Math Help:Reciprocal & Graphing

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of reciprocals and graphing functions, specifically the functions y = x² and y = √x. The original poster seeks clarification on how to find the reciprocals of these functions and how to create a table of values for graphing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of reciprocals for the given functions and the implications of domain selection. There is also a question raised regarding whether the term "reciprocal" was intended or if the inverse function was meant instead.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing insights on domain selection and graphing. There are differing interpretations regarding the terminology used, specifically between reciprocals and inverse functions, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of a specified domain for the functions, prompting discussions on what might be considered relevant for graphing. The original poster expresses confidence in handling parts of the problem independently once the table of values is clarified.

Raza
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What would be the reciprocal of the following:

[tex]A)y=x^2[/tex]

[tex]B)y=\sqrt{x}[/tex]

I think the reciprocal for A, it would be:

[tex]y=\frac{1}{x^2}[/tex]

And B would be:

[tex]y=\sqrt{\frac{1}{x}}[/tex]

And also, How would I graph this?
I just need the table of values. Well, I need to do domain,range,graphing and a summary but I think I can do that myself if I get how to do the table of values.


Thanks :smile:
 
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If you are talking about reciprocals of numbers, then yes, the reciprocals of [itex]x^2~and~`\sqrt(x)~are~\frac{1}{x^2}~and~\frac{1}{\sqrt(x)}[/itex]

Since no domain has been provided in the question, you have to come up with what you think will be a relavant domain- ie : one which includes any "important" behavior.

For [itex]y = x^2[/itex], I would pick a bunch of numbers say, from the set [-10, 10].
 
oops - lol nvm.
 
Would this be the graph:
GraphReciprocal.jpg


The blue one is [tex]\frac{1}{x^2}[/tex] and the red one is [tex]\sqrt{\frac{1}{x}}[/tex]
 
One question: since if f(x)= x2 (for x>= 0), then f-1(x)= &sqrt;(x) are the functions you give, are you sure it is "reciprocal" that is intended rather than the inverse function?
 
I don't get your question. Please rephrase it.
 
Raza said:
I don't get your question. Please rephrase it.

He means are you sure you're meant to be doing 1/y or should you be finding the inverse function (eg. the inverse of multiplication is division, the inverse of squaring is square rooting)?
 
I am sure that I don't have to find the inverse function.
 
Last edited:

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