SOLUTION: y=1 if x is rational and y=0 if x irrational. how would you describe this on a graph.

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Question 1144645: y=1 if x is rational and y=0 if x irrational. how would you describe this on a graph.
Answer by ikleyn(52794) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

In a coordinate plane, draw two straight lines y= 0  and  y= 1.


Take a needle.   // If you don't know what a needle is, consult a dictionary.


Using the needle, make a hole in each point (x,1) on the line y= 1, where x is irrational.


In other words, using the needle, remove each point (x,1) on the line y= 1, where x is irrational.


    It is infinitely long job, if you do not use other special tools - but you are a patient person, isn't it :).


When you complete this job, you will get the requested graph.


It is the description the problem asks for.

Do not think that I am joking. I presented absolutely CLASSIC description to you.

This function is called "Dirichlet's function", after great mathematician Peter Gustav Lejeune Dirichlet.


For more information, see these links

http://mathworld.wolfram.com/DirichletFunction.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowhere_continuous_function

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Gustav_Lejeune_Dirichlet