Chapter 1: Problem 27
Give the intervals on which the given function is continuous. $$ f(t)=\sqrt{5 t^{2}-30} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function is continuous on \((-\infty, -\sqrt{6}] \cup [\sqrt{6}, \infty)\).
Step by step solution
01
Determine the Domain of the Square Root Function
The function given is a square root function of the form \( f(t) = \sqrt{5t^2 - 30} \). For the square root to be defined and give real number outputs, the expression inside the square root sign, \(5t^2 - 30\), must be non-negative. So we need to solve the inequality \(5t^2 - 30 \geq 0\).
02
Solve the Inequality
To solve \(5t^2 - 30 \geq 0\), firstly, simplify it by dividing through by 5 to get \(t^2 - 6 \geq 0\). Next, find the boundary points by setting \(t^2 - 6 = 0\). Solving for \(t\), we get \(t = \pm \sqrt{6}\). Thus, the critical points are \(t = \sqrt{6}\) and \(t = -\sqrt{6}\).
03
Test Intervals Between Critical Points
Let's test the intervals created by these critical points: \((-\infty, -\sqrt{6})\), \([-\sqrt{6}, \sqrt{6}]\), and \((\sqrt{6}, \infty)\). Select any point within each interval and test it in the inequality \(t^2 - 6 \geq 0\).
04
Evaluate Each Interval
For \((-\infty, -\sqrt{6})\), choose \(t = -4\). We get \((-4)^2 - 6 = 16 - 6 = 10 \geq 0\), which satisfies the inequality. For \([-\sqrt{6}, \sqrt{6}]\), choose \(t = 0\). We compute \(0^2 - 6 = -6 < 0\), which does not satisfy the inequality. For \((\sqrt{6}, \infty)\), choose \(t = 4\). We calculate \(4^2 - 6 = 16 - 6 = 10 \geq 0\), which satisfies the inequality.
05
Conclusion on Continuity
Since the function is defined and produces real number outputs for \(t^2 - 6 \geq 0\), the intervals where the function is continuous are \((-\infty, -\sqrt{6}] \cup [\sqrt{6}, \infty)\).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Domain of a Function
When you have a mathematical function, identifying its domain is crucial. The domain of a function refers to all the possible input values, usually denoted by the symbol \( x \) or \( t \) in the function itself, for which the function is defined and outputs real numbers. In the context of the function \( f(t) = \sqrt{5t^2 - 30} \), you first need to focus on what makes the square root valid.
The key rule with square root functions is that the expression inside the root must be non-negative, meaning it should be zero or positive. When we say "non-negative," we mean values that are greater than or equal to zero. For our function, \( 5t^2 - 30 \) has to be \( \geq 0 \) to ensure the square root outputs real numbers. Solving this inequality will give us the interval of \( t \) values that form the domain of the function, ensuring it's valid and continuous.
Always remember:
The key rule with square root functions is that the expression inside the root must be non-negative, meaning it should be zero or positive. When we say "non-negative," we mean values that are greater than or equal to zero. For our function, \( 5t^2 - 30 \) has to be \( \geq 0 \) to ensure the square root outputs real numbers. Solving this inequality will give us the interval of \( t \) values that form the domain of the function, ensuring it's valid and continuous.
Always remember:
- The domain contains all values where the function genuinely works (is defined).
- For square root functions, focus on making the inside of the root non-negative.
- Checking the domain helps in analyzing the entire behavior of the function in calculus.
Inequalities in Calculus
In calculus, inequalities play a crucial role as they help you determine where functions are defined or where particular conditions are met. For example, if you encounter an inequality such as \(5t^2 - 30 \geq 0 \), this tells us where the expression inside our square root is valid.
Here's a simple breakdown:
Here's a simple breakdown:
- First, simplify the expression: Divide \(5t^2 - 30 \geq 0 \) by 5, yielding \( t^2 - 6 \geq 0 \).
- Then find critical points by solving \( t^2 - 6 = 0 \). Solving this gives \( t = \pm \sqrt{6} \).
- Break the number line into intervals using these critical points: \(( -\infty, -\sqrt{6})\), \([-\sqrt{6}, \sqrt{6}]\), and \(( \sqrt{6}, \infty)\).
- Test a point in each interval to check if it satisfies the inequality.
Square Root Functions
Square root functions are a special type of function involving the square root operation, which presents unique constraints and considerations compared to polynomial or linear functions.
Consider the function \( f(t) = \sqrt{5t^2 - 30} \). To understand a square root function, consider:
Consider the function \( f(t) = \sqrt{5t^2 - 30} \). To understand a square root function, consider:
- It only takes non-negative numbers. Negative numbers under the root result in complex numbers, outside typical real-valued function considerations.
- Know that anything under the root needs to be zero or positive to maintain the function within the realm of real numbers.
- The behavior of square root functions can often yield two critical points when set equal to zero, which leads to breaking down the function according to its domain constraints.