What is the domain of 15x^2 + 3x - sqrt2 (x)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the domain of the expression 15x^2 + 3x - sqrt2 (x), with participants exploring various interpretations and mathematical principles related to domain definitions in functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the domain is the set of all x greater than or equal to zero, assuming the expression is interpreted as 15x^{2} + 3x - sqrt{x}.
  • Others question the interpretation of the term -sqrt2 (x), asking whether it is meant as -sqrt(2)x or -sqrt(2) * x.
  • One participant proposes that the domain could be all real numbers, arguing that since x is not under a radical, any real number can be substituted into the expression.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of specifying both the domain and codomain when discussing functions, noting that without this, the question lacks meaning.
  • Some participants express frustration with the clarity of the question as presented in the source material, suggesting it may not have been adequately explained in educational contexts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the domain of the expression. Multiple interpretations and competing views remain regarding the correct understanding of the expression and its implications for the domain.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the interpretation of the expression and the definitions of domain and codomain. The discussion reflects a range of mathematical contexts, including real and complex numbers.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in mathematical reasoning, function definitions, and domain determination in algebra may find this discussion relevant.

trip7
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Find the domain?

How would I go about finding the domain of: 15x^2 + 3x - sqrt2 (x)

trip7
 
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The domain is the set of all x greater than or equal to zero, if you mean

[tex] 15x^{2} + 3x - \sqrt x[/tex]

How did you do this? And where did you go wrong?

Cheers
Vivek
 
trip7 said:
How would I go about finding the domain of: 15x^2 + 3x - sqrt2 (x)

trip7
For what values of x can you evaluate this expression? Note, as a general rule:
if the domain of f(x) is Da
if the domain of g(x) is Db
if the domain of h(x) is Dc
The domain of f(x) + g(x) + h(x) is the intersection of Da, Db, and Dc. So, what is the domain of 15x^2? I.e. what values can you plug in for x and get real value for 15x^2? Now, it depends if you're restricting yourself to real numbers, or are you including complex numbers, or are we talking about vectors, or anything else? But in most situations, I'm guessing you're talking about reals? What reals can you plug into 3x? What reals can you plug into -sqrt{x}?

I'll give you a similar example, this is really too easy to give away though. Take the expression:

3x^3 - 1/x + x

For all Reals, 3x^3 is defined, so R (the entire set of Reals) is the domain for this part. -1/x is defined for all x except 0. That's the set R\{0}. The last part, x, is also defined for all Reals (obviously). So, the interaction of these sets are:
R INTERSECT R\{0} INTERSECT R = R\{0}, or all the reals except zero.
 
maverick280857 said:
The domain is the set of all x greater than or equal to zero, if you mean

[tex] 15x^{2} + 3x - \sqrt x[/tex]

How did you do this? And where did you go wrong?

Cheers
Vivek

I mean [tex] f(x)=15x^{2} + 3x - \sqrt 2 x[/tex]

Its the [tex]- \sqrt 2 x[/tex] that I don't know what to do with.
Any help would be appreciated.
 
Okay, well is it [itex]\sqrt{(2x)}[/itex] or [itex](\sqrt{2})(x)[/itex]?
 
See, another question that demonstrates most maths courses aren't taught well.
The domain could br Q, R, C, F_2, the p-adics, the p-locals, Z, N...
 
AKG said:
Okay, well is it [itex]\sqrt{(2x)}[/itex] or [itex](\sqrt{2})(x)[/itex]?


[itex](-\sqrt{2})(x)[/itex] is the rational.
My guess is that the domain of (f) is the set of all real numbers because you can plug any number into x and get an answer. I haven't done this in a long time and remembering that you can't get the square root of a negative number, I thought I would ask the forum how this is done. Since the x is not under the radical, anything can be substituted for x in this equation. Is this correct?

trip7
 
can i ask you to complain to your teacher if that's exactly how the question was stated? the domain and codomain are part of the definition of function.

even if there were are square root of x in there it would still be a function from R, just the domain would be C.

that is why these questions should all be excised from courses.
 
matt grime said:
can i ask you to complain to your teacher if that's exactly how the question was stated? the domain and codomain are part of the definition of function.

even if there were are square root of x in there it would still be a function from R, just the domain would be C.

that is why these questions should all be excised from courses.


Its not from a teacher. Its from an Algebre II Prentice Hall book. I may not have gotten far enough in the book to see what your meaning is :-)

trip7
 
  • #10
trip7 said:
[itex](-\sqrt{2})(x)[/itex] is the rational.
My guess is that the domain of (f) is the set of all real numbers because you can plug any number into x and get an answer. I haven't done this in a long time and remembering that you can't get the square root of a negative number, I thought I would ask the forum how this is done. Since the x is not under the radical, anything can be substituted for x in this equation. Is this correct?

trip7

Setting aside matt's objection, yes. That is what the book wants you to say.

However, as matt said, it is meaningless to ask for a domain without also specifying the co-domain.

EDIT : That's not what matt said, it's what AKG said.
 
Last edited:
  • #11
Thanks all for your input. I can now sleep comfortably hehe.

trip7
 

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