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MTH120 College Algebra Chapter 5.7

 5.7 Inverses and Radical Functions:

Inverses:

In mathematics, the inverse of a function is a function that "undoes" the original function's operation. In other words, if you apply a function and then its inverse, you should get back to the original input.

For a function ļæ½(ļæ½), its inverse is typically denoted as ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½). To find the inverse of a function, you can follow these general steps:

  1. Replace ļæ½(ļæ½) with ļæ½.
  2. Swap the roles of ļæ½ and ļæ½, so you now have an equation with ļæ½ and ļæ½.
  3. Solve for ļæ½.
  4. Replace ļæ½ with ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½) to obtain the inverse function.

Not all functions have inverses. Inverses exist only for one-to-one functions, where each input corresponds to a unique output. Common examples of functions with inverses are linear functions and certain exponential and logarithmic functions.

Radical Functions:

A radical function is a type of function that involves a radical symbol (āˆš), which represents a root. The most common radical function is the square root function, ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½, where ļæ½ must be non-negative since you cannot take the square root of a negative number in real numbers. Other examples include cube roots (ļæ½3) and fourth roots (ļæ½4).

Radical functions can also have additional transformations, such as:

  1. Multiplication by a constant (e.g., ļæ½ļæ½)
  2. Addition or subtraction of constants (e.g., ļæ½+ļæ½)
  3. Combining with other functions (e.g., ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½(ļæ½))

To work with radical functions, you should understand properties of radicals, such as simplifying expressions under the radical sign and solving equations involving radicals.

Finding the inverse of a polynomial function can be a bit more challenging than finding the inverse of simpler functions like linear or quadratic functions because not all polynomial functions have inverses. For an inverse to exist, the original polynomial function must be a one-to-one function, meaning that it passes the horizontal line test (each horizontal line intersects the graph at most once).

Here are the general steps to find the inverse of a polynomial function:

  1. Start with the given polynomial function, which we'll denote as ļæ½(ļæ½).
  2. Replace ļæ½(ļæ½) with ļæ½.
  3. Swap the roles of ļæ½ and ļæ½, so you now have an equation with ļæ½ and ļæ½.

The equation you have should look like this:

ļæ½=ļæ½(ļæ½)

  1. Now, solve for ļæ½ in terms of ļæ½. This means you want to isolate ļæ½ on one side of the equation.

  2. Once you have ļæ½ expressed as a function of ļæ½, you can denote this as ļæ½=ļæ½(ļæ½). This is your inverse function.

  3. Finally, swap ļæ½ and ļæ½ in your equation to express the inverse function as ļæ½=ļæ½(ļæ½.

Keep in mind that the complexity of finding the inverse depends on the degree and nature of the polynomial. For simple linear and quadratic polynomials, the process is straightforward. For higher-degree polynomials, it can be more complex and might involve solving for ļæ½ using algebraic techniques or calculus.

Let's illustrate this process with an example:

Example: Finding the Inverse of a Quadratic Polynomial

Given the quadratic polynomial ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½ļæ½2+ļæ½ļæ½+ļæ½, where ļæ½ā‰ 0, we want to find its inverse.

  1. Start with ļæ½(ļæ½): ļæ½=ļæ½ļæ½2+ļæ½ļæ½+ļæ½
  2. Swap ļæ½ and ļæ½ to get: ļæ½=ļæ½ļæ½2+ļæ½ļæ½+ļæ½
  3. Solve for ļæ½: ļæ½ļæ½2+ļæ½ļæ½+ļæ½āˆ’ļæ½=0
  4. You can use the quadratic formula to solve for ļæ½: ļæ½=āˆ’ļæ½Ā±ļæ½2āˆ’4ļæ½ļæ½+4ļæ½ļæ½2ļæ½

Now, ļæ½=ļæ½(ļæ½), where ļæ½(ļæ½) is the inverse function of ļæ½(ļæ½). Note that in this case, you'll have two possible values for ļæ½ due to the Ā± sign. This is because the quadratic function is not always one-to-one, and the inverse may not be unique for all inputs.

Keep in mind that not all polynomial functions have inverses, especially if they are not one-to-one functions. Additionally, the resulting inverse might not always be a polynomial, depending on the original polynomial function's nature.


