Inverse Function: Condition for f^(-1) and Example

In summary, the condition for the inverse function, f^(-1), to exist is that the function f must be one-one. However, there are cases where the inverse function exists without satisfying this condition, but it may not be a function itself. Additionally, the function f is not always a function, but a number in its codomain, and whether or not it has an inverse depends on its domain and codomain.
  • #1
thereddevils
438
0
The condition for the inverse function, f^(-1) to happen is function , f is one-one .

S0 consider this function , f(x)=x^2-5 , which is NOT a one-one function , and

f^(-1)=y

x=f(y)

x=y^2-5

y^2=x+5

[tex]f^{-1}(x)=\pm\sqrt{x+5}[/tex]

Seems that the inverse function of f exists without satisfying that condition .
 
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  • #2
That inverse function you found is not even a function. For every x there are two values of y. For it to be a function there can only be one value of y for every x.

Secondly f(x) in general is not a function, but just a number in its codomain. Your function f is given by [itex]f:A\rightarrow B, f(x)=x^2-5[/itex]. With A its domain and B its codomain. Depending on A and B f can have an inverse.

example:

[tex]
f:[0,1] \rightarrow [-5,-4]; f(x)=x^2-5
[/tex]

this function has an inverse.

[tex]
f:[-1,1] \rightarrow [-5,-4]; f(x)=x^2-5
[/tex]

this one does not.
 
  • #3
Cyosis said:
That inverse function you found is not even a function. For every x there are two values of y. For it to be a function there can only be one value of y for every x.

Secondly f(x) in general is not a function, but just a number in its codomain. Your function f is given by [itex]f:A\rightarrow B, f(x)=x^2-5[/itex]. With A its domain and B its codomain. Depending on A and B f can have an inverse.

example:

[tex]
f:[0,1] \rightarrow [-5,-4]; f(x)=x^2-5
[/tex]

this function has an inverse.

[tex]
f:[-1,1] \rightarrow [-5,-4]; f(x)=x^2-5
[/tex]

this one does not.


thanks ! I just realized it can have inverse when its broken into half .
 

FAQ: Inverse Function: Condition for f^(-1) and Example

What is an inverse function?

An inverse function is a function that "undoes" another function and returns the original input. In other words, if f(x) is a function, then its inverse, denoted as f^-1(x), will return the input x that produces the output of f(x).

What is the condition for a function to have an inverse?

A function must be one-to-one, meaning that each input has a unique output, in order to have an inverse. This is also known as being "invertible". If a function is not one-to-one, then it does not have an inverse.

3. How do you check if a function has an inverse?

To check if a function has an inverse, you can use the horizontal line test. If a horizontal line can intersect the graph of the function at only one point, then the function is one-to-one and has an inverse. If the horizontal line intersects the graph at more than one point, then the function does not have an inverse.

4. How do you find the inverse of a function?

To find the inverse of a function, you can follow these steps:

  1. Replace f(x) with y.
  2. Swap the x and y variables.
  3. Solve the new equation for y.
  4. Replace y with f^-1(x).

The resulting equation will be the inverse function, f^-1(x).

5. Can you provide an example of finding the inverse of a function?

Yes, let's find the inverse of the function f(x) = 2x + 3.

  1. Replace f(x) with y: y = 2x + 3
  2. Swap the x and y variables: x = 2y + 3
  3. Solve for y: x - 3 = 2y, y = (x - 3)/2
  4. Replace y with f^-1(x): f^-1(x) = (x - 3)/2

Therefore, the inverse function of f(x) = 2x + 3 is f^-1(x) = (x - 3)/2.

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