Properties of Even Functions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 96 views

Introduction

In mathematics, 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 in the function, the function remains unchanged. Even functions have several important properties, including symmetry about the y-axis and the fact that their graphs are mirror images of each other about the y-axis. In this article, we will explore which of the given functions is an even function.

What is an Even Function?

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 in the function, the function remains unchanged. For example, consider the function f(x) = x^2. If we replace x with -x, we get f(-x) = (-x)^2 = x^2, which is equal to f(x). Therefore, the function f(x) = x^2 is an even function.

Properties of Even Functions

Even functions have several important properties, including symmetry about the y-axis and the fact that their graphs are mirror images of each other about the y-axis. This means that if we reflect the graph of an even function about the y-axis, we will get the same graph. Even functions also have the property that their values are the same for positive and negative values of x.

Examples of Even Functions

Some examples of even functions include:

f(x) = x^2
f(x) = |x|
f(x) = cos(x)
f(x) = e^(-x2)

Which of the Following is an Even Function?

Now that we have discussed what an even function is and some examples of even functions, let's consider the given functions and determine which one is an even function.

A. $g(x) = (x-1)^2 + 1$

To determine if this function is an even function, we need to replace x with -x and see if the function remains unchanged.

g(-x) = ((-x)-1)^2 + 1 g(-x) = (-x-1)^2 + 1 g(-x) = (x+1)^2 + 1

Since g(-x) is not equal to g(x), this function is not an even function.

B. $g(x) = 2x^2 + 1$

To determine if this function is an even function, we need to replace x with -x and see if the function remains unchanged.

g(-x) = 2(-x)^2 + 1 g(-x) = 2x^2 + 1

Since g(-x) is equal to g(x), this function is an even function.

C. $g(x) = 4x + 2$

To determine if this function is an even function, we need to replace x with -x and see if the function remains unchanged.

g(-x) = 4(-x) + 2 g(-x) = -4x + 2

Since g(-x) is not equal to g(x), this function is not an even function.

D. $g(x) = 2x$

To determine if this function is an even function, we need to replace x with -x and see if the function remains unchanged.

g(-x) = 2(-x) g(-x) = -2x

Since g(-x) is not equal to g(x), this function is not an even function.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the only even function among the given options is B. $g(x) = 2x^2 + 1$ . This function satisfies the condition f(-x) = f(x) for all x in its domain, making it an even function.

References

[1] "Even Function." Math Open Reference, mathopenref.com/evenfunction.html.
[2] "Odd and Even Functions." Purplemath, purplemath.com/modules/evenodd.htm.
[3] "Symmetry of Functions." Khan Academy, khanacademy.org/math/differential-equations/ode-symmetry/symmetry-of-functions/v/symmetry-of-functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an even function? A: An even function is a function that satisfies the condition f(-x) = f(x) for all x in its domain.
Q: What are some examples of even functions? A: Some examples of even functions include f(x) = x^2, f(x) = |x|, f(x) = cos(x), and f(x) = e^(-x2).
Q: How do I determine if a function is an even function? A: To determine if a function is an even function, you need to replace x with -x and see if the function remains unchanged.