function that uses the output of g(x) as the input of ƒ(x). For example, consider the
AVOID COMMON ERRORS
functions f and g with the following rules. Students often read f -1(x) as raising a function to
ƒ: Add 1 to an input. g: Double an input. the -1 power. Stress that in this notation -1 is not
Notice that g(1) = 2(1) = 2. So, ƒ(g(1)) = ƒ(2) = 2 + 1 = 3. an exponent, even though it is written as a
You can also find g(ƒ(x)). Notice that ƒ(1) = 1 + 1 = 2. So, g(ƒ(1)) = g(2) = 2(2) = 4. superscript.
For these two functions, you can see that ƒ(g(1)) ≠ g(ƒ(1)).
f(x) f -1(x)
Domain Range Domain Range
You can compose a function and its inverse. For instance,
the mapping diagram shown illustrates ƒ -1(ƒ(x)) where
-4 -2 -4
QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
ƒ(x) is the original function from Step A and ƒ -1(x) is
its inverse. Notice that the range of ƒ(x) serves as the
0 -3 0 What must be true about a function if its
1 2 1
domain of ƒ -1(x). Complete the diagram. What do you inverse is not a function? The function must
notice about the outputs of ƒ -1(ƒ(x))? Explain why 4 1 4
this makes sense. pair at least two inputs with the same output.
The outputs of f -1(f(x)) exactly match the inputs of f -1(f(x)). That is, f -1(f(x)) = x. The

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

function takes each input and assigns it to an output. The inverse takes that output as an
input, and assigns it back to the original function’s input. So, the composition takes an
input, assigns it to an output, and then assigns it back to the original input.

Reflect

1. What is the relationship between the domain and range of a relation and its inverse?
The range of the original relation is the domain of the inverse relation, and the range of
the inverse relation is the domain of the original relation.

2. Discussion In Step D, you saw that for inverse functions, ƒ -1(ƒ(x)) = x. What do you
expect ƒ(ƒ -1(x)) to equal? Explain.
It will also equal x. The function f -1(x) maps the output of f(x) back to its input,
so f(f -1(x)) will then map that input back to the input of f -1(x).

Module 1 48 Lesson 4

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
A2_MNLESE385894_U1M01L4 48 6/8/15 11:52 AM

Math Background
A relation is a mapping of the elements of one set of numbers to the elements of
another set, which produces a set of ordered pairs. A relation is a function if, for
every input, there is exactly one output. The graph of a relation is a function if it
passes the vertical line test, that is, if every possible vertical line drawn through
the graph intersects it at no more than one point.
A function takes an input, applies a rule, and produces an output. The inverse of
that function will use that output as its input and apply a rule to give the input of
the original function as its output.

Inverses of Function 48
 Explain 1 Finding the Inverse of a Linear Function
EXPLAIN 1 Every linear function ƒ(x) = mx + b where m ≠ 0 is a one-to-one function. So, its inverse is also a function.
To find the inverse function, use the fact that inverse functions undo each other’s pairings.

Finding the Inverse of a Linear To find the inverse of a function ƒ(x):

Function 1. Substitute y for ƒ(x).

2. Solve for x in terms of y.
QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
3. Switch x and y (since the inverse switches inputs and outputs).
A linear function takes each real number, 4. Replace y with ƒ -1(x).
multiplies it by 2 and subtracts 4. What does
To check your work and verify that the functions are inverses, show that ƒ(ƒ -1(x)) = x and that ƒ -1(ƒ(x)) = x.
the inverse of this function do to its input
values? The inverse function adds 4 to each input Example 1 Find the inverse function ƒ -1(x) for the given function ƒ(x). Use composition to
verify that the functions are inverses. Then graph the function and its inverse.
value, and divides the result by 2.
 ƒ(x) = 3x + 4 y y= x
4
Replace ƒ(x) with y. y = 3x + 4 f(x)
INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL 2
y - 4 = 3x
PRACTICES Solve for x.
y- 4
x
_ =x -4 -2 2 4
Focus on Reasoning 3
x- 4 -2 f -1(x)
Interchange x and y. y=_
MP.2 Encourage students always to test an 3
x-4 _ -4
Replace y with ƒ -1(x). ƒ -1(x) =
inverse function using the fact that if ƒ(a) = b, then 3
Check: Verify that ƒ -1(ƒ(x)) = x and ƒ(ƒ -1(x)) = x.
ƒ -1(b) = a.
(3x + 4) - 4 __
ƒ -1(ƒ(x)) = ƒ -1(3x + 4) = __________
3
= 3x
3
=x

(
ƒ(ƒ -1(x)) = ƒ _____
x-4
3
x-4
) (
= 3 _____
3 )
+ 4 = (x - 4) + 4 = x
QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
 ƒ(x) = 2x - 2 y
If the graph of a linear function and its inverse 4
f(x)
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Replace ƒ(x) with y. y = 2x - 2

function are parallel, what must be true about 2 f -1(x)
Solve for x. y +2 = 2x
the slopes of the graphs of the two functions? x
y+2
_ -4 -2 2 4
Explain. The slope of each graph must be 1. These =x
2
x +2 -2
graphs will be parallel to the line y = x, whose slope Interchange x and y. y = _____
2
y= x
x+2 -4
is also 1. Replace y with ƒ -1(x). =_ f -1(x)
2
Check: Verify that ƒ -1(ƒ(x)) = x and ƒ (ƒ -1(x)) = x.

(
ƒ -1(ƒ(x)) = ƒ -1 2x - 2 ) (2x - 2) + 2
= __ = _ =
2
2x
2
x

ƒ (ƒ -1(x)) = ƒ ( x +2
_____
2 ) x+2
(
= 2 _ - 2 = x+2
2 ) ( )-2= x

Module 1 49 Lesson 4

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
A2_MNLESE385894_U1M01L4 49 10/17/14 2:59 PM

Small Group Activity

Have students work in small groups. Have each group create a poster illustrating
how inverse functions undo each other. Have them choose a function, and design
an illustration that shows how the input and output values of the function and its
inverse are related. Have groups share their posters with the class.

49 Lesson 1.4
 Reflect

3. What is the significance of the point where the graph of a linear function and its inverse intersect?
The lines intersect on the line y = x, which is where the value of the function and its
EXPLAIN 2
inverse are the same. Modeling with the Inverse of a Linear
4. The graph of a constant function ƒ(x) = c for any constant c is a horizontal line through the point (0, c). Function
Does a constant function have an inverse? Does it have an inverse function? Explain.
A constant function has an inverse, but not an inverse function. Its inverse is the vertical
line through (c, 0) . But because a constant function assigns every input to the same INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL
output, it is a many-to-one function, and its inverse is not a function. PRACTICES
Focus on Math Connections
Your Turn
MP.1 Inverses may also be thought of as a pair of
Find the inverse function f -1(x) for the given function ƒ(x). Use composition to verify
that the functions are inverses. Then graph the function and its inverse. relations that switch the role of the dependent and
independent variables. The dependent variable
5. ƒ(x) = -2x + 3 Replace f(x) with y, then solve for x. y y= x
4 becomes the independent variable, and vice versa.
f(x) = -2x + 3
f -1(x) 2
y = -2x + 3 x
-y +3
_
2
=x -4 -2 2 4 QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
-2
Switch x and y, then replace y with f -1(x). f(x) How can you use the graph of a linear
_
-x + 3
=y f -1(x) = _
-x + 3 -4
2 2 function that models a real-world situation to
write the rule for the inverse of the function? You
Explain 2 Modeling with the Inverse of a Linear Function can reflect the graph across the line y = x, identify
the slope and the y-intercept of the image, and
In a model for a real-world situation, the variables have specific real-world meanings. For example, the distance d
(in miles) traveled in time t (in hours) at a constant speed of 60 miles per hour is d = 60t. Writing this in function substitute into the equation f(x) = mx + b.
notation as d(t) = 60t emphasizes that this equation describes distance as a function of time.

You can find the inverse function for d = 60t by solving for the independent variable t in terms of the dependent © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
d d
variable d. This gives the equation t = __ . Writing this in function notation as t(d) = __
60 60
emphasizes that this
equation describes time as a function of distance. Because the meanings of the variables can’t be interchanged, you do INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY
not switch them at the end as you would switch x and y when working with purely mathematical functions. As you
work with real-world models, you may have to restrict the domain and range. Students can use the table feature on a
graphing calculator to observe that if (x, y) is a
point on the graph of the original function, (y, x) is a
point on the graph of the inverse function.

