Question

what does the notation $f^{-1}(x)$ represent?

1. the function raised to the power of -1
2. the function divided by -1
3. the reciprocal of the function f(x)
4. the inverse of the function f(x)

Explanation:

In function notation, the superscript $-1$ next to a function symbol specifically denotes the inverse function, not a reciprocal or exponentiation. An inverse function reverses the mapping of the original function $f(x)$, meaning if $y=f(x)$, then $x=f^{-1}(y)$.

Answer:

1. The inverse of the function f(x)