How do you find the inverse of a function?

So you are asked to find the inverse of a function f(x).
The inverse function is denoted by f -1(x).
To help with this we can use the identity f(f -1(x))=x.
Now, we need to define y=f -1(x).
Example:
f(x)=2x+1
x=f(f -1(x))=f(y)=2y+1                    As f(y) is similar to f(x) but with the variable change of x to y
Hence, we need to solve:           
x=2y+1                                                                
x-1=2y                                                  Minus 1 from each side of the equation
½(x-1)=y=f -1(x)                                                As we defined f -1(x)=y
Therefore, we have found the inverse function: f -1(x) = ½(x-1)

We can continue further and find the domain and range of an inverse function using the identities:
Domain f(x) = Range f -1(x)
Range f(x) = Domain f -1(x)

RJ
Answered by Ryan J. Maths tutor

6927 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Edexcel C3 June 2015 Q1: tan(x)=p, where p is a constant. Using standard trigonometric identities, find the following in terms of p. a) tan(2x). b) cos(x). c) cot(x-45).


Find f''(x), Given that f(x)=5x^3 - 6x^(4/3) + 2x - 3


Rationalise the denominator of 25/sqrt(5)


How do I solve quadratic equation by completing the square : X^2 - 4X = 5


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning