Chapter 1: Problem 14
For the following exercises, determine whether the relation represents \(y\) as a function of \(x .\) $$y=\frac{1}{x}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Yes, \( y = \frac{1}{x} \) represents y as a function of x.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Problem
To determine if a relation represents y as a function of x, we must check if each input value of x has exactly one output value of y associated with it.
02
Identify the Components of the Relation
The given relation is \( y = \frac{1}{x} \). Here, x is the independent variable (input) and y is the dependent variable (output).
03
Apply the Vertical Line Test
Plot the graph of the function \( y = \frac{1}{x} \). A relation is a function if no vertical line intersects the graph at more than one point.
04
Analyze the Graph
The graph of \( y = \frac{1}{x} \) is a hyperbola. When analyzing the hyperbola, no vertical line will intersect the graph at more than one point.
05
Conclusion
Since each value of x (except x = 0 as it is undefined) corresponds to exactly one value of y, \( y = \frac{1}{x} \) is a function of x.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertical Line Test
The vertical line test is an essential method to determine whether a graph represents a function of one variable. This test states that if a vertical line intersects the graph of a relation at more than one point, then the relation is not a function. To perform the test, imagine drawing vertical lines (parallel to the y-axis) through every possible x-coordinate on the graph.
- If any vertical line crosses the graph more than once, the graph does not represent a function.
- If each vertical line crosses the graph at most once, the relation is confirmed to be a function.
Hyperbola
A hyperbola is a type of smooth curve lying in a plane, defined by its geometric properties or by equations that satisfy a certain relation. The graph of the equation \( y = \frac{1}{x} \) creates a hyperbola. Here are some characteristics of the hyperbola in this context:
- It has two separate branches, each located in one of the two opposite quadrants.
- The branches get closer to the x-axis and y-axis as they extend but never actually touch these axes, indicating asymptotes, which are invisible lines the graph approaches.
Independent Variable
The independent variable in a function or relation is the input, and it often stands for an unknown quantity that is under control. In the equation \( y = \frac{1}{x} \), the independent variable is \( x \). The value of \( x \) is chosen freely, except it cannot be zero because division by zero is undefined.
- The independent variable determines the output value by its presence in the function’s formula.
- You can think of the independent variable as the value you change to see how it affects the other variable, \( y \).
Dependent Variable
The dependent variable represents the output in a function, dependent on the input or independent variable. In \( y = \frac{1}{x} \), \( y \) is the dependent variable, determined by the value of the independent variable \( x \). This implies:
- The value of \( y \) changes in response to changes in \( x \).
- It provides an output for specific input values assigned to \( x \).