Name Class Date

4-5 Enrichment
Writing a Function Rule
The inverse of a function is the set of ordered pairs found by swapping the first and
second elements of each pair in the original function. If f is a given function, then f–1
represents the inverse of f. To find an inverse, simply swap the x and y coordinates.
This new inverse will be a relation, but may not be a function. You can test that
inverses are functions by using the vertical line test.

Problem
If f(x) = x + 2, find f–1 (x).
y=x+2 Original equation
x=y+2 Swap x and y.

y+2=x Reflexive Property of Equality

y+2–2=x–2 Subtract 2 from each side.

y=x–2 Simplify.

So, f –1 = x – 2.
For any ordered pair that makes f(x) = x + 2 true, the reverse ordered pair will make
f–1 = x – 2 true.

Exercises
1
1. Graph f(x) = x + 2 and f– = x – 2 to verify they are inverse functions.

Find the inverse of each function. Then graph the function and its inverse.
2. f(x) = x – 3 3. f(x) = 2x

Prentice Hall Algebra 1 • Teaching Resources

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