Chapter 6: Problem 13
A linear function is given. Evaluate the function at the indicated values and then graph the function over its given domain. $$P(x)=\frac{1}{6}, x=0,1,2, \ldots, 6 ; P(2), P(5)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Function is constant, \( P(x)=\frac{1}{6} \) for all \( x \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the linear function
The function given is a constant linear function, \( P(x) = \frac{1}{6} \). This means for any \( x \) value, \( P(x) \) will always be the same, \( \frac{1}{6} \), regardless of \( x \).
02
Evaluate function at specific values
We need to evaluate \( P(x) \) for \( x = 2 \) and \( x = 5 \). \[ P(2) = \frac{1}{6} \] \[ P(5) = \frac{1}{6} \] Since the function is constant, \( P(x) = \frac{1}{6} \) for any \( x \).
03
Graph the function
To graph \( P(x) = \frac{1}{6} \) over the domain \( x = 0, 1, 2, \ldots, 6 \), draw a horizontal line at \( y = \frac{1}{6} \). The x-values range from 0 to 6 along the x-axis, and for each of these, \( y \) will be \( \frac{1}{6} \).
04
Describe the graph
On the graph, you will see a horizontal line intersecting the y-axis at \( y = \frac{1}{6} \). The line is straight and parallel to the x-axis, indicating the function is constant across the domain.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Constant Functions
A constant function is a special type of linear function where the output value, or y-value, remains the same regardless of the input value, or x-value. In the case of the function \( P(x) = \frac{1}{6} \), no matter what value of \( x \) you substitute into the function, \( P(x) \) will always equal \( \frac{1}{6} \).
This consistency is why it's called a "constant" function, because the result does not change. Constant functions are typically represented graphically as horizontal lines.
This consistency is why it's called a "constant" function, because the result does not change. Constant functions are typically represented graphically as horizontal lines.
- The equation of a constant function has the form \( f(x) = c \), where \( c \) is a constant.
- The slope of a constant function is zero because there is no change in y-values as \( x \) changes.
Function Evaluation
Function evaluation is the process of finding the output value of a function for specific input values. In simpler terms, it means finding \( f(a) \) for some \( a \). For the constant function \( P(x) = \frac{1}{6} \), evaluating the function involves substituting a value in for \( x \) and finding the corresponding \( y \).
Since \( P(x) \) is constant, when evaluating \( P(2) \) or \( P(5) \), the process is straightforward:
Since \( P(x) \) is constant, when evaluating \( P(2) \) or \( P(5) \), the process is straightforward:
- Substitute the given \( x \)-value into the function.
- In this case, for any \( x \), \( P(x) \) is always \( \frac{1}{6} \).
- So, \( P(2) = \frac{1}{6} \) and \( P(5) = \frac{1}{6} \).
Graph Description
When graphing a constant function like \( P(x) = \frac{1}{6} \), the result is a horizontal line. This horizontal line indicates that the function's value is fixed as \( x \) changes. The line crosses the y-axis at \( y = \frac{1}{6} \) and doesn’t deviate.
For the domain \( x = 0, 1, 2, \ldots, 6 \), draw the horizontal line at \( y = \frac{1}{6} \) between these x-values. Here's what you can observe:
For the domain \( x = 0, 1, 2, \ldots, 6 \), draw the horizontal line at \( y = \frac{1}{6} \) between these x-values. Here's what you can observe:
- All points on the line will have the y-coordinate \( y = \frac{1}{6} \).
- The line is parallel to the x-axis.
- It visually represents that regardless of the x-value, the function's output remains constant.
Domain of a Function
The domain of a function is the complete set of possible input values \( x \) that the function can accept. For the function \( P(x) = \frac{1}{6} \), the domain is explicitly given as \( x = 0, 1, 2, \ldots, 6 \).
Hence, this domain includes all integer values from 0 through 6. Each of these x-values, when plugged into the function, results in the same y-value \( \frac{1}{6} \).
The domain helps define the scope of the graphable line on a coordinate plane. Understanding the domain is key to interpreting which x-values can be used in the function, ensuring correct solutions and graphs.
Hence, this domain includes all integer values from 0 through 6. Each of these x-values, when plugged into the function, results in the same y-value \( \frac{1}{6} \).
The domain helps define the scope of the graphable line on a coordinate plane. Understanding the domain is key to interpreting which x-values can be used in the function, ensuring correct solutions and graphs.
- It defines the limits over which the function exists or is visually represented.
- In this example, the domain restricts x to integer values between 0 and 6.