Chapter 1: Problem 78
Graph the function \(y=\sqrt{|x|}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph of \(y = \sqrt{|x|}\) is a V-shaped curve symmetric around the y-axis.
Step by step solution
01
Analyze the Function
The function is given as \(y = \sqrt{|x|}\). Notice that the function involves an absolute value and a square root. The expression inside the square root, \(|x|\), means the function is defined for all real numbers \(x\), because the square root of a non-negative number is always valid.
02
Domain and Range
Determine the domain and range of the function. Since the square root can only handle non-negative values and \(|x|\) is always non-negative, the domain of the function is all real numbers \(x \in \mathbb{R}\). The range, being the result of the square root, is all non-negative real numbers: \(y \geq 0\).
03
Identify Key Points
Identify key points that will help in sketching the graph. When \(x=0\), \(y=\sqrt{|0|} = 0\). When \(x=1\), \(y=\sqrt{|1|} = 1\), and similarly, when \(x=-1\), \(y=\sqrt{|-1|}=1\). Consider another point, like \(x=4\), for both positive and negative values, e.g., \(x=4\) and \(x=-4\), both giving \(y = 2\).
04
Symmetry
Understand that the graph is symmetric around the \(y\)-axis because the absolute value \(|x|\) causes any negative \(x\) to behave like its positive counterpart. This means the graph for positive \(x\) can be mirrored along the \(y\)-axis for negative \(x\).
05
Sketch the Graph
Use the identified points and properties to sketch the graph. Place the key points \((0,0), (1,1), (-1,1), (4,2), (-4,2)\) and draw a curve smoothly connecting them. The graph approaches the \(x\)-axis as \(x\) moves far from zero, forming a V-shaped curve. It will look like the right half of a parabola reflecting over the \(y\)-axis.
06
Verify the Graph
Double-check that all characteristics have been considered: the domain \(x \in \mathbb{R}\), range \(y \geq 0\), symmetry about the \(y\)-axis, and the shape of the graph. Ensure the points \((0,0), (1,1), (-1,1), (4,2), (-4,2)\) fit well into the graph constructed.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Domain and Range
When discussing the domain and range of a function, it's crucial to understand where the function is defined and what values it can take. For the function \(y = \sqrt{|x|}\), let's begin by analyzing the domain:
Next, let's consider the range:
Having a clear sense of domain and range can help you graph the function effectively.
- The absolute value, \(|x|\), means the expression inside the square root is never negative.
- Since square roots of non-negative numbers are defined, any real number \(x\) is allowed.
Next, let's consider the range:
- The output, \(y\), is the result of a square root, which is always non-negative.
- This means \(y\) can take any value from 0 and upwards.
Having a clear sense of domain and range can help you graph the function effectively.
Symmetry
Symmetry in graphs helps to understand the overall shape by using patterns. With the function \(y = \sqrt{|x|}\), symmetry can be explored in relation to the \(y\)-axis:
With this knowledge, it's easy to predict and verify the behavior of the graph on either side of the \(y\)-axis.
- Since the function includes an absolute value, \(|x|\), both positive and negative \(x\) yield the same results, making the graph reflect across the \(y\)-axis.
- This means for every point \((x, y)\) on the graph, there will be a corresponding point \((-x, y)\).
With this knowledge, it's easy to predict and verify the behavior of the graph on either side of the \(y\)-axis.
Absolute Value
The concept of absolute value, \(|x|\), is integral to the function \(y = \sqrt{|x|}\). Absolute value measures the distance of a number from zero on the number line, regardless of direction.
Here are some essential points:
Here are some essential points:
- \(|x|\) makes every input non-negative.
- This property ensures that \(\sqrt{\cdot}\) is always applied to a non-negative number, leading to a valid square root for any real number \(x\).
- When \(x = -2\), \(|x| = 2\).
- When \(x = 3\), \(|x| = 3\).
Square Root Function
The square root function \(y = \sqrt{|x|}\) has specific characteristics that influence the overall graph. Understanding these properties helps in constructing and analyzing the shape:
This slow rise is evident in the key points such as:
- The square root operation is defined for all non-negative inputs, reflected by the range \(y \geq 0\).
- The function gradually increases from zero because as \(|x|\) grows, \(y = \sqrt{|x|}\) increases.
- It generates a curve that is slower to rise compared to linear functions.
This slow rise is evident in the key points such as:
- \((0, 0)\) where the increase begins.
- \((1, 1)\) and \((4, 2)\) illustrating the gentle slope of the graph.