Inverse Function

Definition

An inverse function undoes what another function does. For example, if f(x) takes an input x and produces an output y=f(x), then its inverse function f^(-1)(x) takes y as an input and produces x as its output.

Related terms

Domain and range reversal: When you find the inverse of a function, you switch its domain and range. Inputs become outputs and vice versa.

Reflection over y=x: Graphically, finding an inverse can be visualized as reflecting points across the line y = x.

One-to-one correspondence: For a function to have an inverse, each input must correspond to exactly one output and vice versa.