To verify that two functions are inverses of each other, you need to check if composing them in both orders results in the identity function. In other words, you need to verify that:

  1. If ļæ½(ļæ½) is a function, and ļæ½(ļæ½) is its supposed inverse, then ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½))=ļæ½ for all valid values of ļæ½.
  2. Similarly, ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½))=ļæ½ for all valid values of ļæ½.

Here are two examples of verifying functions as inverses of each other:

Example 1: Linear Functions

Let's take two linear functions:

ļæ½(ļæ½)=2ļæ½+3 and ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½āˆ’32.

To check if ļæ½(ļæ½) and ļæ½(ļæ½) are inverses of each other:

  1. Calculate ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½)):

    ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½))=2(ļæ½āˆ’32)+3

    Simplify:

    ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½))=(ļæ½āˆ’3)+3=ļæ½

    This shows that ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½)) is equal to the identity function, so ļæ½(ļæ½) and ļæ½(ļæ½) are inverses.

  2. Calculate (g(f(x)):

    ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½))=2ļæ½+3āˆ’32

    Simplify:

    ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½))=2ļæ½2=ļæ½

    This also shows that ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½)) is equal to the identity function, confirming that ļæ½(ļæ½) and ļæ½(ļæ½) are inverses of each other.

Example 2: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Consider the following functions:

ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½ļæ½ and ļæ½(ļæ½)=lnā”(ļæ½).

To check if ļæ½(ļæ½) and ļæ½(ļæ½) are inverses of each other:

  1. Calculate ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½)):

    ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½))=ļæ½lnā”(ļæ½)

    Using the fact that lnā”(ļæ½) and ļæ½ļæ½ are inverse operations:

    ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½))=ļæ½

    So, ļæ½(ļæ½) and ļæ½(ļæ½) are inverses.

  2. Calculate (g(f(x)):

    ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½))=lnā”(ļæ½ļæ½)

    Again, using the fact that lnā”(ļæ½) and ļæ½ļæ½ are inverse operations:

    ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½))=ļæ½

    This also confirms that ļæ½(ļæ½) and ļæ½(ļæ½) are inverses of each other.

In both examples, we've shown that composing the functions in both orders results in the identity function, which verifies that they are indeed inverses of each other.


To find the inverse of a polynomial function by restricting the domain to make it one-to-one, you can follow these steps:

  1. Start with the Polynomial Function: Begin with the given polynomial function, which we'll denote as ļæ½(ļæ½). You want to find its inverse.

  2. Determine the Domain: Analyze the original function ļæ½(ļæ½) and identify the portion of its domain where it is one-to-one. This usually involves selecting a continuous interval where the function is strictly increasing or decreasing, thus passing the horizontal line test.

  3. Restrict the Domain: Define a new function with the same equation as ļæ½(ļæ½), but with the domain restricted to the identified interval. This restricted function is now one-to-one on that interval.

  4. Swap Roles of ļæ½ and ļæ½: Replace ļæ½(ļæ½) with ļæ½ and rewrite the restricted function with ļæ½ and ļæ½ swapped.

  5. Solve for ļæ½: Solve the new equation for ļæ½ in terms of ļæ½. This will give you the expression for the inverse function.

  6. Swap Roles of ļæ½ and ļæ½ Again: Finally, replace ļæ½ with ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½) to express the inverse function.

Let's illustrate this process with an example:

Example: Finding the Inverse of a Polynomial Function by Restricting the Domain

Given the polynomial function ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½3+2ļæ½ and you want to find its inverse by restricting the domain to make it one-to-one.

  1. Start with ļæ½(ļæ½): ļæ½=ļæ½3+2ļæ½.

  2. Determine the domain: The function ļæ½(ļæ½) is continuous and strictly increasing for all real numbers, so it is already one-to-one over its entire domain. In this case, there's no need to restrict the domain.

  3. Swap roles of ļæ½ and ļæ½: ļæ½=ļæ½3+2ļæ½.

  4. Solve for ļæ½: ļæ½3+2ļæ½āˆ’ļæ½=0

  5. Swap roles of ļæ½ and ļæ½ again: The inverse function is ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½).

The resulting inverse function, in this case, is not easily expressed in terms of elementary functions. It's a cubic equation in ļæ½. It might be challenging to find an explicit formula for the inverse function, but you can represent it numerically or graphically.