Module 1 50 Lesson 4

DIFFERENTIATE INSTRUCTION
A2_MNLESE385894_U1M01L4.indd 50 19/03/14 2:46 PM

Visual Cues
Visual learners may benefit from folding their papers over the line y = x. This will
enable them to see that ƒ(x) and ƒ -1(x) are reflections of each other over that line.

Inverses of Function 50
 Example 2 For the given function, state the domain of the inverse function using set
CONNECT VOCABULARY notation. Then find an equation for the inverse function, and graph it.
Interpret the meaning of the inverse function.
Show students examples of functions presented as The equation C = 3.5g gives the cost C (in dollars) as a function

input/output tables and as graphs, and have them of the number of gallons of gasoline g when the price is $3.50 per
gallon.
explain why each function does or does not have an
inverse function. Provide some terms and sentence The domain of the function C = 3.5g is restricted to nonnegative
numbers to make real-world sense, so the range of the function
stems that they can use to explain their reasoning, also consists of nonnegative numbers. This means that the
such as: “I know this function (will/will not) have an domain of the inverse function is {C ⎪C ≥ 0}
inverse because (it is a one-to-one; it is a many to one; Solve the given equation for g to find the inverse function. g
there is one x value for every y value, etc.).” They 9
Write the equation. C = 3.5g 8
should write their explanations using the terms and _C =g 7
Divide both sides by 3.5. 6

Gas (gal)
sentence stems, and then read their explanations 3.5
C. 5
So, the inverse function is g = _
aloud. 3.5 4
3
Graph the inverse function.
2
The inverse function gives the number of gallons of gasoline as a 1
C
function of the cost (in dollars) when the price of gas is $3.50 per 0
6 12 18 24
gallon.
Cost (dollars)

 A car’s gas tank, which can hold 14 gallons of gas, contains t

4 gallons of gas when the driver stops at a gas station to fill the
4
tank. The gas pump dispenses gas at a rate of 5 gallons per minute.
The equation g = 5t + 4 gives the number of gallons of gasoline g 3

Time (min)
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ∙ Image Credits: ©Radius

in the tank as a function of the pumping time t(in minutes).

2
The range of the function g = 5t + 4 is the number of gallons
4 14 1
of gas in the tank, which varies from gallons to
g
gallons. So, the domain of the inverse function 0
4 8 12 16
⎧
is ⎨g
⎩ ⎜ 4 ≤ g≤ 14 ⎬.
⎫
⎭
Gas (gal)

Solve the given equation for g to find the inverse function.

Write the equation. g= 5 t+ 4

g-4
Solve for t. _=t
Images/Corbis

So, the inverse function is t =

g -4
____ .
5
Graph the inverse function.

The inverse function gives the pumping time (in minutes) as a

function of the amount of gas in the tank (in gallons) .

Module 1 51 Lesson 4

LANGUAGE SUPPORT
A2_MNLESE385894_U1M01L4.indd 51 5/29/14 9:11 PM

Communicate Math
Have students work in pairs. Instruct one student to choose a graph of a function
and ask the partner to sketch what the inverse of the graph would look like. Once
the partner completes the sketch, the first student asks, “How do you know?” They
then switch roles and repeat the process with a different graph. Encourage the
pairs to use terms such as reflection, inverse, function, y = x.

51 Lesson 1.4
 Your Turn

For the given function, determine the domain of the inverse function. Then find an
equation for the inverse function, and graph it. Interpret the meaning of the inverse
ELABORATE
function.

6. A municipal swimming pool containing 600,000 gallons of water t

PEER-TO-PEER DISCUSSION
is drained. The amount of water w (in thousands of gallons) 40 Ask students to discuss with a partner what must be
remaining in the pool at time t (in hours) after the draining begins

