SOLUTION: How do we find the domain, range and intercepts of any given graph? For example, find the domain, range and intercepts of the graph of f(x) = x^2 + x - 1? NOTE: USE THE GR

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Question 1208032: How do we find the domain, range and intercepts of any given graph?
For example, find the domain, range and intercepts of the graph of
f(x) = x^2 + x - 1?
NOTE: USE THE GRAPH of the function to explain how this is done VISUALLY.
NOTE: I don't know how to upload photos in my post.

Answer by ikleyn(52781)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
How do we find the domain, range and intercepts of any given graph?
For example, find the domain, range and intercepts of the graph of
f(x) = x^2 + x - 1?
NOTE: USE THE GRAPH of the function to explain how this is done VISUALLY.
NOTE: I don't know how to upload photos in my post.
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(1)  The domain of this function is the set of all real numbers.

     In other words, the domain is the entire number line, from -infinity to +infinity.


     Thus question (1) is complete.



(2)  This function represents a parabola,

     Since the coefficient at x^2 is positive (it is 1 (one)), the parabola has the minimum.


     The range of this function is the set of its values, and it is the set of all real numbers 
     from the minimum of the parabola to infinity.

       
     So, to determine the range, we need to determine the minimum.


     The minimum of any quadratic function y = ax^2 + bx + c with positive coefficient "a" is at

          = .


     In our case it is   =  =  = -0.5.


     The minimum is   =  = 0.25 - 0.5 - 1 = -1.25.


     Therefore, the range of this quadratic function is from -1.25 to infinity.

     In the interval form, the range is  [-1.25,).


     Thus question (2) is complete.



(3)  To find x-intercepts, you need to solve this equation

         x^2 + x - 1 = 0.


     Use the quadratic formula

          =  = .


     The roots are   = =  0.618033989   (approximate),

               and   = = -1.618033989   (approximate).


Solved.

At this point, all questions are answered.

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To make a plot, go to web-site www.desmos.com/calculator

Find there free of charge online plotting tool .

Print there the formula for your function and get the plot instantly.


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On finding the maximum/minimum of a quadratic function see the lessons

    - HOW TO complete the square to find the minimum/maximum of a quadratic function
    - Briefly on finding the minimum/maximum of a quadratic function
    - HOW TO complete the square to find the vertex of a parabola
    - Briefly on finding the vertex of a parabola

Consider these lessons as your textbook,  handbook,  tutorials and  (free of charge)  home teacher, who is always with you to help.

Learn the subject from there once and for all.



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