Chapter 1: Problem 113
For the following exercises, find the domain of each function using interval notation. $$\frac{2 x+1}{\sqrt{5-x}}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The domain is \((-\infty, 5]\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the function
The function given is \( f(x) = \frac{2x+1}{\sqrt{5-x}} \). We are tasked with finding its domain.
02
Understand the constraints for the square root
A square root function, \( \sqrt{a} \), exists for non-negative values only. Therefore, \( 5-x \geq 0 \) must be true to ensure the square root exists.
03
Solve the inequality
Solve the inequality \( 5 - x \geq 0 \). By adding \( x \) to both sides, we get \( 5 \geq x \). Thus, \( x \) must be less than or equal to 5.
04
Consider all values included
From the inequality, all \( x \) values that satisfy \( x \leq 5 \) are included. The expression in the numerator, \( 2x+1 \), does not impose additional restrictions, as it is defined for all real numbers.
05
Write the domain in interval notation
Since \( x \) must be less than or equal to 5 and there are no further restrictions on negative numbers (as long as the square root is defined), we write the domain in interval notation as \((-\infty, 5]\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Interval Notation
Interval notation is a system used to describe a set of numbers, which is particularly useful to specify the domain of a function. This helps articulate the specific range of "x-values" that a function can accept while being valid.
When writing interval notation:
When writing interval notation:
- Parentheses \((a, b)\) signify that the endpoints \(a\) and \(b\) are not included (open interval).
- Brackets \([a, b]\) signify that the endpoints \(a\) and \(b\) are included (closed interval).
- You can use these symbols in various combinations to describe whether the interval includes its endpoints, like \((a, b]\) or \([a, b)\).
- The symbol \(-\infty\) is always paired with a parenthesis since infinity is a concept, not a number that can be included.
Inequalities
Inequalities are mathematical expressions involving the symbols \(<\), \(>\), \(\leq\), and \(\geq\). They express the relative size or order of two values.
Usually, they help in determining the limits or constraints for a function, as they show which values make the expression true.
Usually, they help in determining the limits or constraints for a function, as they show which values make the expression true.
- The expression \(a < b\) means \(a\) is less than \(b\).
- The expression \(a \leq b\) means \(a\) is less than or equal to \(b\).
- They can also be used in solving conditions under which a particular function remains valid, which is crucial for defining domains.
Square Root Constraints
Square root constraints focus on the principle that roots of real numbers must be non-negative to be defined. This principle is vital in understanding how to restrict the input of functions that include square roots.
The expression under a square root must be non-negative because:
The expression under a square root must be non-negative because:
- The square root of a negative number is not a real number.
- For a function \(\sqrt{a}\) to be defined, \(a \geq 0\).
- Ignoring this could result in attempting to calculate an undefined or imaginary number.