One to One Functions - Graph, Examples | Horizontal Line Test
What is a One to One Function?
A one-to-one function is a mathematical function whereby each input correlates to a single output. In other words, for every x, there is a single y and vice versa. This signifies that the graph of a one-to-one function will never intersect.
The input value in a one-to-one function is the domain of the function, and the output value is noted as the range of the function.
Let's look at the pictures below:
For f(x), each value in the left circle correlates to a unique value in the right circle. In conjunction, every value on the right correlates to a unique value on the left side. In mathematical words, this implies every domain has a unique range, and every range owns a unique domain. Therefore, this is an example of a one-to-one function.
Here are some more representations of one-to-one functions:
-
f(x) = x + 1
-
f(x) = 2x
Now let's study the second picture, which shows the values for g(x).
Notice that the inputs in the left circle (domain) do not own unique outputs in the right circle (range). Case in point, the inputs -2 and 2 have equal output, that is, 4. In the same manner, the inputs -4 and 4 have the same output, i.e., 16. We can see that there are identical Y values for many X values. Therefore, this is not a one-to-one function.
Here are different representations of non one-to-one functions:
-
f(x) = x^2
-
f(x)=(x+2)^2
What are the qualities of One to One Functions?
One-to-one functions have these characteristics:
-
The function holds an inverse.
-
The graph of the function is a line that does not intersect itself.
-
They pass the horizontal line test.
-
The graph of a function and its inverse are identical concerning the line y = x.
How to Graph a One to One Function
In order to graph a one-to-one function, you will have to figure out the domain and range for the function. Let's examine an easy example of a function f(x) = x + 1.
As soon as you have the domain and the range for the function, you ought to chart the domain values on the X-axis and range values on the Y-axis.
How can you determine whether a Function is One to One?
To test whether or not a function is one-to-one, we can leverage the horizontal line test. Immediately after you chart the graph of a function, draw horizontal lines over the graph. In the event that a horizontal line moves through the graph of the function at more than one point, then the function is not one-to-one.
Because the graph of every linear function is a straight line, and a horizontal line doesn’t intersect the graph at more than one place, we can also conclude all linear functions are one-to-one functions. Keep in mind that we do not apply the vertical line test for one-to-one functions.
Let's look at the graph for f(x) = x + 1. Once you chart the values to x-coordinates and y-coordinates, you need to review whether a horizontal line intersects the graph at more than one place. In this instance, the graph does not intersect any horizontal line more than once. This indicates that the function is a one-to-one function.
On the other hand, if the function is not a one-to-one function, it will intersect the same horizontal line multiple times. Let's examine the graph for the f(y) = y^2. Here are the domain and the range values for the function:
Here is the graph for the function:
In this case, the graph intersects multiple horizontal lines. For instance, for each domains -1 and 1, the range is 1. Similarly, for either -2 and 2, the range is 4. This means that f(x) = x^2 is not a one-to-one function.
What is the opposite of a One-to-One Function?
As a one-to-one function has just one input value for each output value, the inverse of a one-to-one function also happens to be a one-to-one function. The inverse of the function essentially undoes the function.
For Instance, in the case of f(x) = x + 1, we add 1 to each value of x as a means of getting the output, or y. The inverse of this function will subtract 1 from each value of y.
The inverse of the function is f−1.
What are the qualities of the inverse of a One to One Function?
The characteristics of an inverse one-to-one function are identical to any other one-to-one functions. This signifies that the reverse of a one-to-one function will possess one domain for every range and pass the horizontal line test.
How do you find the inverse of a One-to-One Function?
Finding the inverse of a function is simple. You simply have to switch the x and y values. For example, the inverse of the function f(x) = x + 5 is f-1(x) = x - 5.
As we learned before, the inverse of a one-to-one function undoes the function. Since the original output value required adding 5 to each input value, the new output value will require us to delete 5 from each input value.
One to One Function Practice Questions
Examine the subsequent functions:
-
f(x) = x + 1
-
f(x) = 2x
-
f(x) = x2
-
f(x) = 3x - 2
-
f(x) = |x|
-
g(x) = 2x + 1
-
h(x) = x/2 - 1
-
j(x) = √x
-
k(x) = (x + 2)/(x - 2)
-
l(x) = 3√x
-
m(x) = 5 - x
For each of these functions:
1. Determine whether or not the function is one-to-one.
2. Draw the function and its inverse.
3. Determine the inverse of the function numerically.
4. State the domain and range of both the function and its inverse.
5. Apply the inverse to find the solution for x in each formula.
Grade Potential Can Help You Learn You Functions
If you are facing difficulties using one-to-one functions or similar functions, Grade Potential can set you up with a 1:1 teacher who can help. Our Burbank math tutors are experienced professionals who help students just like you advance their mastery of these subjects.
With Grade Potential, you can work at your own pace from the comfort of your own home. Schedule a meeting with Grade Potential today by calling (818) 476-7013 to learn more about our teaching services. One of our representatives will get in touch with you to better ask about your needs to find the best instructor for you!
