Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
0. Functions
Common Functions
Problem 32
Textbook Question
Find the inverse function (on the given interval, if specified) and graph both f and f−1 on the same set of axes. Check your work by looking for the required symmetry in the graphs.
f(x)=x2+4, for x≥0

1
To find the inverse of the function \( f(x) = x^2 + 4 \) for \( x \geq 0 \), start by replacing \( f(x) \) with \( y \), so we have \( y = x^2 + 4 \).
Next, solve for \( x \) in terms of \( y \). Begin by isolating the \( x^2 \) term: \( y - 4 = x^2 \).
Take the square root of both sides to solve for \( x \): \( x = \sqrt{y - 4} \). Since \( x \geq 0 \), we only consider the positive square root.
Thus, the inverse function is \( f^{-1}(y) = \sqrt{y - 4} \). To express it in terms of \( x \), replace \( y \) with \( x \), giving \( f^{-1}(x) = \sqrt{x - 4} \).
To graph both \( f(x) = x^2 + 4 \) and \( f^{-1}(x) = \sqrt{x - 4} \), plot them on the same set of axes. Check for symmetry about the line \( y = x \), which is a characteristic of inverse functions.
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
12mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Watch next
Master Graphs of Common Functions with a bite sized video explanation from Nick
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice