Range of y: Solving Exercises with x=0

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter SamitC
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Function Range
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the range of the function defined by the equation y = √(1 - x²) when x = 0. It establishes that y can only take on the positive square root value, thus y = 1 when x = 0. The correct range of y is determined to be 0 ≤ y ≤ 1, emphasizing that functions must have a single output for each input. The notation y_{1,2} = ±√(1 - x²) is suggested for clarity when considering both roots.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic algebraic functions
  • Familiarity with square root notation and properties
  • Knowledge of function definitions and their ranges
  • Ability to interpret mathematical notation accurately
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of square root functions in detail
  • Learn about function notation and its implications in mathematics
  • Explore the concept of ranges in various types of functions
  • Investigate the differences between positive and negative roots in mathematical expressions
USEFUL FOR

Students learning algebra, educators teaching mathematical functions, and anyone seeking to clarify the properties of square root functions and their ranges.

SamitC
Messages
36
Reaction score
0
Hello,
This is a very basic question but bothering me on some exercises.
upload_2016-7-19_0-14-33.png
,
upload_2016-7-19_0-14-33.png

Then how is the range of y is
upload_2016-7-19_0-15-49.png
? What if x is 0, then we can have y = 1 or y = -1.
While doing some exercises I encountered this issue and can't match the answers.
Thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For the most part, ##\sqrt{x}## indicates the positive square root value.

Since, in this case, y is a function, there is not the slightest ambiguity. Functions are only allowed to have one value for anyone input. So ##y=\sqrt{1-x^2}## refers only to the positive root.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: SamitC
If you just write ##y = \sqrt{1-x^2}## then it is only the positive root. Otherwise you should write ##y = ± \sqrt{1-x^2}## to indicate that you consider both roots. And even this is a bit sloppy because it means ##y \in \{ ± \sqrt{1-x^2} \}##. I normally write ##y_{1,2} = ± \sqrt{1-x^2}##.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: SamitC
.Scott said:
For the most part, ##\sqrt{x}## indicates the positive square root value.

Since, in this case, y is a function, there is not the slightest ambiguity. Functions are only allowed to have one value for anyone input. So ##y=\sqrt{1-x^2}## refers only to the positive root.
The function part made it clear. Thanks.
 
But the range isn't ##y\ge 0##. It's ##0\le y\le 1##.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K