Inverse function
This original textbook reading covers part of the AP topic. Follow the AP course outline for complete topic instruction and practice.
- Inverse function
Represented by , it is the function one gets when the base function is reflected across the line y=x. Mathematically, it is the function one gets when x and y terms in an equation are switched.
Example: ,
, , therefore
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Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Inverse function
An inverse function reverses another function’s input-output assignment. A function needs to be one-to-one on its chosen domain for an inverse function to exist. For example, x³ has inverse the cube-root function, while x² needs a domain restriction such as x≥0. The notation f⁻¹ denotes an inverse function rather than the reciprocal 1/f.