Keep in mind that not all polynomial functions can have easily expressible inverses, especially for higher-degree polynomials. The existence and nature of an inverse depend on the polynomial's properties, including whether it's one-to-one over its entire domain.


To find the inverse of a polynomial function by restricting the domain to make it one-to-one, you need to choose a specific interval within the domain where the polynomial is one-to-one. This interval should be such that the polynomial is strictly increasing or strictly decreasing over that range. Here are the steps to do this:

Step 1: Start with the Polynomial Function

Begin with the given polynomial function, which we'll denote as ļæ½(ļæ½). You want to find its inverse.

Step 2: Determine the Interval

Analyze the original function ļæ½(ļæ½) to identify an interval in its domain where it is one-to-one. This usually involves selecting a continuous interval where the function is strictly increasing or strictly decreasing. For a polynomial to be one-to-one, it must pass the horizontal line test.

Step 3: Restrict the Domain

Define a new function with the same equation as ļæ½(ļæ½), but with the domain restricted to the identified interval. This restricted function is now one-to-one on that interval.

Step 4: Swap Roles of ļæ½ and (y)

Replace ļæ½(ļæ½) with ļæ½ and rewrite the restricted function with ļæ½ and ļæ½ swapped.

Step 5: Solve for ļæ½

Solve the new equation for ļæ½ in terms of ļæ½. This will give you the expression for the inverse function.

Step 6: Swap Roles of ļæ½ and (y) Again

Finally, replace ļæ½ with ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½) to express the inverse function.

Let's illustrate this process with an example:

Example: Finding the Inverse of a Quadratic Polynomial by Restricting the Domain

Given the quadratic polynomial function ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½2āˆ’4, we want to find its inverse by restricting the domain to make it one-to-one.

Step 1: Start with ļæ½(ļæ½)

ļæ½=ļæ½2āˆ’4.

Step 2: Determine the Interval

This quadratic function is a parabola that opens upward. To restrict the domain and make it one-to-one, we can choose the interval [āˆ’2,āˆž), where the function is strictly increasing. In other words, ļæ½ā‰„āˆ’2.

Step 3: Restrict the Domain

Define a new function ļæ½1(ļæ½) with the same equation as ļæ½(ļæ½) but restricted to the interval [āˆ’2,āˆž):

ļæ½1(ļæ½)=ļæ½2āˆ’4, where ļæ½ā‰„āˆ’2.

Step 4: Swap Roles of ļæ½ and (y)

ļæ½=ļæ½2āˆ’4.

Step 5: Solve for ļæ½

ļæ½2=ļæ½+4

ļæ½=Ā±ļæ½+4

Step 6: Swap Roles of ļæ½ and (y) Again

The inverse function, ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½), is:

ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½)=Ā±ļæ½+4

It's important to note that since we have Ā± in the expression, the inverse is a multivalued function. Depending on the choice of sign (positive or negative), you get two different branches of the inverse. These branches may not satisfy the horizontal line test over the entire domain, but they do when restricted to the specified interval [āˆ’2,āˆž).


Restricting the domain of a function is a common technique in mathematics, particularly when you want to make a function one-to-one or simplify its behavior within a specific range. Here's how you can go about restricting the domain:

1. Start with the Original Function: Begin with the given function, which we'll denote as ļæ½(ļæ½). This is the function you want to restrict.

2. Determine the New Domain: Identify the interval or range within which you want to restrict the function. This interval should be carefully chosen based on your goals. You might want to make the function one-to-one, simplify its behavior, or focus on a specific part of the function's graph.

3. Express the Restriction: Define a new function, ļæ½1(ļæ½), with the same equation as ļæ½(ļæ½) but with a restricted domain. This means you'll indicate the domain explicitly in the function definition.

