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#1 2007-12-06 15:22:50
- Identity
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- Registered: 2007-04-18
- Posts: 934
Odd, Even or Neither
Are there any analytical methods for determining whether a function is odd, even, or neither, or do you simply have to test a few points and get an idea for the shape of the graph? Thanks
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#2 2007-12-06 21:35:26
- mathsyperson
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- Registered: 2005-06-22
- Posts: 4,900
Re: Odd, Even or Neither
It seems too simple to be what you're looking for, but can't you just compare f(x) to f(-x)?
eg. f(x) = x².
Then f(-x) = (-x)² = (-x)(-x) = x² = f(x)
∴ f(x) is even.
(Note that testing points can only truly confirm that a function is neither)
Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.
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#3 2007-12-06 22:29:22
- Identity
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- Registered: 2007-04-18
- Posts: 934
Re: Odd, Even or Neither
Wow, actually, I didn't think of doing that for some absurd reason. I was testing points to disprove that functions were odd or even. Thankss Mathsy!
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