# Why can't I graph w/maple & calc

1. Oct 7, 2007

### fsm

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
f(x)=$$\frac{(-1)^{x}}{x*\sqrt{x}}$$

2. Relevant equations
n/a

3. The attempt at a solution
I'm trying to plot this in maple and my calculator but no dice. What am I doing wrong?

2. Oct 7, 2007

### atqamar

Imaginary Range

The problem is not with Maple or your calculator. If you analyze the function, you will notice that the domain of the function is only positive integers. If non-integers are substituted into the numerator $$x$$, a sample result would be $$(-1)^{1/2} = \sqrt{-1} = i$$. Similarly, all non-integers will produce a form of an imaginary result. $$0$$ can't be part of the domain either since $$\frac{(-1)^0}{0\sqrt(0)}=\frac{1}{0}$$, which is undefined. Finally, no negative number for $$x$$ will work either since the denominator contains $$\sqrt{x}$$ and substituting negative values will give you a multiple of $$i$$.
However, if you would like to visualize the integer solutions to this equation, try graphing it using GrafEq.

3. Oct 7, 2007

Thanks!