Determining the Symmetry of the Function

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 139 views

Introduction

In mathematics, functions can be classified into three categories based on their symmetry: even, odd, or neither. This classification is crucial in understanding the behavior of functions and their properties. In this article, we will determine whether the function $f(x) = 7x + 5x^5 - 7x^7$ is even, odd, or neither.

What are Even and Odd Functions?

Before we dive into the classification of the given function, let's briefly discuss what even and odd functions are.

Even Functions: An even function is a function that satisfies the condition $f(-x) = f(x)$ for all $x$ in its domain. This means that if we replace $x$ with $-x$ , the function remains unchanged. Examples of even functions include $f(x) = x^2$ , $f(x) = \cos x$ , and $f(x) = e^{x^2}$ .
Odd Functions: An odd function is a function that satisfies the condition $f(-x) = -f(x)$ for all $x$ in its domain. This means that if we replace $x$ with $-x$ , the function changes sign but remains unchanged in magnitude. Examples of odd functions include $f(x) = x$ , $f(x) = \sin x$ , and $f(x) = x^3$ .

Determining the Symmetry of the Function

Now that we have a basic understanding of even and odd functions, let's determine the symmetry of the given function $f(x) = 7x + 5x^5 - 7x^7$ .

To do this, we need to find $f(-x)$ and compare it with $f(x)$ .

Step 1: Find $f(-x)$

We start by replacing $x$ with $-x$ in the given function:

$f(-x) = 7(-x) + 5(-x)^5 - 7(-x)^7$

Using the properties of exponents, we can simplify this expression:

$f(-x) = -7x + 5(-x^5) - 7(x^7)$

$f(-x) = -7x - 5x^5 - 7x^7$

Step 2: Compare $f(-x)$ with $f(x)$

Now that we have found $f(-x)$ , let's compare it with $f(x)$ :

$f(x) = 7x + 5x^5 - 7x^7$

$f(-x) = -7x - 5x^5 - 7x^7$

Comparing the two expressions, we can see that $f(-x) \neq f(x)$ and $f(-x) \neq -f(x)$ .

Conclusion

Based on our analysis, we can conclude that the function $f(x) = 7x + 5x^5 - 7x^7$ is neither even nor odd.

Why is the Function Neither Even nor Odd?

The function $f(x) = 7x + 5x^5 - 7x^7$ is neither even nor odd because it does not satisfy the conditions for even or odd functions. Specifically, $f(-x) \neq f(x)$ and $f(-x) \neq -f(x)$ .

What Does this Mean?

The fact that the function $f(x) = 7x + 5x^5 - 7x^7$ is neither even nor odd means that it does not have the same symmetry as even or odd functions. This can have implications for the behavior of the function and its properties.

Real-World Applications

Understanding the symmetry of functions is crucial in various real-world applications, including physics, engineering, and economics. For example, in physics, the symmetry of a function can determine the behavior of a system under certain conditions. In engineering, the symmetry of a function can affect the design of a system or a structure. In economics, the symmetry of a function can influence the behavior of economic systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the function $f(x) = 7x + 5x^5 - 7x^7$ is neither even nor odd. This is because it does not satisfy the conditions for even or odd functions. Understanding the symmetry of functions is crucial in various real-world applications, and this classification can have implications for the behavior of functions and their properties.

References

[1] "Functions" by Khan Academy
[2] "Even and Odd Functions" by Math Is Fun
[3] "Symmetry of Functions" by Wolfram MathWorld

Introduction

In our previous article, we determined that the function $f(x) = 7x + 5x^5 - 7x^7$ is neither even nor odd. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to determining the symmetry of a function.

Q: What is the difference between an even function and an odd function?

A: An even function is a function that satisfies the condition $f(-x) = f(x)$ for all $x$ in its domain. This means that if we replace $x$ with $-x$ , the function remains unchanged. An odd function is a function that satisfies the condition $f(-x) = -f(x)$ for all $x$ in its domain. This means that if we replace $x$ with $-x$ , the function changes sign but remains unchanged in magnitude.

Q: How do I determine if a function is even or odd?

A: To determine if a function is even or odd, you need to find $f(-x)$ and compare it with $f(x)$ . If $f(-x) = f(x)$ , then the function is even. If $f(-x) = -f(x)$ , then the function is odd. If neither of these conditions is satisfied, then the function is neither even nor odd.

Q: What are some examples of even and odd functions?

A: Some examples of even functions include $f(x) = x^2$ , $f(x) = \cos x$ , and $f(x) = e^{x^2}$ . Some examples of odd functions include $f(x) = x$ , $f(x) = \sin x$ , and $f(x) = x^3$ .

Q: Why is it important to determine the symmetry of a function?

A: Determining the symmetry of a function is important because it can affect the behavior of the function and its properties. For example, in physics, the symmetry of a function can determine the behavior of a system under certain conditions. In engineering, the symmetry of a function can affect the design of a system or a structure. In economics, the symmetry of a function can influence the behavior of economic systems.

Q: Can a function be both even and odd?

A: No, a function cannot be both even and odd. If a function is even, then it satisfies the condition $f(-x) = f(x)$ for all $x$ in its domain. If a function is odd, then it satisfies the condition $f(-x) = -f(x)$ for all $x$ in its domain. These two conditions are mutually exclusive, so a function cannot satisfy both of them.

Q: What is the significance of the function $f(x) = 7x + 5x^5 - 7x^7$ being neither even nor odd?

A: The function $f(x) = 7x + 5x^5 - 7x^7$ being neither even nor odd means that it does not have the same symmetry as even or odd functions. This can have implications for the behavior of the function and its properties.

Q: How can I apply the concept of symmetry to real-world problems?

A: The concept of symmetry can be applied to various real-world problems, including physics, engineering, and economics. For example, in physics, the symmetry of a function can determine the behavior of a system under certain conditions. In engineering, the symmetry of a function can affect the design of a system or a structure. In economics, the symmetry of a function can influence the behavior of economic systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, determining the symmetry of a function is an important concept in mathematics that has implications for various real-world applications. By understanding the properties of even and odd functions, we can better analyze and solve problems in physics, engineering, and economics.

References

[1] "Functions" by Khan Academy
[2] "Even and Odd Functions" by Math Is Fun
[3] "Symmetry of Functions" by Wolfram MathWorld