# Math Help - Set Notation for Domain and Range

1. ## Set Notation

Using some form of set notation, indicate the domain and range of each function defined below:

f(x)=-3x^2 Domain: Range

f(x)= 5x-7 Domain: Range:

f(x)= -2
________
7 - x

Domain: Range:

2. Originally Posted by batman123
Using some form of set notation, indicate the domain and range of each function defined below:

f(x)=-3x^2 Domain: Range

f(x)= 5x-7 Domain: Range:

f(x)= -2
________
7 - x

Domain: Range:
Notice that the function,
$f(x)=-3x^2$ has a meaning for any $x$. Now you want it in set notation, one way is to write $x\in \mathbb{R}$ implying that $x$ is any REAL number. Another way is to assign the interval $x\in (-\infty,\infty)$. Meaning $x$ could be as small as you wish and as large as you wish. Now the range is the $y$ value, notice that $-3x^2$ is always a negative number thus, $y \in [0,\infty)$. Notice the square bracket indicating that $y$ can be equal to 0 which is true.

The function $f(x)=5x-7$ is defined for any $x$ thus we write $x\in (-\infty,\infty)$ (let me just remind you then infinity is not a number even I use it does not mean that it is). If you graph this line you will see the the $y$ value is anything thus we write $y\in (-\infty,\infty)$.

The function $f(x)=\frac{-2}{7-x}$ is not defined for all $x$ it is undefined for $x=0$ thus, $x$ cannot be 0, thus we write (this might be tricky) $x\in (-\infty,0)\cup (0,\infty)$- the circle bracket indicate $x\not =0$ which we are trying to state. If you graph this function, you will see the $y$ always has a value except for $y=0$ (because the equation $0=\frac{-2}{7-x}$ has not solution). But besides for that $y$ always has a value thus we write, $y\in (-\infty,0)\cup(0,\infty)$.

Let me give you a more challenging one,
$y=\sqrt{\frac{1}{x}}$

3. Originally Posted by ThePerfectHacker
notice that $-3x^2$ is always a negative number thus, $y \in [0,\infty)$
Got a little "oopsie" here. This should be "notice that $-3x^2$ is never a positive number thus, $y \in (- \infty,0]$.

-Dan

(Hey, usually I'm the guy getting the set notation wrong! )

4. ## Thanks!

Thanks Guys

5. Originally Posted by topsquark
Got a little "oopsie" here. This should be "notice that $-3x^2$ is never a positive number thus, $y \in (- \infty,0]$.

-Dan

(Hey, usually I'm the guy getting the set notation wrong! )
I always thought I was Perfect, now you showed that even I am able to make mistakes.

6. Originally Posted by ThePerfectHacker
...

The function $f(x)=\frac{-2}{7-x}$ is not defined for all $x$ it is undefined for $x=0$ thus, ...
Hello,

... it is undefined for $7-x=0$ because the division by zero is not allowed. Thus the domain is $\Re \setminus \{ 7 \}$

Greetings

EB

7. Originally Posted by earboth
Hello,

... it is undefined for $7-x=0$ because the division by zero is not allowed. Thus the domain is $\Re \setminus \{ 7 \}$

Greetings

EB
The usual symbol for the reals is $\mathbb{R}$ obtained with
the TeX string "\mathbb{R}".

RonL

8. Originally Posted by CaptainBlack
The usual symbol for the reals is $\mathbb{R}$ obtained with
the TeX string "\mathbb{R}".

RonL
Hello,

Thanks for your hint. I've taken the symbol which I found in the "Latex-manual" of the forum. Maybe it would be nice to add those symbols to this manual. (Are there any \matbb{N}, or \mathbb{Z}, or ... too?)

Once again: Thanks.

Greetings

EB