Understanding the Basics of Functions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 123 views

Understanding the Basics of Functions

In mathematics, a function is a relation between a set of inputs (called the domain) and a set of possible outputs (called the range). It is a way of describing a relationship between variables. In this article, we will explore the x-intercepts, y-intercepts, domain, and range of two given functions.

Function a) $f(x) = -2 + 2^x$

X-Intercepts

To find the x-intercepts of the function $f(x) = -2 + 2^x$ , we need to set $f(x)$ equal to zero and solve for $x$ . This is because the x-intercepts are the points where the graph of the function crosses the x-axis.

f(x) = -2 + 2^x = 0

However, it is not possible to solve this equation algebraically. We can use numerical methods or graphing tools to find the approximate x-intercept.

Y-Intercepts

To find the y-intercept of the function $f(x) = -2 + 2^x$ , we need to find the value of $f(x)$ when $x$ is equal to zero.

f(0) = -2 + 2^0 = -2 + 1 = -1

So, the y-intercept of the function $f(x) = -2 + 2^x$ is $-1$ .

Domain

The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values for which the function is defined. In this case, the function $f(x) = -2 + 2^x$ is defined for all real numbers $x$ . Therefore, the domain of the function is all real numbers, or $(-\infty, \infty)$ .

Range

The range of a function is the set of all possible output values for which the function is defined. In this case, the function $f(x) = -2 + 2^x$ is defined for all real numbers $x$ . Therefore, the range of the function is all real numbers greater than or equal to $-2$ , or $[-2, \infty)$ .

Function b) $g(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-1)$

X-Intercepts

To find the x-intercepts of the function $g(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-1)$ , we need to set $g(x)$ equal to zero and solve for $x$ . This is because the x-intercepts are the points where the graph of the function crosses the x-axis.

g(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-1) = 0

We can rewrite this equation as:

x - 1 = 1

Solving for $x$ , we get:

x = 2

So, the x-intercept of the function $g(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-1)$ is $2$ .

Y-Intercepts

To find the y-intercept of the function $g(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-1)$ , we need to find the value of $g(x)$ when $x$ is equal to zero.

However, since the function is not defined at $x = 0$ , we cannot find the y-intercept.

Domain

The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values for which the function is defined. In this case, the function $g(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-1)$ is defined for all real numbers $x$ greater than $1$ . Therefore, the domain of the function is all real numbers greater than $1$ , or $(1, \infty)$ .

Range

The range of a function is the set of all possible output values for which the function is defined. In this case, the function $g(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-1)$ is defined for all real numbers $x$ greater than $1$ . Therefore, the range of the function is all real numbers less than or equal to $0$ , or $(-\infty, 0]$ .

Investment Problem

Problem Statement

Suppose that Birr 10,000 is invested in a savings account paying 7% interest per year. How much will the investment be worth after $n$ years?

Solution

Let $P$ be the principal amount (Birr 10,000), $r$ be the annual interest rate (7%), and $n$ be the number of years. The future value of the investment can be calculated using the formula:

FV = P(1 + r)^n

Substituting the given values, we get:

FV = 10000(1 + 0.07)^n

Simplifying, we get:

FV = 10000(1.07)^n

So, the investment will be worth Birr $10000(1.07)^n$ after $n$ years.

Conclusion

Q: What is the x-intercept of the function $f(x) = -2 + 2^x$ ?

A: The x-intercept of the function $f(x) = -2 + 2^x$ is not possible to find algebraically. However, we can use numerical methods or graphing tools to find the approximate x-intercept.

Q: What is the y-intercept of the function $f(x) = -2 + 2^x$ ?

A: The y-intercept of the function $f(x) = -2 + 2^x$ is $-1$ . This is found by substituting $x = 0$ into the function.

Q: What is the domain of the function $f(x) = -2 + 2^x$ ?

A: The domain of the function $f(x) = -2 + 2^x$ is all real numbers, or $(-\infty, \infty)$ .

Q: What is the range of the function $f(x) = -2 + 2^x$ ?

A: The range of the function $f(x) = -2 + 2^x$ is all real numbers greater than or equal to $-2$ , or $[-2, \infty)$ .

Q: What is the x-intercept of the function $g(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-1)$ ?

A: The x-intercept of the function $g(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-1)$ is $2$ . This is found by setting $g(x)$ equal to zero and solving for $x$ .

Q: What is the domain of the function $g(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-1)$ ?

A: The domain of the function $g(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-1)$ is all real numbers greater than $1$ , or $(1, \infty)$ .

Q: What is the range of the function $g(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-1)$ ?

A: The range of the function $g(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-1)$ is all real numbers less than or equal to $0$ , or $(-\infty, 0]$ .

Q: How much will the investment of Birr 10,000 be worth after $n$ years if it earns 7% interest per year?

A: The future value of the investment can be calculated using the formula $FV = P(1 + r)^n$ , where $P$ is the principal amount (Birr 10,000), $r$ is the annual interest rate (7%), and $n$ is the number of years. Substituting the given values, we get $FV = 10000(1.07)^n$ .

Q: What is the formula for calculating the future value of an investment?

A: The formula for calculating the future value of an investment is $FV = P(1 + r)^n$ , where $P$ is the principal amount, $r$ is the annual interest rate, and $n$ is the number of years.

Q: What is the principal amount in the investment problem?

A: The principal amount in the investment problem is Birr 10,000.

Q: What is the annual interest rate in the investment problem?

A: The annual interest rate in the investment problem is 7%.

Q: What is the number of years in the investment problem?

A: The number of years in the investment problem is $n$ .

Conclusion

In this Q&A article, we explored the x-intercepts, y-intercepts, domain, and range of two given functions. We also solved an investment problem involving a savings account paying 7% interest per year. The future value of the investment can be calculated using the formula $FV = P(1 + r)^n$ , where $P$ is the principal amount, $r$ is the annual interest rate, and $n$ is the number of years.