inverse function
A function, usually written as f-1, that exactly reverses the mapping produced by a given function f. The "-1" above the function stands for an inverse function and has nothing to do with a "-1" used as an exponent.

For example, f(x) = x1/3 and g(x) = x3 are inverse functions because g(x) always exactly reverses the mapping done by f(x). For any number a, f(a) = a1/3. The reverse operation gives g(f(a)) = g(a1/3) = (a1/3)3 = a.


Related Terms: inverse hyperbolic functions, inverse trigonometric functions


 
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