FIRST: Highest & Lowest Root of f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 1

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the highest and lowest roots of the polynomial function f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 1, as well as clarifying terminology related to roots and zeroes. Participants also touch on related mathematical concepts, such as the properties of even and odd functions and integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the definitions of "highest" and "lowest" roots, suggesting that "largest" and "smallest" might be more appropriate terminology.
  • One participant clarifies that for the function f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 1, there is only one root, x = 1, which is both the largest and smallest root.
  • Another participant notes that equations with imaginary roots or infinite roots do not have a "largest" or "smallest" root.
  • There is a discussion about the sum of even and odd functions, with some participants suggesting that the result is typically neither even nor odd.
  • One participant questions the integration of 1/x^2 and discusses the conditions under which natural logarithm forms are used in integration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the terminology of roots, with some advocating for "largest" and "smallest" while others prefer "highest" and "lowest." The discussion on the properties of even and odd functions also reveals a lack of consensus on definitions and implications.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions of roots and zeroes, as well as the implications of summing even and odd functions. The integration discussion also highlights potential confusion around the application of logarithmic forms.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and enthusiasts of mathematics, particularly those exploring polynomial functions, function properties, and integration techniques.

tomcenjerrym
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FIRST
What is the HIGHEST root? If there is a highest root, are there available any LOWEST root? Say, what is the highest and lowest root of [tex]f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 1[/tex]?

SECOND
What happen if I sum the EVEN and ODD function? I don’t think I am a good on geometry.

THIRD
What is the integral of [tex]\frac {1}{x^2}[/tex] or [tex]\int\frac{1}{x^2}[/tex]?

Is it [tex]\frac{x^{-2 + 1}}{-2+1} + C[/tex]?

Can I make it in natural logarithm [tex]ln[/tex] form?
 
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Three you got right. As for One: (X-1)^2, what do you mean highest or lowest?
 
Sorry for not being careful. Now I understand what is meant by HIGHEST and LOWEST root. Say, for the following equation:

[tex]f(x) = x^2 - x - 6[/tex]

The highest root is [tex]x = 3[/tex] and lowest is [tex]x = -2[/tex].

In case of [tex]f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 1[/tex] or [tex]f(x) = (x - 1)^2[/tex] there is no highest and lowest root because the only available root is [tex]x = 1[/tex].

Correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks
 
Largest and smallest, not highest and lowest.
 
Why? Is it about interval?
 
No, it just a matter of the meaning of the words in English. If you talk about the highest root no one will know for sure what you mean. The largest root is better.
 
tomcenjerrym said:
FIRST
What is the HIGHEST root? If there is a highest root, are there available any LOWEST root? Say, what is the highest and lowest root of [tex]f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 1[/tex]?
Of a specific equation? If by "highest" you mean largest and by "lowest" you mean smallest, and the equation has a finite number of roots, then yes, it must have a largest and a smallest root. It happens that the polynomial you give x2- 2x+1= (x-1)2 has only a single root, x= 1, so that is both the largest and smallest root is 1.
On the other hand, the equation x2+ 1= 0 has only imaginary roots and so does not have a "largest" and "smallest" root- the field of complex numbers cannot be ordered.
Also, the equation sin(x)= 0 has an infinite number of roots, any multiple of [itex]\pi[/itex] and so does not have either a "largest" or "smallest" root.

(By the way, strictly speaking, an equation has "roots". A function has "zeroes": the roots of the equation f(x)= 0. But people are seldom that strict!)

SECOND
What happen if I sum the EVEN and ODD function? I don’t think I am a good on geometry.
What do you mean by "the" even and "the" odd functions? If you mean add an arbitrary odd and an arbitrary even function, you get a function that is neither even nor odd. Functions that are neither even nor odd are far more common than even or odd functions.

Have you considered the possibility that a function may be BOTH even and odd? It is possible!

THIRD
What is the integral of [tex]\frac {1}{x^2}[/tex] or [tex]\int\frac{1}{x^2}[/tex]?

Is it [tex]\frac{x^{-2 + 1}}{-2+1} + C[/tex]?

Can I make it in natural logarithm [tex]ln[/tex] form?
You don't need natural logarithm: your first formula is correct. you have x-2 so you use "int of xn is [itex]\frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1}[/itex] as long as n+1 is not 0". The only time you need natural logarithm is when n+1= 0- in other words, when n= -1.
 

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