Chapter 2: Problem 5
Determine whether \(f\) is even, odd, or neither even nor odd. $$f(x)=3 x^{4}-6 x^{2}-5$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function \(f(x) = 3x^4 - 6x^2 - 5\) is even.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Definitions
A function \( f(x) \) is **even** if for every \( x \), \( f(-x) = f(x) \). A function is **odd** if for every \( x \), \( f(-x) = -f(x) \). If neither condition is met, the function is neither even nor odd.
02
Substitute \( -x \) into the Function
To determine if the function is even or odd, substitute \( -x \) into \( f(x) \) and simplify. For the given function, we have:\[ f(-x) = 3(-x)^4 - 6(-x)^2 - 5 \]This simplifies to:\[ f(-x) = 3x^4 - 6x^2 - 5 \]
03
Compare \( f(x) \) and \( f(-x) \)
Now we check if \( f(-x) = f(x) \) or \( f(-x) = -f(x) \).For \( f(x) = 3x^4 - 6x^2 - 5 \) and \( f(-x) = 3x^4 - 6x^2 - 5 \),\( f(-x) = f(x) \), proving that the function is even.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Even and Odd Functions
In mathematics, understanding the nature of a function involves categorizing it as even, odd, or neither. These categories offer insight into a function's behavior and symmetries. A function, denoted as \( f(x) \), is termed as **even** if substituting \( -x \) for \( x \) yields the original function: \( f(-x) = f(x) \). Conversely, a function is **odd** when \( f(-x) = -f(x) \).
- **Even Functions**: Display symmetry about the y-axis.
- **Odd Functions**: Exhibit rotational symmetry around the origin.
- **Neither**: When neither condition is satisfied, functions are labeled as neither even nor odd and lack symmetric properties.
Symmetry in Functions
Symmetry in functions is a fundamental concept that helps understand the graphical representation of functions. For functions:
- **Y-axis Symmetry**: Even functions are symmetric about the y-axis. This means that for every point \((x, y)\) on the graph, there is a corresponding point \((-x, y)\).
- **Origin Symmetry**: Odd functions are symmetric around the origin. This implies that if \((x, y)\) lies on the graph, then \((-x, -y)\) also lies on the graph.
Polynomial Functions
Polynomial functions are a type of function defined by an expression consisting of variables and coefficients. These variables are raised to whole number exponents, and the function takes the general form: \[ f(x) = a_nx^n + a_{n-1}x^{n-1} + \cdots + a_1x + a_0 \]Each term's degree impacts the polynomial's structure and graph:
- **Polynomial Degree**: Refers to the highest exponent of the variable in the function. It dictates the graph's shape and end behavior.
- **Even Degree Polynomials**: More likely to exhibit y-axis symmetry, thus qualifying them as even functions, depending on their terms.
- **Odd Degree Polynomials**: Can demonstrate origin symmetry, potentially classifying them as odd functions.