There is another method we can use to find the inverse of a function. Taking the inverse "reverses" x and f (x). Thus, in the original function, substitute "x" for "f (x)" and substitute "f^-1(x)" for "x". Then, solve for f^-1(x) using inverse operations in the usual manner.

Example 1: f (x) = .

1. Substitute: x =
2. Solve for f^-1(x):
   

   
   

   5x	=	2(f-1(x)) - 1
   5x + 1	=	2(f-1(x))
   	=	f-1(x)
   f-1(x)	=

   
   
   
3. Check: f^-1(f (x)) = f^-1() = = = = x

Example 2: f (x) = , x≠1, f (x) > 0.

1. Substitute: x =
2. Solve for f^-1(x):
   

   
   

   x(f-1(x) - 1)2	=	1
   (f-1(x) - 1)2	=
   f-1(x) - 1	=
   f-1(x)	=	+ 1

   
   
3. Check: f^-1(f (x)) = f^-1( = +1 = + 1 = (x - 1) + 1 = x.

Domain of f^-1: x > 0. Range of f^-1: f^-1(x)≠1.

We can also find the inverse of a function by graphing. The inverse of a function is a reflection of that function over the line y = x. In other words, all points (x, y) = (a, b) become (x, y) = (b, a). The x and y coordinates of each point switch:

To find the inverse of a function, reflect the function over the line y = x. Or, find several points on the graph of y = f (x), switch their x and y coordinates, and graph the resulting points. Connect these points with a line or curve that mirrors the line or curve of the original function.

Example: Find the inverse y = 2x - 1 by graphing: