The Domain of the Function

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 59 views

Understanding the Domain of a Function: A Case Study with $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$

When dealing with functions, it's essential to understand the concept of domain, which refers to the set of all possible input values (x-values) for which the function is defined. In this article, we'll delve into the domain of the function $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$ and determine for which values of x the function is not defined as a real number.

The Square Root Function: A Brief Overview

The square root function, denoted by $$\sqrt{x}$$, is defined as the inverse of the squaring function. It returns the value that, when squared, gives the original number. However, the square root function is only defined for non-negative real numbers, i.e., $$x \geq 0$$. If the input value is negative, the square root function is not defined in the real number system.

The Function $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$: A Closer Look

The given function $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$ involves a square root and a quadratic expression. To determine the domain of this function, we need to consider the values of x that make the expression inside the square root non-negative.

Solving the Inequality: $$4-x^2 \geq 0$$

To find the values of x that satisfy the inequality $$4-x^2 \geq 0$$, we can start by rearranging the inequality to get $$x^2 \leq 4$$. This is equivalent to $$-2 \leq x \leq 2$$.

The Domain of the Function

Based on the inequality $$-2 \leq x \leq 2$$, we can conclude that the function $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$ is defined for all values of x between -2 and 2, inclusive. In other words, the domain of the function is $$[-2, 2]$$.

Values of x for Which the Function is Not Defined

Now that we have determined the domain of the function, we can identify the values of x for which the function is not defined as a real number. These values are the ones that lie outside the domain $$[-2, 2]$$.

Option A: -2 - This value is not in the domain $$[-2, 2]$$, so the function is not defined at x = -2.
Option B: 0 - This value is in the domain $$[-2, 2]$$, so the function is defined at x = 0.
Option C: 2 - This value is in the domain $$[-2, 2]$$, so the function is defined at x = 2.
Option D: 4 - This value is not in the domain $$[-2, 2]$$, so the function is not defined at x = 4.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the function $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$ is not defined as a real number for the values x = -2 and x = 4. These values lie outside the domain $$[-2, 2]$$, which is the set of all possible input values for which the function is defined.

Key Takeaways

The domain of a function refers to the set of all possible input values for which the function is defined.
The square root function is only defined for non-negative real numbers.
To determine the domain of a function involving a square root, we need to consider the values of x that make the expression inside the square root non-negative.
The function $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$ is defined for all values of x between -2 and 2, inclusive.
The values x = -2 and x = 4 are not in the domain of the function and are therefore not defined as real numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding the Domain of $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$

In our previous article, we explored the domain of the function $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$ and determined that it is defined for all values of x between -2 and 2, inclusive. However, we also identified the values x = -2 and x = 4 as not being in the domain of the function. In this article, we'll address some frequently asked questions related to the domain of $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$.

Q: What is the domain of the function $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$?

A: The domain of the function $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$ is the set of all possible input values for which the function is defined. In this case, the domain is $$[-2, 2]$$.

Q: Why is the function not defined at x = -2?

A: The function is not defined at x = -2 because this value lies outside the domain $$[-2, 2]$$. When x = -2, the expression inside the square root becomes negative, which is not allowed in the real number system.

Q: Why is the function not defined at x = 4?

A: The function is not defined at x = 4 because this value also lies outside the domain $$[-2, 2]$$. When x = 4, the expression inside the square root becomes negative, which is not allowed in the real number system.

Q: What happens if I try to evaluate the function at x = -2 or x = 4?

A: If you try to evaluate the function at x = -2 or x = 4, you will get an undefined result. This is because the function is not defined at these values of x.

Q: Can I extend the domain of the function to include x = -2 or x = 4?

A: No, you cannot extend the domain of the function to include x = -2 or x = 4. The domain of a function is determined by the values of x for which the function is defined, and in this case, the domain is $$[-2, 2]$$.

Q: What is the significance of the domain of a function?

A: The domain of a function is significant because it determines the set of all possible input values for which the function is defined. If you try to evaluate a function at a value outside its domain, you will get an undefined result.

Q: How do I determine the domain of a function involving a square root?

A: To determine the domain of a function involving a square root, you need to consider the values of x that make the expression inside the square root non-negative. You can do this by solving the inequality $$x^2 \leq 4$$, which is equivalent to $$-2 \leq x \leq 2$$.

Q: Can I use the function $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$ in a real-world application?

A: Yes, you can use the function $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$ in a real-world application, such as modeling the motion of a particle on a circle. However, you need to ensure that the input values of x are within the domain $$[-2, 2]$$.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the domain of the function $$f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}$$ is $$[-2, 2]$$, and the function is not defined at x = -2 and x = 4. We hope that this article has helped to clarify any questions you may have had about the domain of this function.