What is the function for a curved line on the positive (+,+) zone of a graph?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a mathematical function that represents a curved line, specifically a quarter circle, constrained to the positive quadrant of a graph. The conversation includes aspects of calculus and function definitions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about a function that represents a curved line like a circle in the positive quadrant.
  • Another participant suggests a function using the transformation \( x^* = (\sqrt{x})^2 \) to define a quarter circle as \( f(x) = \sqrt{1-(x^*)^2} \).
  • A question is raised regarding the derivative of the proposed function, with a suggestion to move the discussion to a calculus context.
  • A participant states that the derivative of the function is similar to that of a regular circle, with adjustments for the transformation used.
  • One participant argues that it is acceptable to restrict the domain of the function as part of its definition, proposing \( f(x) = +\sqrt{r^2 - x^2} : 0 \le x \le r \).
  • Another participant suggests that defining the function to be undefined for negative x and using the positive square root could simplify the discussion.
  • A later reply questions the validity of a proposed function \( f(x) = +\sqrt{r^2 - (x-h)^2} +k \) and its domain restrictions, indicating potential confusion or disagreement about the parameters involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on how to define the function and its derivative, with no clear consensus reached on the best approach or the validity of certain formulations.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the definitions and transformations proposed, particularly regarding the assumptions about the domain and the behavior of the functions at certain values of x.

the1024b
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Is there a function that represents a curved line like a circle but that is only represented on the (+,+) zone of the graph?
 
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Sure. Try this:

[tex]let x^* = (\sqrt{x})^2[/tex]. This is equal to x for x>0 and undefined for x<0.

Now, your quarter circle is given by:

[tex]f(x) = \sqrt{1-(x^*)^2}[/tex]
 
and what's the derivative of that function?

Maybe i should put this on calculus?
 
The derivative is the same as that of a regular circle, except that you use [itex](\sqrt{x})^2[/itex] instead of just x:

[tex]f'(x) = -\frac{(\sqrt{x})^2}{\sqrt{1-(\sqrt{x})^4}}[/tex]
 
There's no problem in putting restriction on the domain of the function as part of it's definition. Just use,

[tex]f(x) = +\sqrt{r^2 - x^2} : 0 \le x \le r[/tex]
 
You could just declare that the function "defining" the circle is undefined for negative x and takes the positive square root to avoid all this competely unnecessary behaviour.
 
Perhaps I am missing something, what is wrong with
[tex]f(x) = +\sqrt{r^2 - (x-h)^2} +k : h-r \le x \le h+r :k ,h\ge r[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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