Inverse Function Worksheet with Answers: A Comprehensive Plan
Practice problems, including graphing and finding inverses, are crucial for exam preparation and assessing understanding. Resources like CBSE materials and Algebra II practice are available.
Understanding Inverse Functions
Inverse functions essentially “undo” each other. If a function f takes an input x and produces an output y, its inverse, denoted as f⁻¹, takes y as input and returns x.

However, not all functions have inverses. A key requirement is that the function must be one-to-one – meaning each input maps to a unique output, and vice versa. Worksheets focusing on inverse functions often begin by verifying if a given function is one-to-one before attempting to find its inverse.
Practice problems emphasize verifying this condition and then systematically finding the inverse through algebraic manipulation. Resources like CBSE Class 12 materials and Algebra II practice sets provide ample opportunities to solidify this understanding. Competency-based questions further test the application of these concepts.
What is an Inverse Function?
An inverse function is a function that “reverses” another function. Mathematically, if f(a) = b, then the inverse function, denoted f⁻¹(b) = a. It’s a mapping that takes the output of the original function and returns the original input.
Crucially, an inverse function only exists if the original function is one-to-one. Worksheets often begin by testing this property. Finding the inverse involves swapping x and y in the original function’s equation and then solving for y.
Practice problems, like those found in CBSE resources and Algebra II materials, focus on this process. Understanding the relationship between a function and its inverse is vital for solving equations, particularly those involving exponential and logarithmic functions, as highlighted in example problems.
One-to-One Functions and Inverses
Inverse functions are intrinsically linked to one-to-one functions. A function is one-to-one (or injective) if each element of the range corresponds to exactly one element of the domain. This means it passes both the horizontal and vertical line tests.
If a function isn’t one-to-one, its inverse isn’t a function – it’s merely a relation. Worksheets often require verifying if a function is one-to-one before attempting to find its inverse. This verification is a key step.
Practice problems emphasize this concept, often asking students to demonstrate one-to-one status. Resources like CBSE materials and Algebra II practice questions reinforce the necessity of this condition for a valid inverse to exist, ensuring a functional reversal.

How to Determine if a Function is One-to-One
Determining if a function is one-to-one is crucial before seeking its inverse. The horizontal line test visually confirms this: if any horizontal line intersects the function’s graph at most once, it’s one-to-one.
Algebraically, you can demonstrate this by assuming f(x₁) = f(x₂) and proving that x₁ = x₂. Worksheets frequently present functions requiring this algebraic proof.
Practice problems often involve analyzing function definitions or graphs. Resources like CBSE materials and Algebra II practice questions provide examples. Understanding this concept is fundamental, as a non-one-to-one function doesn’t possess a true inverse function, only a relation.
Finding the Inverse of a Function: Step-by-Step
To find an inverse, begin by verifying the function is one-to-one. Then, replace f(x) with y, interchange x and y, and solve the resulting equation for y. This new equation represents the inverse function, denoted as f⁻¹(x).
Worksheets emphasize these steps with various function types – linear, logarithmic, exponential. Practice includes functions like g(x) = 3x, requiring algebraic manipulation. Remember to isolate ‘y’ carefully.
Resources, including CBSE materials and Algebra II practice, offer guided examples. Finally, verify your solution by checking if f(f⁻¹(x)) = x and f⁻¹(f(x)) = x.
Replacing f(x) with y
The initial step in finding an inverse involves rewriting the original function, substituting ‘f(x)’ with the variable ‘y’. This seemingly simple change is foundational for the subsequent steps. For example, if f(x) = 3x ⎯ 2, it becomes y = 3x — 2;
Worksheets consistently begin with this transformation, preparing students for the core process of inversion. This substitution facilitates easier manipulation when interchanging variables. Practice problems across various function types – linear, exponential, logarithmic – all start here.
This step is crucial, as it sets the stage for solving for ‘y’ in terms of ‘x’, ultimately revealing the inverse function. Resources like CBSE materials reinforce this initial step.
Interchanging x and y


Following the replacement of f(x) with ‘y’, the next critical step is to swap the roles of ‘x’ and ‘y’. This means wherever you see ‘x’, replace it with ‘y’, and vice versa. Continuing our example, y = 3x — 2 transforms into x = 3y ⎯ 2.
Worksheets emphasize this interchange as the heart of the inversion process. This action reflects the fundamental relationship between a function and its inverse – they essentially ‘undo’ each other. Practice problems consistently require this swap;
This step prepares the equation for solving for ‘y’, isolating it to express the inverse function. Competency-based questions often test understanding of this specific manipulation.
Solving for y

