Inverses

Recall from the previous lesson, that the family of functions known as the power functions take the form, y = kx^p. The shape of the graph of these power functions depends on the sign of k and the value of p. The coefficient k will change the scale of the graph and, if negative, flip the graph across the x-axis.

All graphs of y = x^p pass through the point (1,1). Beyond that, the shape and growth for large positive x is given by:

· p >1: resembles a quadratic when even or a cubic when odd. Grows as x grows larger. Example: y = x²

· p = 1: the line y = x. Grows as x grows larger. Example: y = x

· 0 < p <1: concave down. Grows as x grows larger. Example: y = x^(½)

· p = 0: the line y = 1. Example:y = x⁰ = 1

Recall from earlier lessons, that inverse graphs are reflections across the line y = x. To find the inverse of a power function, switch the x and y and solve for y. To graph the inverse of a power function, switch the x and y-coordinates of the points and plot the results.

Example Find the inverse of the function: y = x² , then graph both equations.

x = y²

The inverse of is

To see where this relationship comes from, find the inverse of y = kx.

x = ky

The inverse of y = kx is .

To learn more about the direct and inverse relationships of a function select the following links:

Direct Variation Video

Identifying Inverse Variation Video

Writing Inverse Functions Video

Graphing Inverse Variation

To solidify your understanding inverse functions, visit the following link to Holt, Rinehart and Winston Homework Help Online. It provides examples, video tutorials and interactive practice with answers available. The Practice and Problem Solving section has two parts. The first part offers practice with a complete video explanation for the type of problem with just a click of the video icon. The second part offers practice with the solution for each problem only a click of the light bulb away.

Guided Practice