The inverse of a function, say, f(x), is a function f^-1(x) such that f^-1(f(x)) = x. To obtain the inverse function, manipulate the equation so that x is isolated on one side.
Function 1: f(x) = -(x)/(12)
We could multiply each side by -12:
-12f(x) = x
So, it must be that f^-1(x) = -12x. Let's test it to be sure:
f^-1(f(x)) = -12(f(x)) = -12(-(x)/(12)) = x.
Alright!
Function 2: f(x) = (x - 12)/4
Multiply each side by 4:
4f(x) = x - 12
Add each side by 12:
4f(x) + 12 = x
So f^-1(x) = 4x + 12.
f^-1(f(x)) = 4(f(x)) + 12 = 4((x - 12)/4) + 12
= x - 12 + 12 = x.
Function 3: f(x) = (3x + 1)/6
Multiply each side by 6:
6f(x) = 3x + 1
Subtract 1 from each side:
6f(x) - 1 = 3x
Divide each side by 3:
6/3 f(x) - 1/3 = x
2f(x) - 1/3 = x
So f^-1(x) = 2x - 1/3.
f^-1(f(x)) = 2(f(x)) - 1/3 = 2((3x + 1)/6) - 1/3
= (3x + 1)/3 - 1/3 = (3x)/3 = x.