After interchanging x and y (now having x = 3y — 2), the goal is to isolate ‘y’ on one side of the equation. This involves standard algebraic manipulations. First, add 2 to both sides: x + 2 = 3y.
Then, divide both sides by 3: y = (x + 2) / 3. This resulting equation, y = (x + 2) / 3, now represents the inverse function, denoted as f-1(x). Worksheets heavily focus on this algebraic skill.
Practice problems require mastering these steps. CBSE materials and Algebra II resources reinforce this technique. Correctly solving for ‘y’ is essential for accurately defining the inverse.
Verifying the Inverse
Once you’ve found a potential inverse function, f-1(x), it’s crucial to verify its correctness. This is done by checking two key compositions: f(f-1(x)) and f-1(f(x)).
Both compositions must equal ‘x’ for the inverse to be valid. For example, if f(x) = 3x — 2 and f-1(x) = (x + 2) / 3, then f(f-1(x)) = 3((x + 2) / 3) ⎯ 2 = x. Similarly, f-1(f(x)) must also simplify to x.
Worksheets emphasize this verification step. Practice with various functions, including logarithmic ones (like g(x) = ln(x)), builds confidence. CBSE resources and Algebra II materials include problems specifically designed for this validation process.
Checking if f(f⁻¹(x)) = x and f⁻¹(f(x)) = x
The definitive test for a valid inverse function, f-1(x), involves confirming that both compositions result in ‘x’. Specifically, evaluating f(f-1(x)) and f-1(f(x)) must both simplify to the variable ‘x’.
This demonstrates that the functions perfectly “undo” each other. Worksheet problems frequently require this verification step. For instance, if f(x) = 3x, 2, and its inverse is calculated, substituting and simplifying these compositions is essential;

Practice with diverse functions, including exponential and logarithmic forms, solidifies understanding. CBSE materials and Algebra II practice sets heavily emphasize this crucial validation technique, ensuring a correct inverse is identified.
Graphing Functions and Their Inverses
Visualizing inverse functions involves understanding their graphical relationship to the original function. The graph of f-1(x) is a reflection of f(x) across the line y = x. Worksheet exercises often require sketching both functions on the same coordinate plane.
This symmetry is a key concept. Points (a, b) on f(x) become (b, a) on f-1(x). Practice identifying key points and their reflections.
CBSE resources and Algebra II practice problems emphasize this visual connection. Understanding how transformations of f(x) affect f-1(x) is also vital. Carefully plotting points and observing the symmetry reinforces the concept of inverse functions.
Symmetry about the Line y = x

The fundamental relationship between a function and its inverse is showcased through symmetry. The line y = x acts as the mirror; reflecting a function across this line yields its inverse. Worksheet problems frequently ask students to demonstrate this symmetry graphically.
Points (a, b) on the original function correspond to points (b, a) on the inverse, perfectly mirroring each other across y = x. Practice visualizing this exchange of coordinates is essential.
CBSE materials and Algebra II practice highlight this concept. Understanding that if a function is symmetric about y = x, it’s its own inverse is a key skill. Mastering this symmetry simplifies identifying and verifying inverse functions.
Inverse Functions Practice Problems
Practice is paramount to mastering inverse functions. Worksheet exercises focus on finding inverses algebraically – replacing f(x) with y, swapping x and y, and solving for y. These problems build a strong foundation.
Beyond algebra, practice includes graphing functions and their inverses, verifying the inverse using f(f⁻¹(x)) = x and f⁻¹(f(x)) = x. CBSE competency-based questions often integrate these skills.
Example problems, like finding the inverse of f(x) = 3x ⎯ 2 or g(x) = ln(x), are common. Solving equations using inverses, such as 2ˣ = 59x², tests application. Consistent practice with a variety of problems is key to success.
Example 1: Finding the Inverse of f(x) = 3x ⎯ 2
Let’s find the inverse of f(x) = 3x, 2. First, replace f(x) with y, resulting in y = 3x — 2. Next, interchange x and y to get x = 3y, 2. Now, solve the equation for y. Add 2 to both sides: x + 2 = 3y.
Divide both sides by 3: y = (x + 2)/3. Therefore, the inverse function is f⁻¹(x) = (x + 2)/3. To verify, check if f(f⁻¹(x)) = x and f⁻¹(f(x)) = x. This confirms the correctness of the inverse function. Practice with similar examples solidifies understanding.
Example 2: Finding the Inverse of g(x) = ln(x)
Let’s determine the inverse of g(x) = ln(x). Begin by replacing g(x) with y, yielding y = ln(x). Subsequently, interchange x and y, resulting in x = ln(y). To solve for y, we need to utilize the properties of logarithms. Remember that the inverse of the natural logarithm (ln) is the exponential function (e).
Therefore, apply ‘e’ to both sides of the equation: ex = y. Consequently, the inverse function is g⁻¹(x) = ex. This demonstrates a fundamental relationship between exponential and logarithmic functions. Practice with various logarithmic functions to enhance your skills.
Applications of Inverse Functions
Inverse functions are powerfully utilized in solving complex equations, particularly those involving exponential or logarithmic relationships. For instance, consider the equation 2x = 59x2, as highlighted in recent practice materials. Applying inverse functions, specifically logarithms, allows us to isolate and determine the value of ‘x’.
Furthermore, inverse functions play a critical role in cryptography, where encoding and decoding rely on reversible transformations. They are also essential in various scientific fields, including physics and engineering, for undoing transformations and finding original values. Mastering these applications requires consistent practice and a solid understanding of the underlying principles.
Solving Equations with Inverse Functions (e.g., 2ˣ = 59x²)

