Chapter 11

Exponential &
Logarithmic
Functions
Lesson 11.2
Standards:
Algebra II: This discipline complements and expands the
mathematical content and concepts of algebra I and geometry.
Students who master algebra II will gain experience with algebraic
solutions of problems in various content areas, including the solution of
systems of quadratic equations, logarithmic and exponential functions,
the binomial theorem, and the complex number system.

12.0 Students know the laws of fractional exponents, understand
exponential functions, and use these functions in problems involving
exponential growth and decay.

13.0 Students use the definition of logarithms to translate between
logarithms in any base.

14.0 Students understand and use the properties of logarithms to
simplify logarithmic numeric expressions and to identify their
approximate values.
Objectives:
*Find the equation of the inverse of a function.
*Sketch a graph of a function and its inverse.
Lesson 11.2
The Inverse of a Function
Set X
Set Y
1
2
3
4
5
2
1
0
8
6
4
Remember we talked about functions--taking a set X
and mapping into a Set Y
An inverse function would reverse that
process and map from Set Y back into Set X
1
2
3
4
5
2
10
8
6
4
1
2
3
4
5
2
8
6
4
If we map what we get out of the function back,
we wont always have a function going back!!!
Recall that to determine by the graph if an equation is
a function, we have the vertical line test.
If a vertical line intersects the graph of an
equation more than one time, the equation
graphed is NOT a function.
This is a function
This is NOT a
function
This is a
function
If the inverse is a function, each y value could only be
paired with one x. Lets look at a couple of graphs.
Look at a y value (for
example y = 3)and see if
there is only one x value
on the graph for it.
For any y value, a horizontal
line will only intersection the
graph once so will only have
one x value
Horizontal Line Test to see if the
inverse is a function.
If a horizontal line intersects the graph of an
equation more than one time, the equation
graphed is NOT a one-to-one function and will
NOT have an inverse function.
This is a
one-to-one
function
This is NOT a
one-to-one
function
This is NOT a
one-to-one
function
Horizontal Line Test
Used to determine whether a
functions inverse will be a function
by seeing if the original function
passes the horizontal line test.
If the original function passes the
horizontal line test, then its inverse
is a function.
If the original function does not
pass the horizontal line test, then its
inverse is not a function.
Steps for Finding the Inverse of a
One-to-One Function
Replace f(x)
with y
Trade x and
y places
Solve for y
y = f
-1
(x)
Find the inverse of a function :
Example 1: y = 6x - 12
Step 1: Switch x and y:
x = 6y - 12
Step 2: Solve for y:
x 6y 12
x 12 6y
x 12
6
y
1
6
x 2 y
Example 2:
Given the function : y = 3x
2
+ 2 find the inverse:
Step 1: Switch x and y: x = 3y
2
+ 2
Step 2: Solve for y:
x 3y
2
2
x 2 3y
2
x 2
3
y
2
x 2
3
y
Review:
Relation a mapping of input values (x-
values) onto output values (y-values).
Here are 3 ways to show the same relation.
y = x
2

x y
-2 4
-1 1
0 0
1 1
Equation
Table of
values
Graph
Inverse relation just think: switch the x & y-values.
x = y
2

x y
x y
4 -2
1 -1
0 0
1 1
** the
inverse of
an
equation:
switch the x
& y and
solve for y.
** the
inverse of
a table:
switch the
x & y.
** the inverse of a
graph: the
reflection of the
original graph in
the line y = x.
4 2 x y
Consider the graph of the function
4 2 ) ( x x f
The inverse function is
2
4
) (
1

x
x f
4 2 x y
2
4

x
y
4 2 x y
2
4

x
y
Consider the graph of the function 4 2 ) ( x x f
The inverse function is
2
4
) (
1

x
x f
An inverse function is just a rearrangement with x
and y swapped. So the graphs just swap x and y!
) 4 , 0 (
x
) 0 , 4 (
x
) 2 , 3 (
x
) 3 , 2 (
x
4 2 x y
2
4

x
y
) 4 , 0 ( x
) 0 , 4 (
x
) 2 , 3 ( x
) 3 , 2 (
x
is a reflection of in the line y = x ) (
1
x f

) ( x f
x y
What else do you notice about the graphs?
) 4 , 4 (
x
The function and its inverse must meet on y = x
Examples: PS 11.2
Write the inverse using the notation f
-1
(x).
1. f(x) = 3x - 1 2. f(x) = x-3
x-1




Examples: PS 11.2
Graph
15. y = x
2
3



Examples: PS 11.2
Write the inverse using the notation f
-1
(x).
31. If f(x) = 3x - 2
f
-1
(x) = x + 2
3
Find a) f(2) =
b) f
-1
(2) =
c) f[f
-1
(2)] =
d) f
-1
[f(2)] =



Homework
Problem Set 11.2
TB pp.673-674
Even numbers 2- 36