Range Calculation Help: Finding the Range of a Square Root Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the range of the function defined by the equation sqrt(25-(x-2)^2), which is related to the geometry of a circle. Participants explore the implications of the square root function and its restrictions on the output values.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the given equation and the geometry of a circle, noting the center and radius. They also explore the implications of the square root function, questioning how it affects the range and domain of the function.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various interpretations of the problem, with some participants suggesting that a graphical approach may clarify the range. There is acknowledgment of the need to consider the properties of the square root function and its impact on the range.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention constraints related to the domain and the nature of the function, including the requirement for the output of the square root to be non-negative. There is also a note about the non-invertibility of certain forms of the function affecting the approach to finding the range.

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Homework Statement




find the range of sqrt(25-(x-2)^2)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I found the inverse
2+sqrt(-x^2+25)

then I found the domain to be [-5,5] and said that's the range of the original equation however when I graph the original equation the ys only range from [0,+5] what did I mess up?
 
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Interestingly enough [tex]y=\sqrt{25-(x-2)^2}[/tex]

Is the top half of the circle:

[tex](x-2)^2+y^2=25[/tex]

For there you can easily deduce that it's center is (2,0) and it has a radius of 5. D:[-3,7] and the range is easily deducible as well.

Or you could solve this by realizing that [tex]\sqrt{x}[/tex] belongs to all reals when x >= 0.

So just find where [tex]25-(x-2)^2=0[/tex] and that would also give you the same answer for the domain. For the range, you need to know the manipulations of the square root function.
 
Last edited:
y = sqrt(25-(x-2)^2)

sqrt only gives the positive root... hence y >= 0. range will be >= 0

when you take the inverse, you need to include this condition... ie the inverse is

2+sqrt(-x^2+25)... where x must be >= 0, on top of the other condition that you find -5<=x<=5

so x>=0 AND -5<=x<=5, means the domain of this function is 0<=x<=5.

Another way to see it is:

2+sqrt(-x^2+25)

is not a one-to-one function. because a value of x and its negative give the same result. But an invertibe needs to be one-to-one.

However,

2+sqrt(-x^2+25) where x>=0 is one-to-one

But I'm not sure this is the best approach to find the range... you may have non-invertible functions whose range you need to calculate... so in these cases you won't be able to take the inverse.

I think a sketch is the best approach.
 
Feldoh said:
Interestingly enough [tex]y=\sqrt{25-(x-2)^2}[/tex]

Is the top half of the circle:

[tex](x-2)^2+y^2=25[/tex]

For there you can easily deduce that it's center is (2,0) and it has a radius of 5. D:[-3,7]

:redface: I didn't notice that it was a circle. So the sketch is straightforward.
 
alright thanks i get it
 

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