If f(x) = x|x|, then its inverse function f⁻¹(x) is equal to
sqrt(|x|)
(sgn x) * sqrt(|x|)
-sqrt(|x|)
Does not exist
Correct answer: (sgn x) * sqrt(|x|)
Solution
f(x) = x|x| equals x² for x >= 0 and -x² for x < 0; it is strictly increasing, hence invertible. Solving y = x|x| gives x = sgn(y)*sqrt(|y|), so f⁻¹(x) = sgn(x)*sqrt(|x|).