Inverses

Recognizing Inverses

How do you recognize an inverse function?

Let's look at the two functions below:

m(t)=100t and t(m)=m/100

Mathematically, these are inverse functions because they reverse the inputs and outputs.

m(t)=100t ? for 3 hours of work, $300 is made ? (3, 300)

t(m)=m/100 ? when $300 is earned, 3 hours of work was done ? (300, 3)

A common example of inverse functions is the Celsius-to-Fahrenheit conversion:

C-F_Conversion-r

where C is the Celsius temperature and F is the Fahrenheit temperature. Input 100°C into the first equation and the output is 212°F. Input 212°F into the second equation the output is 100°C. Therefore they are inverses.