Time draining (h)

is w = 600 - 20t. 30 true about the graph of a function in order for the
The range of w = 600 - 20t is {w|0 ≤ w ≤ 600}. This is the inverse to be a function. The graph must pass a
20
domain of the inverse function. Solve the given equation
horizontal line test. That is, no two points of the
for t to find the inverse function. 10
w = 600 − 20 t graph can lie on the same horizontal line.
w
______
w − 600
=t 0
200 400 600 800
−20
−_ 1 w + 30 = t Water (thousands of gallons)
20 QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
The inverse function gives the time (in hours) the pool
has been draining as a function of the amount of water If you find the inverse of the inverse of a
(in thousands of gallons) remaining in the pool.
function, will it necessarily be a function?
Explain. Yes. The inverse of the inverse of a function
Elaborate is the original function.
7. What must be true about a function for its inverse to be a function?
The function must be one-to-one.
SUMMARIZE THE LESSON
8. A function rule indicates the operations to perform on an input to produce an output. What is the
relationship between these operations and the operations indicated by the inverse function? How do you find the inverse of a function,
The inverse function undoes the operations of the original function. It performs the
and how is the original function related to its
inverse operation of each original operation, and in the reverse order.
inverse? To find the inverse of a function, replace
9. How can you use composition to verify that two functions f(x) and g(x) are inverse functions? f(x) with y, solve for x, and then switch x and y. The
Find f(g(x)) and g(f(x)). If f(g(x)) = x and g(f(x)) = x, then f(x) and g(x) are inverse
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
output of a function is the input of the inverse
functions.
function. The output of the inverse function is the
10. Describe a real-world situation modeled by a linear function for which it makes sense to find an inverse input of the function. Because the coordinates of
function. Give an example of how the inverse function might also be useful.
Sample answer: Grapes are $1.80 per pound at the grocery store. The equation C = 1.8w the ordered pairs are reversed, the graphs of the
gives the cost C (in dollars) for grapes with a weight w (in pounds). The inverse function is
function and the inverse function are reflections
across the line y = x.
w = ___
C
1.8
. It gives the weight of the grapes purchased as a function of their cost. You could
use the inverse, for example, to find what weight of grapes you could buy for $5.

11. Essential Question Check-In What is an inverse relation?

It is a relation that reverses all the pairings of some other relation. If a relation pairs an
input x with an output y, then the inverse relation pairs an input y with an output x.

Module 1 52 Lesson 4

A2_MNLESE385894_U1M01L4 52 6/8/15 11:52 AM

Inverses of Function 52
EVALUATE Evaluate: Homework and Practice
• Online Homework
The mapping diagrams show a function and its inverse. Complete the diagram • Hints and Help
for the inverse of the function. Then tell whether the inverse is a function, and • Extra Practice
explain your reasoning.
1. Function Inverse of Function 2. Function Inverse of Function
Domain Range Domain Range Domain Range Domain Range

16 18 18 16 -5 -5
ASSIGNMENT GUIDE 33 31 31 33 -3 1 1 -3
12 48 48 12 -1 3 3 -1
Concepts and Skills Practice
38 6 6 38 1 9 9 1
Explore Exercises 1–4 18 40 40 18 3 3
Understanding Inverses of Functions
The inverse is a function, because for The inverse is not a function, because the inputs
Example 1 Exercises 5–10 each input there is only one output. 1 and 9 each have two different outputs.
Finding the Inverse of a Linear
Function Write the inverse of the given function as a set of ordered pairs and then graph the
inverse on the coordinate plane.
y y=x
Example 2 Exercises 11–12 3. Function:
4
Modeling with the Inverse of a
{(-4, -3), (-2, -4), (0, -2), (1, 0), (2, 3)} 2
Linear Function
x
Inverse of function:
-4 -2 2 4
{(-3, -4), (-4, -2), (-2, 0), (0, 1), (3, 2)} -2
AVOID COMMON ERRORS -4
Some students may have difficulty reflecting points in
y
the line y = x. For these students, you may want to 4. Function:
4
{(-3, -4), (-2, -3), (-1, 2), (1, 2), (2, 4), (3, 4)}
review the concept of reflection, and encourage them y=x
2
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Inverse of function:
to use tracing paper, to fold paper, or to use a x
{(-4, -3), (-3, -2), (2, -1), (2, 1), (4, 2), (4, 3)} -4 -2
reflecting tool to correctly draw the reflection. 2 4
-2

-4

QUESTIONING STRATEGIES Find the inverse function ƒ -1(x) for the given function ƒ(x).
5. ƒ(x) = 4x - 8 6. ƒ(x) = _x
When finding the inverse of a function, why 3
Replace f(x) with y, then solve for x. Replace f(x) with y, then solve for x.
do you need to switch x and y after solving the x _
y = 4x - 8 y=
equation for x? because the y-values of the original y + 8 = 4x
3
3y = x
function become the x-values in the inverse, and _
y+8
=x Switch x and y, then replace y with f -1(x).
vice-versa 4
Switch x and y, then replace y with f -1(x). f -1(x) = 3x
f -1(x) =
x+8_
4
Module 1 53 Lesson 4

COMMON
A2_MNLESE385894_U1M01L4.indd 53
Exercise Depth of Knowledge (D.O.K.) CORE Mathematical Practices 19/03/14 2:45 PM

1–4 1 Recall of Information MP.2 Reasoning

5–8 2 Skills/Concepts MP.5 Using Tools
9–10 2 Skills/Concepts MP.4 Modeling
11–12 2 Skills/Concepts MP.1 Problem Solving
13–15 2 Skills/Concepts MP.2 Reasoning
16–17 3 Strategic Thinking MP.6 Precision
18 3 Strategic Thinking MP.4 Modeling

53 Lesson 1.4
 x+1
7. ƒ(x) = _ 8. ƒ(x) = -0.75x
6
Replace f(x) with y, then solve for x. Replace f(x) with y, then solve for x. VISUAL CUES
y=
x+1 _ y = -0.75x It may be useful to note that when you are graphing
6
y=- x
3 _ an inverse, the y-intercepts of the original function
6y = x + 1 4
4_
- y=x become the x-intercepts of the inverse and vice-versa.
6y - 1 = x 3
Switch x and y, then replace y with f -1(x).
So if you are graphing a line, it is easy to quickly
Switch x and y, then replace y with f -1(x).
f -1(x) = 6x - 1
_
4
f -1(x) = - x
establish the two points necessary to determine the
3
inverse.
Find the inverse function ƒ -1(x) for the given function ƒ(x). Use composition to
verify that the functions are inverses. Then graph the function and its inverse.

9. ƒ(x) = -3x + 3 y y= x
4
Replace f(x) with y, then solve for x. -1
f (x) f(x)
2
y = -3x + 3
x
y - 3 = -3x -4 -2 2 4
_y-3
=x -2
-3
_
-1y + 1 = x -4
3
Switch x and y, then replace y with f -1(x).
_
f -1(x) = - 1 x + 1
3
Check: Verify that f -1(f(x)) = x and f(f -1(x)) = x.
_
f -1(f(x)) = f -1(-3x + 3) = - 1 (-3x + 3) + 1 = (x - 1) + 1 = x
3

( _ ) ( _ )
f (f -1(x)) = f - 1 x + 1 = -3 - 1 x + 1 + 3 = (x - 3) + 3 = x
3 3
2x - 2
10. ƒ(x) = _ y
5 y= x
4

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Replace f(x) with y, then solve for x.
f -1(x) 2
2
y= x-2 _ x
5
y+2= x
2 _ -4 -2 2 4
5
_5
(y + 2 ) = x
-2 f(x)
2
-4
_ 5
y+5=x
2
Switch x and y, then replace y with f -1(x).
5
f -1(x) = x + 5 _
2
Check: Verify that f -1(f(x)) = x and f(f -1(x)) = x.
2
5 (_ ) _(_ )
f -1(f(x)) = f -1 x - 2 = 5 x - 2 + 5 = (x - 5) + 5 = x
2 5
2

(_
5
2 5 2) _(_ )
f(f -1(x)) = f x + 5 = 2 x + 5 - 2 = (x + 2) - 2 = x
5

Module 1 54 Lesson 4

A2_MNLESE385894_U1M01L4.indd 54 19/03/14 2:45 PM

Inverses of Function 54
 For the given function, determine the domain of the inverse function. Then find
an equation for the inverse function, and graph it. Interpret the meaning of the
COMMUNICATING MATH inverse function.
Ask students to discuss what is meant by the 11. Geometry The equation A = __12 (20)h gives the area A (in square h
statement “Inverse functions undo each other.” Have inches) of a triangle with a base of 20 inches as a function of its
16
height h (in inches).
them use examples to illustrate their explanations. _
1

Height (in.)
The domain of the function A = (20)h is restricted 12
2
to nonnegative numbers to make real-world sense, so
8
the range of the function also consists of nonnegative
numbers. This means that the domain of the inverse 4

function is {A|A ≥ 0}. A

0
1_
A = (20)h
40 80 120 160
2 Area (in2)
A = 10h
_
A
=h
10
So, the inverse function is h =
A
. _
10
The inverse function gives the height (in inches) of a triangle with a base
of 20 inches as a function of the area (in square inches) of the triangle.

