SOLUTION: <give the domain of each function> F(x)= square root of (x over 4 minus 2)

Algebra ->  Exponential-and-logarithmic-functions -> SOLUTION: <give the domain of each function> F(x)= square root of (x over 4 minus 2)      Log On


   



Question 713952:
F(x)= square root of (x over 4 minus 2)

Answer by jsmallt9(3758) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
F%28x%29=+sqrt%28x%2F4-2%29
When asked to find a domain you start by assuming that it is all real numbers. Then you look for x values that need to be excluded. There are certain expressions that cannot be allowed in Math and any value for x that creates such an expression must be excluded from the domain.

Some of the more common expressions that must be avoided:
  • Zero denominators (since division by zero is undefined)
  • Negative radicands of even-numbered roots. ("Radicand" is the name for the expression within a radical. Even-numbered roots are square (2nd) roots, 4th roots, 6th roots, etc.) These must be avoided because you can't raise any real number to an even power and get a negative result.
  • Invalid arguments or bases of logarithms. (Valid arguments are positive. Valid bases are positive but not 1.
Our function has no logarithms. It does have a denominator. But it is a 4. And no matter what value x has, the denominator will always be 4, never zero.

Our function does have an even-numbered root, a square root. So we must make sure that x would never have a value that would make the radicand negative. Instead of thinking that x can't make the radicand negative it is easier to that we want x to make the radicand positive or zero. So we write a mathemtical sentence that says the radicand, x%2F4-2, is greater than or equal to zero:
x%2F4-2%3E=0
Solving for x...
Adding 2:
x%2F4%3E=2
Multiplying by 4:
x%3E=8
These are the values we want x to be. This is the domain of F(x): All numbers greater than or equal to 8.