I want to see the plot of an inverse function -- can I use a TI84?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to graph the inverse of a function using a TI-84 calculator. Participants explore various methods and tools available on the calculator, as well as alternative approaches using other software like Excel.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their attempt to graph the function y = x^3 + x and seeks advice on how to graph its inverse using the TI-84.
  • Another participant mentions Cardano's formula as a theoretical method to solve for x in terms of y for cubic functions, but questions its practicality.
  • A suggestion is made to rotate the calculator and plot -f(x) or f(-x) to visualize the inverse function.
  • One participant expresses a desire to plot functions in general, not just cubics, and discusses the limitations of the TI-84 compared to Excel.
  • There is a proposal to simply relabel x as f(x) and vice versa to plot the inverse, though it is unclear if this is feasible on the TI-84.
  • A participant notes that the table generated by the TI-84 when plotting a function differs from manually entered values, complicating the process of plotting both functions.
  • Another participant mentions a feature on the TI-83 called DrawInv, which allows for plotting inverses but is not interactive and has limitations.
  • Several comments reiterate the suggestion of rotating the calculator to visualize the inverse graphically.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various methods and ideas for graphing inverse functions, but there is no consensus on a definitive solution for using the TI-84. Multiple competing views and suggestions remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in the TI-84's functionality for plotting inverses directly and discuss the differences in output between the calculator and manual entry methods.

barryj
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TL;DR
I am studying inverse functions and want to see a plot of an inverse function.
Summary: I am studying inverse functions and want to see a plot of an inverse function.

I hope this is an OK post here.

Lets say I have a function y = x^3 + x. This function has n inverse sine the derivitave is always positive and is a one on one function.

I can easily graph this function using my TI84. How can I graph the inverse function. This is what I have tried and failed at.

Set the TI84 to graph x^3 + x. Now look at the table of values. L1 is X, and L2 is f(x).
I thought I could use the stat plot option and set L2 to X and L1 to f(x) and then graph both the original function and its inverse using the stat plot feature.

Is there a way to do what I want?
 
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In theory,there is a general formula to solve a cubic , called Cardano's formula,where you can solve for x in terms of y but i don't think it is very practical.
 
If you just want to see how the inverse function looks, rotate your calculator (and plot -f(x) or f(-x) to get positive values going up).
 
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I wasn't thinking about a cubic in particular but a function in general. I used Excel to plot the function and its inverse but I would like to use the TI84.

I can use the table feature to get a list of values of f(x) vs X, but how can I plot X vs f(x)? Maybe not possible unless I write a special program.
 
barryj said:
I wasn't thinking about a cubic in particular but a function in general. I used Excel to plot the function and its inverse but I would like to use the TI84.

I can use the table feature to get a list of values of f(x) vs X, but how can I plot X vs f(x)? Maybe not possible unless I write a special program.
I don't understand,why not just relabel x as f(x) and viceversa and then just plot them?
 
When I plot a function, the TI84 fills the table with values. However, this table is not the same as you would have if you entered the values manually and used Statplot to plot the two graphs. I can make two plots manually but it is a bit klunky.
 
My comment about rotating the calculator was serious.
 
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I see your point
 
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On my TI-83 in ##\mathtt {func}## mode there's a ##\mathtt {DrawInv}## option. If it is selected from the ##\mathtt {DRAW}## menu, the machine will return to the home screen or the program editor. It's not interactive. ##\mathtt {DrawInv}## puts ##\mathtt x## values on the ##\mathtt y## axis and vice versa. It takes a single expression as an argument (not a list of expressions). You can invert a matrix by using the ##\mathtt {^{-1}}## key. The matrix must be square and the determinant can't be zero.
 
  • #10
mfb said:
My comment about rotating the calculator was serious.
Sure,i can see you are very professional.
 
  • #11
KurtChris said:
Sure,i can see you are very professional.
@mfb's suggestion was spot on: if you just want to see the inverse of a graph that is already displayed, you can simply rotate the device ##90^\circ## in the display plane, and then mentally swap the ##\mathtt x## and ##\mathtt y## axes to their normal positions.
 

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