Inverse Functions and Transformations
Inverse functions essentially "undo" what the original function does. The range of f(x) becomes the domain of f⁻¹(x), and vice versa. To find an inverse, swap x and y, then solve for y.
For example, if f(x) = x² − 3 (where x ≥ 0), let y = x² − 3, rearrange to get x = √y+3, so f⁻¹(x) = √x+3. The graphs of f(x) and f⁻¹(x) are reflections of each other across the line y = x.
Function transformations follow predictable patterns: fx+a shifts left by a units, f(x) + a shifts up by a units, f(−x) reflects in the y-axis, and −f(x) reflects in the x-axis. Stretches work differently - f(ax) compresses horizontally by factor 1/a, whilst af(x) stretches vertically by factor a.
Memory Tip: When combining functions like fg(x), always work from right to left - apply g first, then f!