# What is the name to refer to the width of one graphic function

1. Oct 20, 2008

### lanz

Hi,

I want to know the technical name of the width of a graphic funcion.

In the example I give at the bottom, the width of the function is painted by an arrow. Maybe the noun is amplitude????

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/8905/graphfh8.png [Broken]

Thanks with anticipation

Last edited by a moderator: May 3, 2017
2. Oct 20, 2008

### mgb_phys

Not amplitude, I would say either width, x extent, or delta x $$\Delta x$$

3. Oct 20, 2008

### tiny-tim

Welcome to PF!

Hi lanz! Welcome to PF!

Is this part of a larger problem?

You seem to be asking for the name of something that has no physical or mathematical significance.

4. Oct 21, 2008

### lanz

Re: Welcome to PF!

hi,

No, it is not a part of larger problem no it`s simply that question

5. Oct 21, 2008

### lanz

Thank you for teh answer but I can´t see the picture you have put

6. Oct 21, 2008

### tiny-tim

I can see from the code that mgb_phys's LaTeX says "or ∆x"

7. Oct 22, 2008

### HallsofIvy

Of course, the distance you have shown with the arrow is NOT a property of the function alone. It depends upon the exact value of y also.

If you meant that width where y is the y- coordinate of the focus, then your line, through the focus of the parabola and parallel to the directrix, is the "Latus Rectum" and your width is the length of the latus rectum. Of course, that only exists for conic sections.

Last edited by a moderator: Oct 22, 2008