Introduction to Inverse Functions
- Author:
- Kristen Vroom
- Topic:
- Functions, Reflection
Introduction to Inverse Functions
Inverse functions are created by reflecting the original function over the line y=x. That is, the outputs are now the inputs, and the inputs are now the outputs.
View the point D and E. The green point, D, is a point on the original function, (x, f(x)). The blue point, E, is defined to be (f(x),x). Thus, it is a point on the inverse function.
Drag the green point along the function, f(x), to view the inverse function.
Now change the function f(x)=x^2+2. (That is, do not restrict the domain.) Drag the green point along f(x). What do you notice? Is the graph made by the blue point a function?