Chapter 3: Problem 11
Exer. 3-12: Determine whether \(f\) is even, odd, or neither even nor odd. $$ f(x)=\sqrt[3]{x^{3}-x} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function is odd.
Step by step solution
01
Define an Even Function
A function is even if for every \( x \) in its domain, \( f(-x) = f(x) \). This means that the graph of the function is symmetric with respect to the y-axis.
02
Define an Odd Function
A function is odd if for every \( x \) in its domain, \( f(-x) = -f(x) \). This means that the graph of the function is symmetric with respect to the origin.
03
Substitute \(-x\) into \(f(x)\)
We need to find \( f(-x) \) by substituting \(-x\) for \(x\) in the function \( f(x) = \sqrt[3]{x^3 - x} \). This gives us \( f(-x) = \sqrt[3]{(-x)^3 - (-x)} = \sqrt[3]{-x^3 + x} \).
04
Test the Even Condition
Check whether \( f(-x) = f(x) \). We have \( f(x) = \sqrt[3]{x^3 - x} \) and \( f(-x) = \sqrt[3]{-x^3 + x} \). Clearly, \( \sqrt[3]{-x^3 + x} eq \sqrt[3]{x^3 - x} \), so the function is not even.
05
Test the Odd Condition
Check whether \( f(-x) = -f(x) \). Since \( f(-x) = \sqrt[3]{-x^3 + x} \) and \( -f(x) = -\sqrt[3]{x^3 - x} = \sqrt[3]{-x^3 + x} \), we find that indeed \( f(-x) = -f(x) \). This confirms that the function is odd.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Even Functions
Even functions exhibit a unique property where their behavior is mirrored across the y-axis. When a function is even, it means that if you were to fold its graph along the y-axis, the two halves would perfectly align. This important property can be mathematically validated by checking if the function satisfies \( f(-x) = f(x) \) for every \( x \) in its domain.
- If you can substitute \( -x \) into the function and achieve the same result as the original \( x \), then the function is even.
- This symmetry results in an equally spaced mirror image of the points on the graph about the y-axis.
Function Symmetry
Function symmetry refers to certain consistent patterns in the graph of a function. Symmetry can occur in different forms, such as axis symmetry and point symmetry, each providing insightful properties for understanding a function's behavior.
- Axis Symmetry: This typically refers to symmetry along the y-axis, often seen in even functions. As we've discussed, even functions like \( f(x) = x^2 \) do not change when \( x \) is replaced by \(-x\). This indicates y-axis symmetry.
- Point Symmetry: Another type of symmetry is about the origin, associated with odd functions. A function exhibits origin symmetry when, after rotating by 180 degrees around the origin, the graph appears unchanged.
Function Domains
Understanding the domain of a function is crucial as it tells us the set of all possible input values \( x \) for which the function is defined.
- The domain determines where the function can be evaluated and consequently affects the determination of symmetry properties.
- For example, if a function is defined only for non-negative values of \( x \), it can't exhibit the properties of an odd function, which require symmetry around the origin.