[Math] If a function $f$ is decreasing on its domain then would its inverse be increasing or decreasing

calculusfunctionsinversereal-analysis

I have a question concerned the inverse of a function $f$ and the sign of its derivative.

If we are given a function $f$ that is decreasing on its domain, would its inverse $f^{-1}$ be increasing or decreasing.

I thought that this would be decreasing:

Because the formula for the derivative of the inverse is:
$$\left(f^{-1}(x)\right)' = \frac{1}{f'\left(f^{-1}(x)\right)}$$

Since $f$ is decreasing, $f'< 0$, so $\left(f^{-1}(x)\right)' < 0$, so the inverse $f^{-1}$ would be decreasing.

However, I find that I am incorrect. why?

EDIT

This is the exact question

True or false: If $f$ is decreasing on its domain, then $f^{-1}$ is decreasing on its domain

The answer was false and it put "$f^{-1}$ would be increasing."

Best Answer

Yes, decreasing ! Indeed, let take $x\leq y$. By surjectivity, $x=f(u)$ and $y=f(v)$ for a certain $u$ and a certain $v$. Then, $f(u)\leq f(v)$ by hypothesis and so $u\geq v$ because $f$ is decreasing. By bijectivity, $u=f^{-1}(x)$ and $v=f^{-1}(y)$, therefore $f^{-1}(x)\geq f^{-1}(y)$.

Q.E.D.

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