Chapter 2: Problem 67
Determine algebraically whether the function is even, odd, or neither. Discuss the symmetry of each function. $$f(x)=|x-2|$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function \(f(x) = |x-2|\) is neither even nor odd.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Function
The given function is \(f(x)=|x-2|\). This is an absolute value function, which measures the distance of \(x-2\) from 0.
02
Define Even and Odd Functions
A function \(f(x)\) is even if \(f(-x) = f(x)\) for all \(x\). A function is odd if \(f(-x) = -f(x)\) for all \(x\). If neither condition holds, the function is neither even nor odd.
03
Calculate \(f(-x)\)
Substitute \(-x\) for \(x\) in the function: \[f(-x) = |-x-2|\]
04
Simplify \(f(-x)\)
Simplify the expression: \[f(-x) = |-(x+2)|\]. Since the absolute value of a number negates the negative sign, \(|-(x+2)| = |x+2|\). Thus, \[f(-x) = |x+2|\]
05
Compare \(f(x)\) and \(f(-x)\)
We have \(f(x) = |x-2|\) and \(f(-x) = |x+2|\). Note that \(|x-2| eq |x+2|\) except for specific values of \(x\). Therefore, \(f(-x) eq f(x)\).
06
Check if Function is Odd
To determine if the function is odd, check if \(f(-x) = -f(x)\). Therefore, we need \[|x+2| = -|x-2|\]. Since the right-hand side results in a negative absolute value, which is not possible, the function cannot be odd. Hence, \(f(-x) eq -f(x)\).
07
Conclusion
\(f(x)\) is neither even nor odd since it fails the conditions for both even and odd functions. As for symmetry, the function does not possess y-axis symmetry (even) or origin symmetry (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 have a specific symmetric property. If a function is even, it means that the graph of the function is symmetric with respect to the y-axis. Mathematically, a function \(f(x)\) is considered even if and only if \(f(-x) = f(x)\) for all \(x\). To determine this for any function, replace \(x\) with \(-x)\) and simplify.
Here are a few examples of even functions:
Here are a few examples of even functions:
- The function \(f(x) = x^2\) is even because \(f(-x) = (-x)^2 = x^2\).
- The cosine function \(f(x) = \cos(x)\) is also even because \(\cos(-x) = \cos(x)\).
odd functions
Odd functions have a different symmetry. A function is odd if the graph is symmetric with respect to the origin. Mathematically, a function \(f(x)\) is considered odd if and only if \(-f(x) = f(-x)\).
Here are a few examples of odd functions:
Here are a few examples of odd functions:
- The function \(f(x) = x^3\) is odd because \(-f(x) = -x^3\) and \(f(-x) = (-x)^3\), so \(-x^3 = x^3\).
- The sine function \(\f(x) = \sin(x)\) is also odd because \(\sin(-x) = -\sin(x)\).
- Another example is \(f(x) = x\), which is linearly proportional since \(f(-x) = -x\).
absolute value function
The absolute value function is pivotal when considering symmetry since it removes any negative signs. The basic form is \(f(x) = |x|\).
The absolute value measures the distance from zero without considering the direction. Here are some features of absolute value functions:
The absolute value measures the distance from zero without considering the direction. Here are some features of absolute value functions:
- The function \(f(x) = |x|\) produces a V-shaped graph.
- All values of \(f(x)\) are non-negative, meaning it’s zero or positive.