# Math Help - Show that m is an even number, then f is an even function.

1. ## Show that m is an even number, then f is an even function.

My question is how can I show this? My problem states: Suppose m is an integer and f is the function defined by f(x) = xm.
 Show that if m is an even number, then f is an even function.

2. ## Re: Show that m is an even number, then f is an even function.

If m is an even integer, then \displaystyle \begin{align*} (-x)^m = x^m \end{align*}. Isn't that the very definition of an even function? That \displaystyle \begin{align*} f(-x) = f(x) \end{align*}...

If you need a more rigorous proof, since m is an even integer, you can write it as \displaystyle \begin{align*} x^{2n} \end{align*}, where n is some other integer.

\displaystyle \begin{align*} (-x)^m &= (-x)^{2n} \\ &= \left[(-x)^2\right]^n \\ &= \left(x^2\right)^n \\ &= x^{2n} \\ &= x^m \end{align*}

3. ## Re: Show that m is an even number, then f is an even function.

I am still a little bit confused here, how is the whole function itself proven to be positive though?

4. ## Re: Show that m is an even number, then f is an even function.

Originally Posted by Eraser147
I am still a little bit confused here, how is the whole function itself proven to be positive though?
You should know that if you square anything, it becomes nonnegative...

5. ## Re: Show that m is an even number, then f is an even function.

Sorry, I mean even.

6. ## Re: Show that m is an even number, then f is an even function.

Originally Posted by Eraser147
Sorry, I mean even.
Because by writing the power as 2n, it's the same as squaring, then taking to the power of n. The squaring makes it positive.

7. ## Re: Show that m is an even number, then f is an even function.

Huh? But that wouldn't justify whether the function equates to being even. I mean for example if we plug in some numbers such as 3 into the x. So it would look like 3^4*2. Yes, the n is even, BUT the function would equate to 6561. Sorry for my stupidity but please endure this with me.

8. ## Re: Show that m is an even number, then f is an even function.

Originally Posted by Eraser147
Huh? But that wouldn't justify whether the function equates to being even. I mean for example if we plug in some numbers such as 3 into the x. So it would look like 3^4*2. Yes, the n is even, BUT the function would equate to 6561. Sorry for my stupidity but please endure this with me.
An even function is NOT a function which only produces even numbers. An even function is a function that is a complete reflection of itself in the y - axis (in other words, inputting a negative number will give you the same answer as a positive one). In symbols, an even function has the property that \displaystyle \begin{align*} f(-x) = f(x) \end{align*} for all x.

9. ## Re: Show that m is an even number, then f is an even function.

Makes a lot more sense. Thank you so much for your help.