What is the difference between inverse and reciprocal functions?

In summary, inverse in the context of a function means another function that undoes it. It is not found by simply dividing one by the function. The correct way to denote the inverse of a function is f^{-1}(x), not \frac{1}{f(x)}. To denote a function raised to a power, it is better to write it as (f(x))^2. In sign language, the sign for "inverse" is similar to "change" but with the hands rotating in opposite direction.
  • #1
KingNothing
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4
What exactly does inverse mean? I've seen it mean the "undoing" function, and also simply meaning "1 over" a function.

Consider the function [tex]f(x)=4x + 6[/tex]
Is the "inverse" [tex]f^{-1}(x)=\frac{x-6}{4}[/tex]
or is it [tex]f^{-1}(x)=\frac{1}{4x+6}[/tex]?

I'm getting kinda confused. It doesn't help that inverse trig functions are annotated with a [tex]^{-1}[/tex], when those are actually the 'undoing' functions.
 
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  • #2
In the context of a function, the inverse of a function is another function which "undoes" it.

In general, it is definitely not found by simply dividing one by the function. The easiest way to find the inverse is to solve the function f(x) = x for x, then rename the variables. The first answer you provided is the correct answer.

- Warren
 
  • #3
Here is the definition of inverse function from mathworld: Given a function f(x), its inverse [itex]f^{-1}(x)[/itex] is defined by [itex]f(f^{-1}(x)) = f^{-1}(f(x)) \equiv x[/itex] Source: http://mathworld.wolfram.com/InverseFunction.html

So, the inverse of [itex]f(x)=4x + 6[/itex] is what you wrote first: [itex]f^{-1}(x)=\frac{x-6}{4}[/itex] (which chroot explained how to find)

[itex]f^{-1}(x)[/itex] means inverse of f(x), not [tex]\frac{1}{f(x)}[/tex]

So if we compute [itex]f(f^{-1}(x))[/itex]

We get [itex]f(f^{-1}(x)) = f(\frac{x-6}{4}) = 4(\frac{x-6}{4}) + 6 = x - 6 + 6 = x[/itex] which is what we should get, and if we compute [itex]f^{-1}(f(x))[/itex] we should, and will, get x as well.
 
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  • #4
"Inverse", alone, does not ever mean "1 over" a function! That would be the "multiplicative inverse" or reciprocal, just as "negative 1 times" a function would be the "additive inverse" or negative of a function.

The "inverse function" is always the inverse of the composition operation.
 
  • #5
Hmm, alright, that explains things quite a bit more! So, branching off what's been said, is there a proper way to denote [tex]\frac{1}{f(x)}[/tex] or is that the only way? What about [tex]f(x)[/tex] raised to different powers, such as squared, do you denote this as [tex]f^{2}(x)[/tex]?
 
  • #6
KingNothing said:
Hmm, alright, that explains things quite a bit more! So, branching off what's been said, is there a proper way to denote [tex]\frac{1}{f(x)}[/tex] or is that the only way? What about [tex]f(x)[/tex] raised to different powers, such as squared, do you denote this as [tex]f^{2}(x)[/tex]?

Putting a positive exponent after the f usually means "raise the result to the power of. But notations change slightly depending on what you're working with, so it's usually a good idea to write it as:

[tex](f(x))^2[/tex]
 
  • #7
Yes, it's an unfortunate notation! I think most people would understand [itex]f^{-1}(x)[/itex] to be inverse function, [itex](f(x))^{-1}[/itex] to be reciprocal.

By the way, I teach mathematics in sign language (Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.). Whenever I introduce the idea of inverse function, I always have to correct students who want to sign it as "reciprocal" (hold out the index and middle fingers horizontally, in a sideways v, the twist your wrist to flip the two fingers over) and insist that the sign as "change" done in reverse. "Change": hold index and thumb of each hand together- the two hands together at your chest- rotate, right hand rotating forward, left backward. "inverse" same hand position, left hand rotates forward, right backward.
 

FAQ: What is the difference between inverse and reciprocal functions?

What is the definition of inverse?

The inverse of a mathematical operation or function is another operation or function that, when applied to the output of the original operation or function, results in the original input.

How do you find the inverse of a function?

To find the inverse of a function, switch the x and y variables and solve for y. The resulting equation will be the inverse function.

What is the importance of inverse in mathematics?

Inverse operations and functions are important in mathematics as they allow us to "undo" a previous operation or find the original input when given the output. They are also essential in solving equations and finding solutions.

Can all operations have an inverse?

No, not all operations have an inverse. For an operation to have an inverse, it must be both one-to-one and onto. This means that each input has a unique output and every output has a corresponding input.

How is inverse related to the concept of symmetry?

Inverse operations and functions are related to symmetry in that they reflect or "flip" the original operation or function. Just like a mirror image is the inverse of the original image, an inverse operation or function is a reflection of the original operation or function.

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