Inverse Functions

MathDash
Last updated 2025-07-04

1 Doing and Undoing: The Everyday Idea

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Before any symbols appear, let us talk in ordinary words. Every day you do things and

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then sometimes you undo them:

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• You tie your shoelaces. Later you untie them.

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• You lock a door. Later you unlock it.

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• You pour water into a glass. Later you pour it back into the bottle.

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The pattern is clear:

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An action followed by its “reverse” (or its “undo” action) leaves things the way

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they started.

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Mathematicians love spotting patterns like this. When the actions involve numbers, we

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can be very precise.

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A tiny arithmetic story

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Imagine you start with the number 7.

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1. First you add 2. 7 → 9.

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2. Then you subtract 2. 9 → 7.

You are back where you started. Adding 2 and subtracting 2 are opposite moves; they
undo each other.

Let us try another:

1. Start with 5.

2. Multiply by 3. 5 → 15.

3. Divide by 3. 15 → 5.

Again, you return to the starting number. Multiplying by 3 and dividing by 3 undo each
other.

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A key phrase: “opposite operation”

Whenever we have two moves that cancel out perfectly, we call them opposite opera-
tions. Later, when we dress this up with function language, we will use the word “in-
verse.” But for now, “opposite” or “undo” is enough.

2 From Moves to Machines: What is a Function?

Next, we need one formal idea: a function. Do not worry if the word sounds mysterious.
We will un-mystify it right now, step by step.

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The Machine Picture

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Picture a little box on your desk. The box has two holes:

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• On the left is an input hole. You drop a number in.

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• On the right is an output hole. A (possibly different) number pops out.

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Inside the box, some rule tells the box what to do to the input number. Maybe it multiplies

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the number by 4. Maybe it squares the number and then adds 1. Whatever the rule is,

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the box always follows it.

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That box is a function. To name the function we usually use a letter, often 𝑓 or 𝑔 or ℎ. If

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we call the box 𝑓 , then writing

y l U 𝑓 ( 3) = 12

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is math shorthand for

“I drop the number 3 into function 𝑓 . The box applies its rule and the number
12 comes out.”

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Why bother giving it a name?
Because it is handy! Instead of saying “the rule that multiplies by 4” ten times, we just
say 𝑓 .

Example 2.1
Let 𝑓 be “multiply by 4.”

3 ×4 12
this is 𝑓

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3 Hitting the Rewind Button: The Idea of an Inverse

Function
Now let us marry our “undo” idea with our “box” idea.

Suppose the box 𝑓 multiplies by 4. How could we build another box, call it 𝑔 , that per-
fectly reverses what 𝑓 does?

Think step by step:

1. 𝑓 turns 3 into 12.

2. To undo that, 𝑔 should turn 12 back into 3.

Box 𝑔 must therefore divide by 4! We can draw both boxes one after the other:

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𝑓 (×4) 𝑔 (÷4)
3 −−−−−→ 12 −−−−−→ 3

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We end where we began. When that happens for every starting number, we say

“𝑔 is the inverse of 𝑓 ,”

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or, in math symbols, 𝑔 = 𝑓 −1 .

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Definition 3.1 (Inverse Function)

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Two functions 𝑓 and 𝑔 are inverses of each other if, no matter what number you

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start with,

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𝑔 ( 𝑓 ( start)) = start and 𝑓 (𝑔 ( start)) = start.

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The usual notation for “the inverse of 𝑓 ” is 𝑓 −1 (read “ 𝑓 inverse”).

Important caution The “−1” in 𝑓 −1 does not mean “raise to the power −1.” It is just a

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naming convention.

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Our first formal symbol party
Using the notion of composition—which simply means “run one box after the other”—we
can restate the definition more compactly:

𝑓 −1 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 and 𝑓 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑥.

That line of symbols is the beating heart of inverse–function theory. Do not worry; we
will unpack every part of it in the next pages.

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4 Unpacking Composition One Tiny Step at a Time

What is composition?
Composition is a fancy word for “do the first function, then do the second.” Let us try an
easy example.

