Trigonometry For Dummies
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If you’re given a function and must find its inverse, first remind yourself that domain and range swap places in the functions. Literally, you exchange f(x) and x in the original equation. When you make that change, you call the new f(x) by its true name — f–1(x) — and solve for this function.

For example, follow the steps to find the inverse of this function:

The function y equals two x minus one, divided by three.
  1. Switch f(x) and x.

    When you switch f(x) and x, you get

    Switching x and y in a function.

    (Note: To make the notation less clumsy, you can rewrite f(x) as y and then switch x and y.)

  2. Change the new f(x) to its proper name — f–1(x).

    The equation then becomes

    Changing y's name to its proper name.
  3. Solve for the inverse.

    This step has three parts:

    1. Multiply both sides by 3 to get 3x = 2f–1(x) –1.

    2. Add 1 to both sides to get 3x + 1 = 2f–1(x).

    3. Lastly, divide both sides by 2 to get your inverse:

      The new inverse function.

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