For example, if you want to restrict the function to the interval [ļæ½,ļæ½], the restricted function would be:

ļæ½1(ļæ½)=ļæ½(ļæ½) for ļæ½ā‰¤ļæ½ā‰¤ļæ½

4. Verify One-to-One (If Intended): If the purpose of restricting the domain is to make the function one-to-one, you need to check whether the restricted function indeed passes the horizontal line test (it should not intersect a horizontal line more than once). If it doesn't pass the test, you might need to choose a different interval.

5. Use the Restricted Function: The restricted function, ļæ½1(ļæ½), now behaves only within the specified domain. You can work with this function as needed.

Here's a simple example:

Example: Restricting the Domain of a Piecewise Function

Suppose you have a piecewise function ļæ½(ļæ½) defined as follows:

x^2, & \text{if } x \geq 0 \\ 2x - 1, & \text{if } x < 0 \end{cases}\] Now, let's say you want to restrict the domain to the interval \([0, \infty)\) to focus on the behavior of the function when \(x\) is non-negative. **1. Start with the Original Function:** \(f(x)\) as defined above. **2. Determine the New Domain:** The interval \([0, \infty)\) is chosen. **3. Express the Restriction:** Define a new function, \(f_1(x)\), with the restricted domain: \[f_1(x) = \begin{cases} x^2, & \text{if } x \geq 0 \end{cases}\] **4. Verify One-to-One (If Intended):** In this case, we don't need to worry about making it one-to-one, as the restricted portion of the function (the quadratic part) is already one-to-one for \(x \geq 0\). **5. Use the Restricted Function:** You can now work with the restricted function \(f_1(x)\), which is \(x^2\) for \(x \geq 0\). This makes it easier to analyze and understand the behavior of the function in the non-negative domain.

Restricting the domain of a polynomial function that is not one-to-one and finding the inverse can be challenging because, by definition, the inverse of a function exists only when it is one-to-one. However, if you restrict the domain to a portion of the polynomial function where it is one-to-one, you can find the inverse of that restricted portion.

Let's go through this process step by step with an example:

Example: Restricting the Domain of a Polynomial Function

Consider the polynomial function ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½2 for all real numbers. This function is not one-to-one because multiple values of ļæ½ can result in the same ļæ½ value. To make it one-to-one, you can restrict the domain to the interval [0,āˆž), where the function is strictly increasing.

Step 1: Start with ļæ½(ļæ½):

ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½2.

Step 2: Determine the New Domain:

Choose the interval [0,āˆž) to restrict the function.

Step 3: Express the Restriction:

Define a new function ļæ½1(ļæ½) with the same equation as ļæ½(ļæ½) but with the restricted domain:

ļæ½1(ļæ½)=ļæ½2 for ļæ½ā‰„0

Step 4: Verify One-to-One (If Intended):

Since the restricted portion is ļæ½2 for ļæ½ā‰„0, it's already one-to-one in this interval.

Step 5: Use the Restricted Function:

You can now work with the restricted function ļæ½1(ļæ½)=ļæ½2 for ļæ½ā‰„0. This function is one-to-one within the specified domain.

Step 6: Find the Inverse of the Restricted Function:

To find the inverse of the restricted function ļæ½1(ļæ½)=ļæ½2 for ļæ½ā‰„0, follow the standard procedure:

  1. Start with ļæ½1(ļæ½): ļæ½=ļæ½2.
  2. Swap ļæ½ and ļæ½: ļæ½=ļæ½2.
  3. Solve for ļæ½: ļæ½=ļæ½.
  4. Swap ļæ½ and ļæ½ again: The inverse function is ļæ½1āˆ’1(ļæ½)=ļæ½.

Keep in mind that this process gives you the inverse of the restricted portion of the polynomial function within the specified domain. The inverse function in this case is ļæ½1āˆ’1(ļæ½)=ļæ½ for ļæ½ā‰„0.


Solving applications of radical functions involves using radical expressions to solve real-world problems. Radical functions typically involve square roots, cube roots, or other types of roots. To solve these types of applications, follow these general steps:

1. Read the Problem Carefully: Understand the problem statement, including what's being asked and any given information or constraints.

2. Define Variables: Identify the quantities that need to be found or related, and define variables to represent them. Often, you will use ļæ½ for the unknown value.

3. Set Up an Equation: Translate the information given in the problem into a mathematical equation involving radical expressions. This equation should represent the relationship between the variables.

4. Solve the Equation: Use algebraic techniques to solve the equation. For radical equations, you typically need to isolate the radical expression on one side and then square (or cube, etc.) both sides to eliminate the radical.

5. Check for Extraneous Solutions: Be aware that some solutions may be extraneous, meaning they don't satisfy the original problem. For example, solutions that lead to negative values inside a square root may be extraneous if not relevant to the real-world context.

6. Interpret the Solution: Provide the solution in the context of the problem. Make sure to answer the original question asked in the problem statement.

Let's look at an example of solving an application of a radical function:

Example: Finding the Distance

Suppose you want to find the distance between two points (ļæ½1,ļæ½1) and (ļæ½2,ļæ½2) in a two-dimensional coordinate system. The distance is given by the formula:

ļæ½=(ļæ½2āˆ’ļæ½1)2+(ļæ½2āˆ’ļæ½1)2

Suppose you have two points: (2,3) and (5,7), and you want to find the distance between them.

Step 1: Read the Problem You want to find the distance between two points.

Step 2: Define Variables Let ļæ½ represent the distance, ļæ½1=2, ļæ½1=3, ļæ½2=5, and ļæ½2=7.

Step 3: Set Up an Equation Use the distance formula: ļæ½=(5āˆ’2)2+(7āˆ’3)2

Step 4: Solve the Equation Calculate the values inside the square root: ļæ½=32+42=9+16=25=5

Step 5: Check for Extraneous Solutions In this case, there are no extraneous solutions.

Step 6: Interpret the Solution The distance between the points (2,3) and (5,7) is 5 units.

This is a simple example of solving an application of a radical function. In more complex problems, you might encounter cubic roots or other types of radicals, but the general approach remains the same: translate the problem into a mathematical equation, solve it, and interpret the results in the context of the problem.


To find the inverse of a radical function, you can follow a similar process to finding the inverse of any function. Here are the general steps:

1. Start with the Radical Function: Begin with the given radical function, which we'll denote as ļæ½(ļæ½). This is the function for which you want to find the inverse.

2. Replace ļæ½(ļæ½) with ļæ½: Let ļæ½=ļæ½(ļæ½). This is done to set up the equation for finding the inverse.

3. Swap ļæ½ and ļæ½: Swap the roles of ļæ½ and ļæ½ in the equation, which gives you an equation in terms of ļæ½ and ļæ½.

4. Solve for ļæ½: Solve the equation for ļæ½ in terms of ļæ½. This will give you an expression for the inverse function.

**5. Replace ļæ½ with f^{-1}(x):** Replace \(y with ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½) to express the inverse function.

Let's illustrate this process with an example:

Example: Finding the Inverse of a Square Root Function

Given the function ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½, you want to find its inverse.

Step 1: Start with ļæ½(ļæ½): ļæ½=ļæ½

Step 2: Replace ļæ½(ļæ½) with ļæ½: ļæ½=ļæ½

Step 3: Swap ļæ½ and ļæ½: ļæ½=ļæ½

Step 4: Solve for ļæ½: Square both sides to isolate ļæ½: ļæ½2=ļæ½

**Step 5: Replace ļæ½ with f^{-1}(x):** The inverse function is \(f^{-1}(x) = x^2.

So, the inverse of the square root function is the square function ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½)=ļæ½2. You can check this by composing the original function and its inverse to see that they undo each other, i.e., ļæ½(ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½))=ļæ½ and ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½(ļæ½))=ļæ½, where ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½ and ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½)=ļæ½2.


Solving applications of radical functions involves using radical expressions to solve real-world problems. Radical functions typically involve square roots, cube roots, or other types of roots. To solve these types of applications, follow these general steps:

1. Read the Problem Carefully: Understand the problem statement, including what's being asked and any given information or constraints.

2. Define Variables: Identify the quantities that need to be found or related, and define variables to represent them. Often, you will use ļæ½ for the unknown value.

3. Set Up an Equation: Translate the information given in the problem into a mathematical equation involving radical expressions. This equation should represent the relationship between the variables.