Example 4.1
Let
𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 + 5, 𝑔 (𝑥) = 2𝑥.
What is 𝑔 ( 𝑓 ( 4)) ?

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Solution

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We read 𝑔 ( 𝑓 ( 4)) from the inside out.

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1. First compute 𝑓 ( 4) . Since 𝑓 adds 5, we get 4 + 5 = 9.

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2. Next, feed that answer into 𝑔 . 𝑔 ( 9) = 2 × 9 = 18.

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Therefore 𝑔 ( 𝑓 ( 4)) = 18.

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Each bracket is just an input hole.

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Drawing helps

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You can always sketch a tiny flow diagram:

𝑓 : +5 𝑔 : ×2
4−
−−−→ 9 −−−−→ 18.

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That picture is composition.

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5 Re-Stating the Inverse Definition with Composition
Using the “run boxes in a row” picture, the inverse definition says:

Put 𝑓 and 𝑓 −1 next to each other in either order; no matter what number you
drop in, you get the same number out.

Symbolically:

𝑓 −1 ( 𝑓 (𝑥)) = 𝑥 and 𝑓 ( 𝑓 −1 (𝑥)) = 𝑥.

Both boxed statements must be true, or else the functions are not inverses. Why must
we check both orders? Because the first box might do something strange that only one
direction un-does. We want an inverse to be a perfect “two-way street.”

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6 A Tour of Everyday Inverse Pairs

Let us pause and build comfort with many “do-undo” pairs. We will list them, talk about
them, and draw a box picture for each.

• Add 𝑎 ↔ Subtract 𝑎. Example: +7 and −7.

• Multiply by 𝑏 ↔ Divide by 𝑏 (assuming 𝑏 ≠ 0). Example: ×3 and ÷3.

• Square ↔ Take
2
√
(with certain caveats about negative numbers). Ex-

square root
ample: 𝑥 ↦→ 𝑥 and 𝑥 ↦→ 𝑥 on non-negative inputs.

• Cube ↔ Cube root. Cubes of negative numbers are allowed, so this pair works
everywhere.

• Reciprocal (take 1/𝑥 ) is special: it is its own inverse! Doing it twice brings you

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back: 1/( 1/𝑥) = 𝑥 (provided 𝑥 ≠ 0).

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Quick mini-checks

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Example 6.1

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Show that “cube” and “cube root” are inverse functions.

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Solution
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Start with any number 𝑥 .

y l U √︁3
( 𝑥 3 ) = 𝑥 and
√3
3
𝑥 = 𝑥.

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Both directions give the starting number, so the two operations are inverses.

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Why collect these pairs? Later, when you see a complicated function built out of smaller

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steps, you will reverse the steps one by one using this list. Memorizing the basic pairs
now saves brain power later.

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7 Building the Inverse Step by Step: A Recipe
Eventually, you will meet a function 𝑓 printed on a page and be asked, “Find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) .” Let
us build a slow, reliable method.

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Theme 7.1 (The Inverse-Finding Recipe)

To find the inverse of a function given by a formula:

1. Replace 𝑓 (𝑥) with a friendly letter, usually 𝑦 . Write

𝑦 = the formula.

2. Swap the roles of 𝑥 and 𝑦 . That is,

𝑥 = the same formula, but wherever you saw 𝑥 you now write 𝑦 .

3. Solve this new equation for 𝑦 . Take your time; undo each operation step by
step.

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4. Replace the 𝑦 you just isolated with 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) . That final expression is the in-

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verse function.

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Why does the recipe work? Because “swap 𝑥 and 𝑦 ” is a clever way to re-label “input”

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and “output.” If 𝑓 sends input 𝑥 to output 𝑦 , then 𝑓 −1 must send that 𝑦 back to the original

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𝑥 . We literally exchange their names.

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A gentle walk through the recipe

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Example 7.2

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Find the inverse of 𝑓 (𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 4.

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Solution
Step 1: Write 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 4.

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Step 2: Swap 𝑥 and 𝑦 :

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𝑥 = 3 𝑦 − 4.

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Step 3: Solve for 𝑦 slowly.

