1. Oct 7, 2006

### AznBoi

Ok here are some examples that I am confused with:

f(x)=sq.rt.(x+1)
Inverse: y=x^2-1, x greater or equal to 0??

f(x)=sq.rt.(x+10)
Inverse: y=x^2-10, x greater or equal to 0??

How come you need the "x is greater or equal to 0" after each inverse?Can someone explain to me why this is? Is it because you can only inverse the positive side of the sq.rt.? How come you can't inverse the other side? I just don't get why you need to right that in the answer. Thanks a lot!!

2. Oct 7, 2006

### arildno

In your two expressions for the f's, what are their maximal range?

3. Oct 7, 2006

### AznBoi

The range of sq.rts. are infinity. or y is greater or equal to 0. Is that why?

4. Oct 7, 2006

### arildno

"The range of sqrt. are infinity", whatever does that mean???

5. Oct 7, 2006

### AznBoi

The range of square roots are (0, infinity) on the positive side. max range= infinity?

Last edited: Oct 7, 2006
6. Oct 7, 2006

### Checkfate

If you think of a function as a machine, where you put in an x, it does something to it, and shoots out a y, then all the possible y values make up the range. So you are right, the range of both is $$y\geq0$$ What happens to the range and domain to a function when it is converted to it's inverse? Take a look at the graphs it should become apparent. If not, look at the table of values.

7. Oct 7, 2006

### Checkfate

hint: If you were to switch all the x and y values of a function, what would happen? The points (0.1) (3,2) and (8,3) all lie on the graph of $$y=\sqrt{x+1}$$. The points (1,0) (2,3) (3,8) all lie on the graph of $$y=x^2-1$$ See a pattern? What would that do to the domain and range?

Sorry for the premature post, I tried switching to advanced mode and accidentally pressed submit message.

Last edited: Oct 7, 2006
8. Oct 7, 2006

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
That's much better than "are infinity"! Although I would say [0, infinity), specifically including 0 as a possible value. The point is that, if f is a function from A to B, then f-1 is a function from B to A: domain and range are swapped. If the range of f is [0, infinity), then the domain of f-1 is [0, infinity).

9. Oct 8, 2006

### AznBoi

thanks a lot :tongue: