How To Find The Domain Of A Function

What Is Domain Of A Function?

CNX_Precalc_Figure_01_02_0022
The space of a capacity is the finished arrangement of potential qualities ​​of the autonomous variable.

Clearly, this definition means:

The domain is the set of all possible x values ​​that will make the function “work” and produce real y values.

When you find the domain, remember:

  • The denominator (at the bottom) of a fraction cannot be zero
  • The number under the square root sign must be positive in this section.

Approaches to discover the area of a capacity

The domain of a function is the set of numbers that can enter a given function. At the end of the day, it is the arrangement of x qualities ​​that you can place into some random condition. The arrangement of conceivable y esteems ​​is called the reach. In the event that you need to realize how to discover the space of a capacity in different circumstances, follow these means.

1. Get to know the definition of the domain.

The domain is defined as the set of input values ​​for which the function generates an output value. In other words, the domain is the complete set of x-values ​​that can be inserted into a function to produce a y-value.

2. Learn how to find the domain of a wide variety of functions.

The role type determines the best way to find a domain. Here are the basics you need to know about each type of function, explained in the next section:
  • A polynomial function without radical or variable in the denominator. For this type of function, the domain is made up of real numbers.
  • A capacity with a part with a variable in the denominator. To find the domain of this type of function, set the lower value to zero and exclude the x-value found by solving the equation.
  • A function with one variable within a radical sign. To discover the space of this kind of capacity, just set the terms inside the extreme sign to> 0 and address to discover the qualities ​​that would work for x.
  • A function that uses the natural protocol (ln). Just put the terms in brackets> 0 and solve.
  • A graph. Take a look at the graph to see which values ​​work for x.
  • A relation. This is a list of the x and y coordinates. Your space will basically be a rundown of x directions.

3. Enter the domain correctly.

Mastery-appropriate notation is easy to learn, but it is important that you spell it correctly to express the correct answer and get all points on assignments and tests. Here are some things you need to know about how to write the domain of a function:
  • The format for expressing the domain is an open bracket/parenthesis, followed by the 2 domain endpoints separated by a comma, followed by a closed bracket/parenthesis.
    • For example, [-1,5). This means that the domain ranges from -1 to 5.
  • Use square brackets like [and] to indicate that a number is included in the domain.
    • So in the model, [-1,5), space incorporates - 1.
  • Use parentheses like (and) to indicate that a number is not included in the domain.
    • So in the model, [-1,5), 5 is excluded from the area. The domain arbitrarily stops below 5, that is, 4,999 …
  • Use “U” (which stands for “union”) to connect parts of the domain that are separated by a space. ’
    • For example, [-1,5) U (5,10]. This means that the domain ranges from -1 to 10 inclusive, but there is a gap in the domain at 5. This could be the aftereffect of, for instance, a capacity with “x - 5” in the denominator.
    • You can use the same number of “U” images as vital if the space has various holes.
  • Use infinity and negative infinity signs to express that the domain continues infinitely in any direction.
    • Always use (), not [], with infinite symbols.
  • Please note that this notation may differ depending on where you live.
    • The rules described above apply to the UK and the US.
    • Some regions use arrows instead of infinity signs to express that the domain continues infinitely in any direction.
    • The use of square brackets varies greatly between regions. For example, Belgium uses back brackets instead of round brackets.

Finding The Domain Without Graph

OK, so let’s say we don’t have a graph of a function to look at like in the last section …

Can we still find the domain and area?

Domains: Yes (as long as algebra doesn’t
get too hairy … and it won’t be for us.)

Areas: Not really (usually you need the
Picture - unless there is something
really easy.)

So we’re only doing domains on these - where’s the real action anyway.

Asking the domain of a function is the same as asking

"What are all possible x guys
that I can stay in this thing? "

Sometimes what you’re really looking for is

“Is there something I can’t stay with?”

Listen:

Let’s find the domain of f( x ) = 2 / ( x - 3 )\ 191x69

Do you see any x folks that would cause an issue here?

What about x = 3\ 80x28?

f(3) = 2/(3-3) = 2/0

So, here x = 3 is creating a problem! Everything else is right

Space is all genuine numbers aside from 3.

What would be the interval notation?

When in doubt, draw it on a number line:

number line demonstrating the space is all numbers aside from 3

Do the interval notation in two pieces:

domain 06-functions-04

The most effective method to discover the area of a levelheaded capacity

Here are the steps required to find the domain of a rational function:

Step 01: A rational function is just a fraction and in a fraction, the denominator cannot be zero because it would be undefined. To discover the numbers that make the portion vague, make a condition where the denominator isn’t zero.

Step 02: Solve the condition derived in step 1.
Step 03: Write your answer using interval notation.

Example 1Example 1

Step 001: A rational function is simply a fraction and in a fraction, the denominator cannot be equal to zero because it would not be defined. To discover which numbers make the division uncertain, make a condition where the denominator isn’t zeroStep 1

Step 002: Solve the condition found in step 1. For this situation, take away 4 from each side. Step 2
Step 003: Write your answer using interval notation. In this case, since x ≠ –4 we get:Step 321x22

Example 2Example 2

Step 0001: A rational function is simply a fraction and in a fraction, the denominator cannot be zero because it would be undefined. To find out which numbers make the fraction undefined, create an equation where the denominator is non-zero.Step 1

Step 0002: Solve the condition found in step 1. In this case, we must take into account the problem.Step 2
Step 0003 : Write your answer using interval notation. In this case, from x ≠ –2 and x ≠ 7 we get:Step 3

Step by step instructions to Find The Domain Of A Function Algebraically

When trying to find the domain of a function algebraically, it can be helpful to find any values ​​that CANNOT be in the domain - these are the values ​​that would “break” the function or make it undefined. Values ​​that make you divide by 0, take the square root of a negative real number, or take the log of a non-positive number will not be in your range, because they give undefined functions.

Case 1: Dividing by 0

If you divide by 0

Their function is undefined. So a value that gives you a 0 in the denominator of your function is not in the domain. For example, let’s look at the function f (x) = 2x - 4.

What value of x causes the denominator to be 0?
x−4=0
→x=4

When x=4,then f(4)=2/0, which is undefined. Thus, 4 cannot be in our domain. Along these lines, our space is (−∞, 4) ∪ (4,∞).

How to find the domain of a square root function

To discover the area of square root work, settle the imbalance x ≥ 0 with x supplanted by the radicand. Using one of the examples above, you can find the domain of f (x) = 2√ (x + 3) by setting the radicand (x + 3) equal to x in the inequality. This gives you the inequality x + 3 ≥ 0, which you can solve by subtracting 3 from both sides. This gives you a solution of x ≥ -3, which means that your domain has all values ​​of x greater than or equal to -3. You can also write this as [-3, ∞), with the left bracket showing that -3 is a specific limit while the right parenthesis shows that ∞ is not. Since the radicand cannot be negative, you only have to calculate the positive or zero values.

Here are the steps required to find the domain of a square root function:

Step 1a: Set the expression within the square root greater than or equal to zero. We do this because only non-negative numbers have a real square root, in other words, we cannot take the square root of a negative number and get a real number, which means that we have to use numbers that are greater than or equal to zero.

Step 2a: Solve the equation found in step 1. Remember that when you are solving equations that involve inequalities, if you multiply or divide by a negative number, you must reverse the direction of the inequality symbol.
Step 3a: Write the answer using interval notation.

Example 1 – Find the Domain of the Function:Example 1

Step 1b Put the expression inside the square root greater than or equal to zero.Step 1
Step 2b : Solve the equation found in step 1.Step 28x20
Step 3b : Write the answer using interval notation.Step 3

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to find the domain of a compound function

the domain of a composite function like f∘g depends on the domain of g and the domain of f. It is important to know when we can apply a compound function and when not, that is, to know the domain of a function like f∘g. Suppose we know the domains of the functions f and g separately. On the off chance that we compose the compound capacity for an information x as f (g (x)), we can promptly see that x should be an individual from the space of g for the expression to be meaningful because otherwise, we cannot complete the evaluation of the function internal. Nonetheless, we likewise see that g (x) should be an individual from the area of f; in any case, the second assessment of the capacity in f (g (x)) can’t be finished and the articulation isn’t yet characterized. Hence, the space of f∘g comprises just of those passages in the area of g that produce yields of g that have a place with the area of f. Note that the domain of f composed of g is the set of all x such that x is in the domain of g and g (x) is in the domain of f.

Example:

Find the domain of

(f∘g) (x) where f (x) = 5 / x - 1 and g (x) = 4 / 3x - 2

Solution:

The domain of g (x) g (x) consists of all real numbers except x = 2/3 since this input value would make us divide by 0. Likewise, the domain of ff includes all real numbers except 1 So, we need to exclude from the domain of g (x) that value of x for which g (x) = 1.

4 / 3x - 2 = 1 Set g (x) equal to 1
4 = 3x - 2 Multiply by 3x - 2
6 = 3x Add 2 on both sides
x = 2 Divide by 3

The domain of f∘g is therefore the set of all real numbers except 2/3 and 2. This means that

x ≠ 2/3 or x ≠ 2x ≠ 2

We can write this in interval notation like

(−∞, 2/3) ∪ (2 / 3,2) ∪ (2, ∞)

2. How do I find the domain of a logging function?

Before working with graphs, let’s take a look at the domain (the set of input values) for which the logarithmic function is defined.

Recall that the exponential function is defined as \ displaystyle y = {b} ^ {x} y = b x
For any real number x and constant \ displaystyle b> 0b> 0,\displaystyle b\ne 1b ≠ 1, where

3. How to find the domain of a radical function?

Here are the steps required to find the domain of a radical function:

Step 1c: Determine the index of the radical. If the index is an odd number, such as a cubic root or a fifth root, then the domain of the function is made up of real numbers, which means you can skip steps 2 and 3 and go directly to step 4 If the index is an even number, such as a square root or a fourth root, To then find the domain, the expression within the radical must be greater than or equal to zero. The space of an extreme capacity can be summed up as follows:

domain_of_radical
Step 2c: If the index is an even number, define the expression inside the radical greater than or equal to zero.

Step 3c: Solve the equation found in step 2. Remember that when you solve equations involving inequalities, if you multiply or divide by a negative number, you must reverse the direction of the symbol d 'inequality.

Step 4c: Write the answer using interval notation.

Example 1 – Find the Domain of the Function:e1

Step 1d: Determine the index of the radical. In this case, the index is even.e1_s1

Step 2d: If the index is an even number, set the expression inside the radical greater than or equal to zeroe1_s2
Step 3d: Solve the equation found in step 2. e1_s3
Step 4d: Write the answer using interval notation.e1_s4