4. Solve the Equation: Use algebraic techniques to solve the equation. For radical equations, you typically need to isolate the radical expression on one side and then square (or cube, etc.) both sides to eliminate the radical.

5. Check for Extraneous Solutions: Be aware that some solutions may be extraneous, meaning they don't satisfy the original problem. For example, solutions that lead to negative values inside a square root may be extraneous if not relevant to the real-world context.

6. Interpret the Solution: Provide the solution in the context of the problem. Make sure to answer the original question asked in the problem statement.

Let's look at an example of solving an application of a radical function:

Example: Finding the Distance

Suppose you want to find the distance between two points (ļæ½1,ļæ½1) and (ļæ½2,ļæ½2) in a two-dimensional coordinate system. The distance is given by the formula:

ļæ½=(ļæ½2āˆ’ļæ½1)2+(ļæ½2āˆ’ļæ½1)2

Suppose you have two points: (2,3) and ((5, 7), and you want to find the distance between them.

Step 1: Read the Problem You want to find the distance between two points.

Step 2: Define Variables Let ļæ½ represent the distance, ļæ½1=2, ļæ½1=3, ļæ½2=5, and ļæ½2=7.

Step 3: Set Up an Equation Use the distance formula: ļæ½=(5āˆ’2)2+(7āˆ’3)2

Step 4: Solve the Equation Calculate the values inside the square root: ļæ½=32+42=9+16=25=5

Step 5: Check for Extraneous Solutions In this case, there are no extraneous solutions.

Step 6: Interpret the Solution The distance between the points (2,3) and (5,7) is 5 units.

This is a simple example of solving an application of a radical function. In more complex problems, you might encounter cubic roots or other types of radicals, but the general approach remains the same: translate the problem into a mathematical equation, solve it, and interpret the results in the context of the problem.


To determine the domain of a radical function composed with other functions, you'll need to consider the domains of all the individual functions involved in the composition and find the intersection of those domains. The domain of the composite function is the set of values that makes each function in the composition valid. Here are the steps:

  1. Identify the Composite Function: Start by identifying the composite function, which involves a radical function and one or more other functions. For example, you might have a composite function like ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½)), where ļæ½(ļæ½) is a radical function.

  2. Determine the Domain of the Inner Function: Identify the innermost function, which in this case is ļæ½(ļæ½). Determine the domain of ļæ½(ļæ½) by considering any restrictions imposed by the radical expression. For example, if ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½, the domain of ļæ½(ļæ½) would be ļæ½ā‰„0 since you cannot take the square root of a negative number.

  3. Determine the Domain of Other Functions: If there are other functions involved in the composition (e.g., ļæ½(ļæ½) in ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½))), determine the domain of these functions separately. Each function in the composition should have its domain considered.

  4. Intersect Domains: Find the intersection of the domains of all functions involved. The domain of the composite function will be the set of values that satisfy all the domain restrictions of the functions involved. This means you are looking for the values of ļæ½ that make each function in the composition valid.

  5. Express the Domain: Once you've found the intersection of the domains, express the domain of the composite function in terms of inequalities or intervals. This will specify the valid values of ļæ½ for the entire composition.

Let's look at an example:

Example: Determining the Domain of ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½))

Suppose you have the composite function ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½)) where ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½ and ļæ½(ļæ½)=1ļæ½.

  1. Identify the Composite Function: You have ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½)).

  2. Determine the Domain of ļæ½(ļæ½): For ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½, the domain is ļæ½ā‰„0 because the square root is defined only for non-negative values.

  3. Determine the Domain of ļæ½(ļæ½): For ļæ½(ļæ½)=1ļæ½, the domain is ļæ½ā‰ 0, as you cannot divide by zero.

  4. Intersect Domains: The domain of ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½)) is the intersection of the domains of ļæ½(ļæ½) and ļæ½(ļæ½). In this case, the valid values of ļæ½ are ļæ½ā‰„0 and ļæ½ā‰ 0.

  5. Express the Domain: The domain of ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½)) is ļæ½>0, which means it includes all positive real numbers but excludes zero.

In this example, the domain of the composite function ļæ½(ļæ½(ļæ½)) is all positive real numbers. This is because you have to consider the domains of both ļæ½(ļæ½) and ļæ½(ļæ½) and take the intersection of their domains.