12. The label on a gallon of paint says that it will cover from 250 square feet
to 450 square feet depending on the surface that is being painted.
A painter has 12 gallons of paint on hand. The equation A = 12c gives
the area A (in square feet) that the 12 gallons of paint will cover if applied
at a coverage rate c (in square feet per gallon).
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ∙ Image Credits: ©Royalty-

The domain for the function A = 12c is {c| 250 ≤ c ≤ 450}.

The range for the function varies from a minimum area
of 12(250) = 3000 square feet to a maximum area of
12(450) = 5400 square feet, so the domain of the inverse
c
function is {A|3000 ≤ A ≤ 5400}.

Coverage rate (ft2/gal)

400
Solve the given equation for c to find the inverse function.
300
A = 12c
_
A
=c
200
12
So, the inverse function is c =
A
._ 100
12 A
Free/Corbis

The inverse function gives the coverage rate (in square feet 0
1200 2400 3600 4800
per gallon) at which 12 gallons of paint must be applied as Area (ft2)

a function of the area covered (in square feet).

Module 1 55 Lesson 4

A2_MNLESE385894_U1M01L4.indd 55 19/03/14 2:45 PM

55 Lesson 1.4
 The graph of a function is given. Tell whether the function’s inverse is a function,
and explain your reasoning. If the inverse is not a function, tell how can you
restrict the domain of the function so that its inverse is a function. INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL
13. The function’s inverse is not a function, because PRACTICES
y the function is many-to-one. If the domain is Focus on Reasoning
4 restricted to {x|x ≤ 0}, {x|x ≥ 0}, or some subset
of these sets, the function becomes one-to-one, MP.2 Students should compare the function and
f(x) and the inverse is a function.
the inverse function that they write for each real-
2
x
world situation, verifying that the two rules utilize
-4 -2 0 2 4
inverse operations. Students should check to ensure
-2 that when the inverse function is evaluated for a
particular value, the result is the input associated
-4 with that value from the original function.

14. The function’s inverse is a function, because

y
4 the function is one-to-one.
f(x)
2
x
-4 -2 0 2 4
-2

-4

15. Multiple Response Identify the domain intervals over which y

6
the inverse of the graphed function is also a function.
Select all that apply.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
4
A. [4, + ∞) D. (-∞, + ∞) G. (4, 8)
2
B. (0, + ∞) E. (-∞, 4] H. (8, + ∞)
-4 -2 0 2 4 6 8x
C. [-4, + ∞) F. (-∞, 4) I. (0, 8]
-2
The solutions are any intervals in the domain of the
function for which each range value is paired with -4
only one domain value. So, the correct choices are
-6
A, B, F, G and H.

Module 1 56 Lesson 4

A2_MNLESE385894_U1M01L4 56 5/14/14 3:35 PM

Inverses of Function 56
JOURNAL IH.O.T. Focus on Higher Order Thinking

Have students describe a real-world situation in 16. Draw Conclusions Identify all linear functions that are their own inverse.

which it would be useful to find an inverse in order to The line y = x is its own inverse. Also, any line that is perpendicular to the line y = x is its
answer a question. own inverse, since it will be its own reflection across that line. So, any linear function of the
form y = -x + b where b is a real number is its own inverse.

17. Make a Conjecture Among linear functions (excluding constant functions), quadratic functions,
absolute value functions, and exponential functions, which types of function do you have to restrict the
domain for the inverse to be a function? Explain.

You have to restrict the domains of quadratic functions and absolute value functions,
because these functions are many-to-one functions. For instance, the quadratic function
f(x) = x 2 pairs both -2 and 2 with 4, and the absolute value function f(x) = ⎜x⎟ pairs
both -2 and 2 with 2. On the other hand, linear functions (excluding constant functions)
and exponential functions are one-to-one functions, so their domains do not need to be
restricted.

18. Find the Error A student was asked to find the inverse of ƒ(x) = 2x + 1. The student’s work is shown.
Explain why the student is incorrect and what the student should have done to get the correct answer.

The function ƒ(x) = 2x + 1 involves two operations: multiplying by 2 and adding 1.

