Chapter 2: Problem 25
At what points are the functions continuous? $$y=\sqrt{2 x+3}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function is continuous for \(x \geq -\frac{3}{2}\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Function's Domain
The function given is \( y = \sqrt{2x + 3} \). We know that a square root function is defined only for non-negative numbers. Therefore, the expression inside the square root, \(2x + 3\), must be non-negative.
02
Determine the Domain of the Function
To find when \(2x + 3 \geq 0\), solve for \(x\):\[ 2x + 3 \geq 0 \] \[ 2x \geq -3 \] \[ x \geq -\frac{3}{2} \] Thus, the domain of the function is \(x \geq -\frac{3}{2}\).
03
Define Continuity of the Function
A function is continuous at every point in its domain. Since square root functions are continuous wherever they are defined, \(y = \sqrt{2x + 3}\) is continuous for all values of \(x\) in its domain \([ -\frac{3}{2}, \infty)\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Square Root Function
A square root function, like the one given by the formula \(y = \sqrt{2x + 3}\), involves taking the square root of an expression. The essential characteristic of a square root function is that it is only defined for non-negative numbers, since square roots of negative numbers are not real in the context of real-valued functions.
This means that whatever is inside the square root, known as the radicand, must be zero or positive to have a real number as a result.
This means that whatever is inside the square root, known as the radicand, must be zero or positive to have a real number as a result.
- When solving problems involving square roots, always start by ensuring the radicand is non-negative. This will safeguard against undefined values in real numbers.
- Square root functions naturally have a domain that restricts input values to only those that make the radicand non-negative.
Function Domain
The domain of a function refers to all the possible input values \(x\) that will produce a real number output when substituted into the function. For the square root function \(y = \sqrt{2x + 3}\), determining the domain is critical to find where the function is defined and hence, continuous.
- The domain is found by setting the inside of the square root expression \(2x + 3\) greater than or equal to zero, since the square root of a negative value isn't defined in real numbers.
- In this exercise, solving \(2x + 3 \geq 0\) gives \(x \geq -\frac{3}{2}\).
Non-negative Numbers
Non-negative numbers are key in determining when certain functions, such as the square root, are defined. Non-negative numbers include all positive numbers and zero, excluding any negative values.
This is essential because certain mathematical operations, like square roots, require non-negative inputs to be defined in the real number system.
This is essential because certain mathematical operations, like square roots, require non-negative inputs to be defined in the real number system.
- In this context, the expression \(2x + 3\) inside the square root must result in a non-negative number.
- Mathematically, this requires solving inequalities to ensure the value is at least zero, a process often used to define domains for functions involving squares or roots.