Sqrt(x^2) = |x|? Exploring Modulus Function

In summary, the modulus function, denoted as |x|, returns the absolute value of a number, giving the distance of a point from the origin on a number line. It is used in the equation "Sqrt(x^2) = |x|" to ensure the result is always positive. This equation can have two solutions, one for positive x values and one for negative x values. The graph of "Sqrt(x^2) = |x|" will only be in the positive x-axis, forming a V-shaped graph with the vertex at the origin. The domain and range of the equation is all real numbers, with the range being positive values due to the modulus function.
  • #1
TyErd
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Okay, when I enter into the calculator sqrt(x^2) it equals |x|. Since when? I thought sqrt(x^2) equals x and then when you go to sketch it, it will be a positive diagonal line through the origin whereas |x| is a reflection at the origin.
 
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  • #2
A number squared is always positive. So if you plug in -10 you get sqrt(100) which is 10.
When you cancel out the square and the square root in a problem you do that because you're looking for the principle root aka the positive one.
 

What is the modulus function?

The modulus function, denoted as |x|, is a mathematical function that returns the absolute value of a number. It essentially gives the distance of a point from the origin on a number line.

What is the purpose of using the modulus function in "Sqrt(x^2) = |x|"?

The modulus function is used in this equation to ensure that the result is always positive. This is because the square root of a negative number does not have a real solution, so the modulus function is used to eliminate any negative values of x.

Can the equation "Sqrt(x^2) = |x|" have more than one solution?

Yes, the equation can have two solutions - one for positive x values and one for negative x values. For example, if x = 3, the equation becomes Sqrt(3^2) = |3|, which simplifies to Sqrt(9) = 3, and if x = -3, the equation becomes Sqrt((-3)^2) = |-3|, which also simplifies to Sqrt(9) = 3.

How do you graph the equation "Sqrt(x^2) = |x|"?

Since the modulus function returns positive values, the graph of "Sqrt(x^2) = |x|" will only be in the positive x-axis. It will start at the origin, extend to the right, and then curve upwards. The graph will be a V-shaped graph with the vertex at the origin.

What is the domain and range of the equation "Sqrt(x^2) = |x|"?

The domain, or input values, of the equation is all real numbers. The range, or output values, is also all real numbers, but only positive values since the modulus function always returns positive values.

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