1. Add 4 to both sides: 𝑥 + 4 = 3 𝑦 .

𝑥+4
2. Divide both sides by 3: = 𝑦.
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Step 4: Replace 𝑦 with 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) :
𝑥+4
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = .
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Check your answer!

Always verify that 𝑓 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 and 𝑓 −1 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 . Let us check one direction quickly:

   
−1 𝑥+4 𝑥+4
= 3 − 4 = 𝑥 + 4 − 4 = 𝑥.


𝑓 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑓 3 3

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It works.

8 Taking Apart the Solving Step

Students often say, “The swapping part is easy; the solving part is scary.” So let us practice
the solving in super slow motion.

Undoing in reverse order

The big picture is: When you isolate 𝑦 , undo operations in the reverse order from which
they were applied.

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Suppose a function does these steps to 𝑥 :

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1. Multiply by 5.

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2. Then add 7.

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3. Then take square root.

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To solve for 𝑦 (i.e. to undo), go backward:

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1. Square both sides (undo square root).

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2. Subtract 7 (undo adding 7).

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3. Divide by 5 (undo multiplying by 5).

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Example 8.1
Find the inverse of 𝑓 (𝑥) =
√
5𝑥 + 7.

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Solution
√
Step 1: 𝑦 = 5𝑥 + 7.

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Step 2: Swap 𝑥 and 𝑦 : √︁
𝑥= 5 𝑦 + 7.

Step 3: Solve for 𝑦 carefully.

1. Square both sides: 𝑥 2 = 5 𝑦 + 7.

2. Subtract 7: 𝑥 2 − 7 = 5 𝑦 .
𝑥2 − 7
3. Divide by 5: 𝑦 = .
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Step 4: Rename:
𝑥2 − 7
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = .
5

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A note about domains Square roots only accept non-negative inputs. So strictly speak-
ing, the original function’s input needs to make 5𝑥 + 7 ≥ 0. For now, because we are only
introducing inverses, we will not dive deep into domain issues—but be aware they exist.

9 When Fractions Appear: Clearing Denominators

Sometimes the solving step gives you fractions. A neat trick is to “clear” them.

Example 9.1
2𝑥 − 3
Find the inverse of 𝑓 (𝑥) = .
5

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Solution
2𝑥 − 3

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.

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Step 1: 𝑦 =
5
Step 2: Swap:

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2𝑦 − 3

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𝑥= .
5

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Step 3: Solve for 𝑦 .

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1. Multiply both sides by 5 to clear the denominator: 5𝑥 = 2 𝑦 − 3.

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2. Add 3: 5𝑥 + 3 = 2 𝑦 .

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5𝑥 + 3

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3. Divide by 2: 𝑦 = .
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Step 4: Rename:
5𝑥 + 3
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = .
2

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Takeaway Whenever a denominator is in your way, multiply both sides by it first. That

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keeps the algebra tidy.

10 A Slightly Trickier Pattern: Cubes and Cube Roots

Example 10.1
Let 𝑓 (𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1) 3 . Find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) .

Solution
Step 1: 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 1) 3 .

Step 2: Swap:
𝑥 = ( 𝑦 + 1) 3 .
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Step 3: Solve for 𝑦 .

√3
1. Take the cube root of both sides (since cube root undoes cube): 𝑥 = 𝑦 + 1.
√
2. Subtract 1: 𝑦 = 3 𝑥 − 1.

Step 4: Rename: √
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 3 𝑥 − 1.

Why does cube root work nicely? Because, unlike square root, it accepts any real input,
positive or negative. No domain headaches here.

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11 Practice with Tables or Lists of Values

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Many homework questions give you a table rather than a formula. For example:

D a n l 𝑥
1
𝑓 (𝑥)
4

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2 7

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3 9

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Reading the inverse from a table If 𝑓 ( 1) = 4, then 𝑓 −1 ( 4) = 1. In other words, swap

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the columns. That is composition in its simplest form.

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Example 11.1
Using the table above, find 𝑓 −1 ( 9) .

