Functions summary

f f
-1
fg ff
-1
/f
-1
f
Domain Usually given in question. R
I
B
g
B
II
-1 =
I
-1
B
I
-1
I
=
I

Rule Usually given in question. 1. Let y = f(x) then f
-1
(y) = x.
2. Make x the subject
3. Substitute x into f
-1
(y) = x.
4. Then f
-1
(y) = x, y R
I
.
5. Replace y with x.
Note:
Sometime, after finding the inverse, there are two
possible rules. For example . We use
B
I
to reject one of them.
Replace x in f(x) with g(x). x
Range From the sketch of the function, with the
help of GC.
a) Check whether there are turning
points, asymptotes.
b) Ends points must be indicated with a
solid dot if that point is included and
an open-circle if it is not included.
c) The possible y values is the range of
f
B
I
Method 1
Sketch fg. From the graph, we can find the range.

Method 2
Substitute R
g
as new domain of f and from the
sketch of new f find the range. For example,
R
g
= |o, b] .

Sketch
1) R
II
-1 = B
I
-1
2) R
I
-1
I
= B
I


Exist Vertical line test

For every vertical straight line x = k,
x B
I
. It cuts the graph of f at exactly
one point. Hence f exist.

Note: Write down the values of B
I
.

To show f is not a function, just give
counter example.

Eg. Since f(x
1
) is undefined. f is not a
function.
Horizontal line test

For every horizontal straight line y k = , ,k R
I
it
cuts the graph of f at exactly one point. Therefore
f is one-one.

Note: Write down the values of R
I
.

To show not one-one, just give a counter example.

Eg. Since f(x
1
) = f(x
2
) e, the function f is not
one-one.
R
g
B
I


Note: Write down the values of R
I
and B
g

Always exists as long
f
-1
exist!
Extra R
Ig
R
I

a
b
R
g

R
fg

f(x)
Some possible advance questions.

1) f is not one-one, restrict
f
D .

2) Make use of the fact that the graphs of f and f
-1
are reflection of each other about the line y x = .

Sketch y = f(x), y = f
-1
(x) and y = x on the same diagram. Then solve for f(x) = f
-1
(x).

From the graph, we check whether that y = f(x) and y = f
-1
(x) intersect at the line y = x. If they do, then solve for f(x) = x or f(x) = x
rather than f(x) = f
-1
(x) as it is usually too complicated to be solved.

Note: not all solutions will be accepted. Check using the graphs.

3) Find g given fg and f
-1
, f
-1
fg = g, B
g
= B
Ig
.

4) Find f given fg and g
-1
, fgg
-1
= f. Note that there is no way to find B
I
by this method unless the question gives B
I
.

5) Functions that involves

Important formula
0 ,
, 0
x x
x
x x

=

<

or
0 ,
, 0
x x
x
x x
>

The equal sign in the inequality can be swapped at H2 level.

Example 1
( ) f 2 , x x x =

Sketching the graph


We can see that it is not one-one.

However, once we had restricted the domain of f , there will be no need to for the .
( )
2 , 2 2 ,
2
2 , 2 0
2
2
0
2 ,
x x x x
x
x x x x

= =

< + <


Hence if we restrict the domain of f to [2, 0) , then ( ) f 2, 2 x x x =

Example 2

( ) 2 , 2 f , x x x x = +
( )
2
g 2, , 0 x x x x = <

( ) ( )
2
2
, ,
g
0
f 2 2 x x
x
x
x x x
=
=
=
= +
<


Note:
2
x x unless the domain for x is given!

y
x 2
2