Inverse Functions
Unit 2 · Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
What AP Precalc asks here
An inverse function undoes what does: and . The inverse exists if and only if is one-to-one (passes the horizontal line test). Algebraically: write , swap and , solve for . Graphically, the inverse is the reflection across ; domain and range swap.
Inverse identities
Composition
Reflection
Domain/range swap
Caution: is the inverse function, not the reciprocal . The exponent in inverse notation is just notation.
Type 1
Find the inverse algebraically
Write , swap and , then solve for the new .
Example 1
Find for .
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
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Verify two functions are inverses
Compute and . Both must simplify to .
Example 2
Are and inverses?
(A) Yes — both compositions simplify to
(B) No —
(C) No —
(D) Cannot be determined without a graph
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Generate Problems →Type 3
Use the graph/point/domain swap
Swap coordinates of points; swap domain and range; reflect graphs across .
Example 3
If the point is on the graph of , what is the corresponding point on the graph of ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
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