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Solution

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Locate 9 in the output column (second column). It lines up with 𝑥 = 3. Therefore 𝑓 −1 ( 9) =

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3.

12 Spotting Functions That Are Their Own Inverses

A fun subtopic is functions that undo themselves. We already met one: the reciprocal
𝑥 ↦→ 1/𝑥 (for 𝑥 ≠ 0).

Example 12.1
Show that “negative” (the function 𝑛(𝑥) = −𝑥 ) is its own inverse.

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Solution
Compose it with itself:
𝑛(𝑛(𝑥)) = −(−𝑥) = 𝑥.
Since applying it twice gives the original number, 𝑛 is its own inverse.

Why is that cool? Because sometimes, instead of running through two boxes, you realize
one box is enough. Recognizing self-inverse functions saves time.

13 Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

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• Mixing up 𝑓 −1 and . Remember, 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) means “the inverse function,” not

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𝑓 (𝑥)

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1/ 𝑓 (𝑥) .

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• Forgetting to swap 𝑥 and 𝑦 . If you try to solve for 𝑥 without swapping, you will

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end right back at the original formula.

• Solving too fast. Each undo step should mirror the original steps in reverse. Rush-

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ing often skips an operation and leads to the wrong answer.

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• Ignoring domain and range. While we have not dwelt on this yet, keep in mind

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that sometimes the inverse exists only on part of the number line.

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• Not checking the result. The definition gives you a built-in checker. Substitute

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and see if the compositions return 𝑥 .

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14 Mini-Challenges for Slow, Deep Practice

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Try each problem right after reading. Explain every step out loud or in writing, no matter

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how obvious it feels. Answers are on the next page—but cover them until you finish.

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Problems
1. For the function 𝑔 (𝑥) = 5 − 2𝑥 , find 𝑔 −1 (𝑥) . Then check both compositions.
𝑥
2. If ℎ(𝑥) = (assume 𝑥 ≠ −1), go through the four-step recipe to find ℎ−1 (𝑥) .
𝑥+1
3. Here is a table:
𝑥 𝑝(𝑥)
−2 1
−1 4
0 5
3 8

a) What is 𝑝−1 ( 5) ? b) What is 𝑝−1 ( 1) ?

4. Explain, in words, why the function 𝑞(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 cannot have an inverse that works
for both 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑥 = −2. (Hint: what are 𝑞( 2) and 𝑞(−2) ?)
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5. Find a simple function, other than 𝑥 ↦→ 1/𝑥 or 𝑥 ↦→ −𝑥 , that is its own inverse.
Verify with composition.

Solutions
Example 14.1
Problem 1 answer, fully worked.

Solution
5−𝑥
𝑦 = 5 − 2𝑥 . Swap: 𝑥 = 5 − 2 𝑦 . Subtract 5: 𝑥 − 5 = −2 𝑦 . Divide by −2: 𝑦 = . Thus
2
5−𝑥

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𝑔 −1 (𝑥) = . Check: 𝑔 𝑔 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 and 𝑔 −1 𝑔 (𝑥) = 𝑥 (work it out!).



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(Provide similar detailed solutions for the remaining problems—omitted here for brevity.)

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15 Wrapping Up

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We have journeyed slowly from the plain idea of “doing and undoing” to the formal

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definition

y M l U 𝑓 −1 ( 𝑓 (𝑥)) = 𝑥 and 𝑓 ( 𝑓 −1 (𝑥)) = 𝑥,

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learned how to find an inverse with the four-step recipe, practiced careful algebra to
isolate variables, and rehearsed reading inverses off tables.

If at any point something still feels fuzzy, circle that part and revisit it tomorrow. Mastery

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comes from repeated slow passes, not from one lightning sprint.

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When you are ready, your next adventure might involve domain restrictions, graphs

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that reveal symmetry across the line 𝑦 = 𝑥 , or inverse trigonometric functions. But
remember: without the sturdy basics you built today, those topics wobble.

Thanks for walking through this introduction with me. Keep asking “What operation is
being done?” and “How do I undo it?” Those two questions guide nearly every inverse-
function problem.

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