CCSS.Math.Content.HSF-BF.B.4c

MathGrades 9–12Building Functions

The standard

(+) Read values of an inverse function from a graph or a table, given that the function has an inverse.

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Build new functions from existing functions

What this standard means

Students need to read an inverse function from a table or graph without finding a full equation. They should know that inverse functions swap inputs and outputs, so if f(3)=7, then f⁻¹(7)=3. On a graph, they need to connect a point on f to the matching reversed point on its inverse.

Mastery looks like using tables, ordered pairs, and graphs to answer inverse value questions quickly and accurately. Students often get stuck by looking for the same x-value, mixing up f and f⁻¹, or assuming every graph has an inverse without checking that outputs are not repeated.

Ways to teach it

  • Give pairs a table of f values and have them build the inverse table by swapping each input and output column.
  • Prompt students: If f(a)=b, what must f⁻¹(b) equal, and how can you see that in a table?
  • Show five inverse value questions from tables and graphs, then have students answer on mini whiteboards in two minutes.
  • Use a phone number lookup analogy, where a name gives a number and the inverse lookup starts with the number.

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Related standards

Standard text verified against corestandards.org on July 10, 2026.

Page updated July 10, 2026.

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