The inverse operations are dividing by 2 and subtracting 1. So, the inverse function is
ƒ -1(x) = __2x - 1.

Composing the original function and what the student thinks is the inverse gives this result:
f -1(f(x)) = _
2x + 1
2
-1= x+ (
1
2
_)
-1=x-
1
2
_
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

f(f -1(x)) = 2(_ )

x
2
- 1 + 1 = (x - 2) + 1 = x - 1

Since f -1(f(x)) ≠ x and f(f -1(x)) ≠ x, the student’s function is not the inverse function.
To find the actual inverse function, the student should have recognized that not only
does the inverse function use the inverse operations but also applies them in the reverse
order. Since the original function multiplies by 2 first and then adds 1, the inverse function
should subtract 1 first and then divide by 2. So, the inverse function is f -1(x) =
x-1 _
, or
2
1_
f -1(x) = x - .
1 _
2 2

Module 1 57 Lesson 4

A2_MNLESE385894_U1M01L4.indd 57 19/03/14 2:45 PM

57 Lesson 1.4
 Lesson Performance Task CONNECT VOCABULARY
Some students may not be familiar with the term
In an anatomy class, a student measures the femur of an adult male and finds the length of
the femur to be 50.0 cm. The student is then asked to estimate the height of the male that the
femur mentioned in this problem. Show students a
femur came from. diagram of a human skeleton. Explain that the femur
The table shows the femur lengths and heights of some adult males and females. Using a is the only bone in the thigh and it is the longest,
graphing calculator, perform linear regression on the data to obtain femur length as a function
of height (one function for adult males, one for adult females). Then find the inverse of each heaviest, and strongest bone in the human body.
function. Use the appropriate inverse function to find the height of the adult male and explain
how the inverse functions would be helpful to a forensic scientist.

Femur Length (cm) 30 38 46 54 62 INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL

Male Height (cm) 138 153 168 183 198 PRACTICES
Female Height (cm) 132 147 163 179 194 Focus on Critical Thinking
MP.3 Discuss with students whether or not this
A graphing calculator gives the regression equation for an adult male as
data set is suitable for representation by a linear
f = 0.533h m - 43.6 where h m is male height (in centimeters) and f is femur
regression model. Ask them to tell how they might go
length (in centimeters).
about determining the best type of regression model
Find the inverse function.
to use for this particular set of data.
f + 43.6 = 0.533h m
_
f + 43.6
=h m
0.533
So, the inverse function is h m = ______ AVOID COMMON ERRORS
f + 43.6
0.533
.
A graphing calculator gives the regression equation for an adult female as Students may not divide the entire expression
f = 0.513h f - 37.6 where h f is female height (in centimeters) and f is femur f + 43.6 by 0.533. Have students tell the order of the
length (in centimeters). operations in the function (multiply, then subtract)
and then tell the reverse of these operations (add,
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
Find the inverse function.
f + 37.6 = 0.513h f then divide). Since f + 43.6 cannot be simplified
_
f + 37.6
= hf before dividing, have students put parentheses
0.513
So, the inverse function is h f = _
f + 37.6
. around the expression before dividing by 0.533:
0.513
(f + 43.6)
Evaluate the inverse function for an adult male when f = 50.0. h m = _______
0.533
.
h m = ________ = ____
50.0 + 43.6
93.6
0.533 0.533
≈ 175.6
So, the male’s height should be approximately 176 cm.
There are several ways this technique could be helpful to a forensic scientist.
A forensic scientist could estimate the height of the individual and that would
eliminate a portion of the missing persons files that need to be considered.

Module 1 58 Lesson 4

EXTENSION ACTIVITY
A2_MNLESE385894_U1M01L4.indd 58 19/03/14 2:45 PM

Have students measure the femur lengths (cm) and heights (cm) of 5 male
students and record the data in a table. Then have students answer the questions
in the Performance Task using their data instead of the data given. Have students
explain how their results are similar or different from those found in the
Performance Task, and also to note the reasons why the measurements cannot be
as accurate. Discuss how technology such as an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI, could be
Scoring Rubric
used to improve accuracy. 2 points: Student correctly solves the problem and explains his/her reasoning.
1 point: Student shows good understanding of the problem but does not fully
solve or explain his/her reasoning.
0 points: Student does not demonstrate understanding of the problem.

Inverses of Function 58