# Math Help - Inverse of an absolute function

1. ## Inverse of an absolute function

Hey guys, just wondering how you would go about determining f^(-1) (x) of the function,

f(x) = x + |x|/2

What I did first was that I let f(x) = y. Then, I switched the x and the y variables

y = x + |x|/2

x = y + |y|/2

I don't know how to isolate for y since part of it is in absolute notation. Help?

2. ## Re: Inverse of an absolute function

Math Forum - Ask Dr. Math

....googling does wonders...

3. ## Re: Inverse of an absolute function

I still don't understand how I would apply it to the function I described, since it is partly an absolute value function.

4. ## Re: Inverse of an absolute function

Originally Posted by Manni
Hey guys, just wondering how you would go about determining f^(-1) (x) of the function,
f(x) = x + |x|/2
Do you understand that any linear function $mx+b$ has an inverse?

Do you see that $x + \frac{{\left| x \right|}}{2} = \left\{ {\begin{array}{rl} {\dfrac{{3x}}{2},} & {x \geqslant 0} \\ {\dfrac{x}{2},} & {x < 0} \\ \end{array} } \right.$