Employing inverse functions is vital when tackling equations where the variable resides in an exponent or within a logarithmic/exponential function. The example 2x = 59x2 demonstrates this perfectly. To isolate ‘x’, we utilize the inverse of the exponential function – the logarithm. Applying a logarithm to both sides allows us to bring ‘x’ down from the exponent.
However, solving such equations often leads to complexities, potentially requiring numerical methods or graphical analysis alongside inverse function application. Consistent practice with diverse examples, as found in comprehensive worksheets, is key to developing proficiency. Remember, the goal is to strategically ‘undo’ operations using corresponding inverse functions.
Resources for Further Practice
To solidify your understanding of inverse functions, numerous resources are readily available. CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Chapter 2 provides competency-based questions and detailed revision notes, aligning with current board exam standards. Algebra II practice materials offer focused exercises, including graphing and symmetry problems.

Furthermore, seeking out dedicated “Inverse Function Worksheets with Answers” (PDF format) online is highly beneficial. These worksheets provide a range of problems with solutions for self-assessment. Websites like Inverse.com also offer engaging content, though focused on broader science and tech topics, demonstrating real-world applications of mathematical concepts. Consistent practice is paramount for mastery.
CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Chapter 2: Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Chapter 2 of the CBSE Class 12 Mathematics syllabus focuses specifically on inverse trigonometric functions, building upon the foundational concepts of inverse functions generally. The curriculum emphasizes competency-based questions, now weighted at 50% of the exam, requiring students to apply their knowledge to problem-solving scenarios.
While a direct “Inverse Function Worksheet with Answers” PDF might not be exclusively focused on trigonometric inverses, utilizing general inverse function practice alongside the CBSE revision notes is crucial. These notes aid in understanding the domain and range restrictions inherent in inverse trigonometric functions, and preparing for exam-style questions.
Competency-Based Questions and Answers
The CBSE has significantly increased the weightage of competency-based questions to 50%, demanding a shift in preparation strategies. These questions assess not just recall, but the application of inverse function concepts to real-world scenarios and problem-solving.
An “Inverse Function Worksheet with Answers” PDF, when utilized effectively, can help build these competencies. Focus on problems requiring students to verify if a function is one-to-one, determine inverses, and apply them to solve equations like 2x = 59x2. Practice with these types of questions is vital for success on the updated CBSE exams.
Practice Questions with Solutions
Utilizing an “Inverse Function Worksheet with Answers” PDF provides targeted practice, essential for mastering this concept. These worksheets typically include problems focused on finding the inverse of functions like f(x) = 3x — 2 and g(x) = ln(x).
Solutions are critical for self-assessment and identifying areas needing improvement. Practice should encompass verifying one-to-one functions, interchanging x and y, and solving for y. Furthermore, competency-based questions, as emphasized by CBSE, require applying inverse functions to solve equations and understand asymptotic relationships, like those found in exponential and logarithmic functions. Consistent practice builds confidence and proficiency.
Algebra II Practice: Inverse Functions
For Algebra II students, mastering inverse functions is vital, and utilizing an “Inverse Function Worksheet with Answers” PDF offers focused practice. These resources reinforce skills in determining if a function is one-to-one – a prerequisite for finding its inverse.
Practice problems involve replacing f(x) with y, interchanging x and y, and solving the resulting equation for y. Worksheets also emphasize verification through composition: f(f⁻¹(x)) = x and f⁻¹(f(x)) = x. Furthermore, graphical representation and understanding symmetry about y = x are key components. Consistent practice with solutions builds a strong foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts.