1.
Introduction
In mathematics, a function is a relation that uniquely associates elements of one set with
elements of another set. Some functions can be “reversed,” meaning that we can define an
inverse function. The aim of this project is to understand when a function is invertible, using
the concepts of one-one (injective) and onto (surjective) functions.
2. Objective
To explore the concept of invertible functions through:
● Definitions and conditions
● Suitable examples
● Graphical representation
● Mathematical proof using injectivity and surjectivity
This project also aims to demonstrate how to determine if a function is invertible and how to
find its inverse.
3. Definitions
● Function (f): A relation from a set A to set B is a function if every element of A has
exactly one image in B.
● Inverse Function (f⁻¹): A function f is invertible if there exists another function g such
that:
f(g(x)) = x \text{ and } g(f(x)) = x
for all x in the domain of f.
● One-One (Injective): A function f: A \rightarrow B is one-one if different elements in A
map to different elements in B.
f(x_1) = f(x_2) \Rightarrow x_1 = x_2
● Onto (Surjective): A function f: A \rightarrow B is onto if every element in B has at
least one pre-image in A.
\forall y \in B, \exists x \in A \text{ such that } f(x) = y
4. Conditions for Invertibility
A function is invertible if and only if it is both:
● One-One (Injective)
● Onto (Surjective)
5. Example of an Invertible Function with Graph
Function:
Let
f: \mathbb{R} \rightarrow \mathbb{R} \text{ defined by } f(x) = 2x + 3
Plot is a straight line, indicating a one-one function.
Analysis:
● The function is linear with a non-zero slope, so it is one-one.
● Domain and codomain both are \mathbb{R}, and the range is also \mathbb{R}, so it is
onto.
● Hence, f(x) = 2x + 3 is invertible.
Inverse:
To find f^{-1}(x):
y = 2x + 3 \Rightarrow x = \frac{y - 3}{2} \Rightarrow f^{-1}(x) = \frac{x - 3}{2}
6. Proving Invertibility Using One-One and Onto
Step 1:
Prove One-One
Let f(x_1) = f(x_2):
2x_1 + 3 = 2x_2 + 3 \Rightarrow x_1 = x_2 \Rightarrow \text{Function is One-One}
Step 2:
Prove Onto
Let y \in \mathbb{R}. We solve:
y = 2x + 3 \Rightarrow x = \frac{y - 3}{2} \in \mathbb{R} \Rightarrow \text{Function is Onto}
Thus, f(x) = 2x + 3 is invertible.
7. Non-Invertible Function for Contrast
Function:
f(x) = x^2, \text{ where } x \in \mathbb{R}
● Not one-one: f(2) = 4 and f(-2) = 4
● Not onto if codomain is \mathbb{R}: negative numbers have no pre-image
● Therefore, not invertible on \mathbb{R}
However, if we restrict the domain to x \geq 0, it becomes invertible.
8. Conclusion
Through this project, we understood:
● The conditions for a function to be invertible: it must be both one-one and onto.
● How to verify these conditions algebraically.
● How graphs help visualize the nature of functions.
● That functions like f(x) = 2x + 3 are invertible, while f(x) = x^2 is not invertible on the
full domain.
Understanding invertibility is crucial in advanced topics such as calculus, linear algebra, and
computer science.
9. Bibliography
1. NCERT Class 12 Mathematics Textbook – Part I and II
Chapter 2: Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Chapter 1: Relations and Functions
2. ISC Mathematics Class XII by O.P. Malhotra, S.K. Gupta, Anubhuti Gangal
3. www.ncert.nic.in
4. Khan Academy – Inverse Functions