To find the inverse of a rational function, you typically follow these steps. Keep in mind that not all rational functions have inverses. The existence of an inverse depends on whether the original function is one-to-one.

Step 1: Start with the Rational Function

Begin with the given rational function, which we'll denote as ļæ½(ļæ½). You want to find its inverse.

*Step 2: Replace ļæ½(ļæ½) with (y*

Let ļæ½=ļæ½(ļæ½). This step sets up the equation for finding the inverse.

*Step 3: Swap ļæ½ and (y*

Swap the roles of ļæ½ and ļæ½ in the equation, creating an equation in terms of ļæ½ and ļæ½.

*Step 4: Solve for (y*

Solve the equation for ļæ½ in terms of ļæ½. This will give you an expression for the inverse function.

*Step 5: Replace ļæ½ with (f^{-1}(x)*

Finally, replace ļæ½ with ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½) to express the inverse function.

Let's illustrate this process with an example:

Example: Finding the Inverse of a Rational Function

Given the rational function ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½āˆ’12ļæ½+3, you want to find its inverse.

*Step 1: Start with (f(x)*

ļæ½=ļæ½āˆ’12ļæ½+3

*Step 2: Replace (f(x)\ with (y*

ļæ½=ļæ½āˆ’12ļæ½+3

*Step 3: Swap ļæ½ and (y*

ļæ½=ļæ½āˆ’12ļæ½+3

*Step 4: Solve for (y*

Let's solve for ļæ½:

Multiply both sides by (2ļæ½+3) to eliminate the fraction:

ļæ½(2ļæ½+3)=ļæ½āˆ’1

Distribute ļæ½ on the left side:

2ļæ½ļæ½+3ļæ½=ļæ½āˆ’1

Now, move all terms involving ļæ½ to one side:

2ļæ½ļæ½āˆ’ļæ½=āˆ’3ļæ½+1

Factor out ļæ½ on the left side:

ļæ½(2ļæ½āˆ’1)=āˆ’3ļæ½+1

Finally, solve for ļæ½:

ļæ½=āˆ’3ļæ½+12ļæ½āˆ’1

*Step 5: Replace ļæ½ with (f^{-1}(x)*

The inverse function is ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½)=āˆ’3ļæ½+12ļæ½āˆ’1.

This is the inverse of the given rational function ļæ½(ļæ½). Make sure to check that the original function and its inverse satisfy the properties of inverses, which include composing them to get the identity function and ensuring the domain and range of the inverse match the range and domain of the original function, respectively.


Finding the inverse of a rational function involves swapping the roles of ļæ½ and ļæ½, solving for ļæ½, and then replacing ļæ½ with ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½). Let's work through an example to illustrate this process:

Example: Finding the Inverse of a Rational Function

Given the rational function ļæ½(ļæ½)=ļæ½+23ļæ½āˆ’1, find its inverse.

Step 1: Start with ļæ½(ļæ½):

ļæ½=ļæ½+23ļæ½āˆ’1

Step 2: Replace ļæ½(ļæ½) with ļæ½:

ļæ½=ļæ½+23ļæ½āˆ’1

Step 3: Swap ļæ½ and ļæ½:

ļæ½=ļæ½+23ļæ½āˆ’1

Step 4: Solve for ļæ½:

Now, let's solve for ļæ½. To do this, we'll isolate (y:

Multiply both sides by 3ļæ½āˆ’1 to eliminate the fraction:

ļæ½(3ļæ½āˆ’1)=ļæ½+2

Distribute ļæ½ on the left side:

3ļæ½ļæ½āˆ’ļæ½=ļæ½+2

Move terms involving ļæ½ to the left side:

3ļæ½ļæ½āˆ’ļæ½=ļæ½+2

Factor out ļæ½ on the left side:

ļæ½(3ļæ½āˆ’1)=ļæ½+2

Finally, solve for ļæ½:

ļæ½=ļæ½+23ļæ½āˆ’1

Step 5: Replace ļæ½ with (f^{-1}(x):

The inverse function is ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½)=ļæ½+23ļæ½āˆ’1.

So, the inverse of the given rational function ļæ½(ļæ½) is (f^{-1}(x) = \frac{x + 2}{3x - 1}.

Make sure to check that the original function and its inverse satisfy the properties of inverses, such as composing them to get the identity function and ensuring the domain and range of the inverse match the range and domain of the original function, respectively.

In this example, we found the inverse of a rational function, which is simply the same function with ļæ½ and ļæ½ swapped in its expression.

For the following exercises, find the inverse of the function on the given domain. 1. f(x)=(xāˆ’6)2, [4,āˆž) 2. f(x)=(x+3)2, [āˆ’2,āˆž) 3. f(x)=(x+7)2āˆ’3, [āˆ’1,āˆž) 4. f(x)=2x2+5,(āˆž,0] 5. f(x)=11āˆ’x2, [0,āˆž) 6. f(x)=9āˆ’x2, [0,āˆž)


To find the inverse of each function on the given domain, follow these general steps:

  1. Start with the given function, ļæ½(ļæ½).
  2. Replace ļæ½(ļæ½) with ļæ½.
  3. Swap ļæ½ and ļæ½ to get an equation in terms of ļæ½ and ļæ½.
  4. Solve for ļæ½ in terms of ļæ½.
  5. Replace ļæ½ with ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½) to express the inverse function.

Let's apply these steps to the provided functions:

1. ļæ½(ļæ½)=(ļæ½āˆ’6)2,[4,āˆž):

  • Start with ļæ½(ļæ½): ļæ½=(ļæ½āˆ’6)2.
  • Swap ļæ½ and ļæ½: ļæ½=(ļæ½āˆ’6)2.
  • Solve for ļæ½: ļæ½=ļæ½+6.
  • Replace ļæ½ with ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½): ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½)=ļæ½+6.

2. ļæ½(ļæ½)=(ļæ½+3)2,[āˆ’2,āˆž):

  • Start with ļæ½(ļæ½): ļæ½=(ļæ½+3)2.
  • Swap ļæ½ and ļæ½: ļæ½=(ļæ½+3)2.
  • Solve for (y: ļæ½=ļæ½āˆ’3.
  • Replace ļæ½ with ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½): ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½)=ļæ½āˆ’3.

3. ļæ½(ļæ½)=(ļæ½+7)2āˆ’3,[āˆ’1,āˆž):

  • Start with ļæ½(ļæ½): ļæ½=(ļæ½+7)2āˆ’3.
  • Swap ļæ½ and ļæ½: ļæ½=(ļæ½+7)2āˆ’3.
  • Solve for (y: ļæ½=ļæ½+3āˆ’7.
  • Replace ļæ½ with ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½): ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½)=ļæ½+3āˆ’7.

4. ļæ½(ļæ½)=2ļæ½2+5,(āˆ’āˆž,0]:

  • Start with ļæ½(ļæ½): ļæ½=2ļæ½2+5.
  • Swap ļæ½ and ļæ½: ļæ½=2ļæ½2+5.
  • Solve for (y: ļæ½=ļæ½āˆ’52.
  • Replace ļæ½ with ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½): ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½)=ļæ½āˆ’52.

5. ļæ½(ļæ½)=11āˆ’ļæ½2,[0,āˆž):

  • Start with ļæ½(ļæ½): ļæ½=11āˆ’ļæ½2.
  • Swap ļæ½ and ļæ½: ļæ½=11āˆ’ļæ½2.
  • Solve for (y: ļæ½=11āˆ’ļæ½.
  • Replace ļæ½ with ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½): ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½)=11āˆ’ļæ½.

6. ļæ½(ļæ½)=9āˆ’ļæ½2,[0,āˆž):

  • Start with ļæ½(ļæ½): ļæ½=9āˆ’ļæ½2.
  • Swap ļæ½ and ļæ½: ļæ½=9āˆ’ļæ½2.
  • Solve for (y: ļæ½=9āˆ’ļæ½.
  • Replace ļæ½ with ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½): ļæ½āˆ’1(ļæ½)=9āˆ’ļæ½.

These are the inverse functions for the given original functions on the specified domains. Make sure to double-check your work and verify that the inverses behave as expected.

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