The Range of Which Function Includes €”4?

In mathematics, the range of a function is the set of all possible output values it can produce. Understanding the range is crucial for analyzing and graphing functions, as well as solving equations and inequalities. This article explores the concept of function ranges and focuses on identifying functions whose range includes the value -4.

Basics of Function Ranges

Before diving into specific functions that include -4 in their range, it is essential to grasp the general concept of a function range. A function f(x)f(x)f(x) maps an input xxx from its domain to an output yyy. The range of fff is the set of all possible values of yyy that f(x)f(x)f(x) can produce.

Definition and Examples

1. Linear Functions: The range of a linear function f(x)=mx+bf(x) = mx + bf(x)=mx+b is all real numbers (R\mathbb{R}R) if m≠0m \neq 0m=0. For example, f(x)=2x−4f(x) = 2x – 4f(x)=2x−4 has a range of all real numbers because any real number can be obtained by choosing an appropriate xxx.
2. Quadratic Functions: The range of a quadratic function f(x)=ax2+bx+cf(x) = ax^2 + bx + cf(x)=ax2+bx+c depends on the vertex and the direction of the parabola (upward if a>0a > 0a>0 and downward if a<0a < 0a<0). For instance, f(x)=x2−5f(x) = x^2 – 5f(x)=x2−5 has a range of [−5,∞)[-5, \infty)[−5,∞).
3. Exponential Functions: The range of an exponential function f(x)=a⋅bxf(x) = a \cdot b^xf(x)=a⋅bx (with a>0a > 0a>0 and b>0b > 0b>0) is (0,∞)(0, \infty)(0,∞). For example, f(x)=2xf(x) = 2^xf(x)=2x does not include negative values.

Finding the Range

To determine the range of a function, we analyze its behavior, graph, and algebraic properties. For some functions, finding the range can be straightforward by examining their equations. For others, graphical or analytical methods might be necessary.

Functions Whose Range Includes -4

To identify functions whose range includes -4, we need to analyze specific function types and their characteristics.

Linear Functions

Linear functions of the form f(x)=mx+bf(x) = mx + bf(x)=mx+b include all real numbers in their range if m≠0m \neq 0m=0. Thus, for any linear function where the slope mmm is non-zero, -4 will be part of the range.

Example: f(x)=3x−4f(x) = 3x – 4f(x)=3x−4

1. Set f(x)f(x)f(x) equal to -4: 3x−4=−43x – 4 = -43x−4=−4
2. Solve for xxx: 3x=0⇒x=03x = 0 \Rightarrow x = 03x=0⇒x=0
3. Verify: f(0)=3(0)−4=−4f(0) = 3(0) – 4 = -4f(0)=3(0)−4=−4

Since we found an xxx such that f(x)=−4f(x) = -4f(x)=−4, the range of f(x)=3x−4f(x) = 3x – 4f(x)=3x−4 includes -4.

Quadratic Functions

Quadratic functions f(x)=ax2+bx+cf(x) = ax^2 + bx + cf(x)=ax2+bx+c have ranges that depend on their vertex. For the range to include -4, the vertex or the values produced by the quadratic equation must reach or exceed -4.

Example: f(x)=x2−9f(x) = x^2 – 9f(x)=x2−9

1. The vertex is at (0,−9)(0, -9)(0,−9), and the parabola opens upward.
2. The range is [−9,∞)[-9, \infty)[−9,∞), which includes -4.

Since -4 is within the interval [−9,∞)[-9, \infty)[−9,∞), the range of f(x)=x2−9f(x) = x^2 – 9f(x)=x2−9 includes -4.

Rational Functions

Rational functions of the form f(x)=P(x)Q(x)f(x) = \frac{P(x)}{Q(x)}f(x)=Q(x)P(x)​, where P(x)P(x)P(x) and Q(x)Q(x)Q(x) are polynomials, can have ranges that include negative values depending on the function’s form and behavior.

Example: f(x)=2x−4x+1f(x) = \frac{2x – 4}{x + 1}f(x)=x+12x−4​

1. Set f(x)f(x)f(x) equal to -4: 2x−4x+1=−4\frac{2x – 4}{x + 1} = -4x+12x−4​=−4
2. Solve for xxx:

2x−4=−4(x+1)2x – 4 = -4(x + 1)2x−4=−4(x+1) 2x−4=−4x−42x – 4 = -4x – 42x−4=−4x−4 6x=06x = 06x=0 x=0x = 0x=0

1. Verify: f(0)=2(0)−40+1=−41=−4f(0) = \frac{2(0) – 4}{0 + 1} = \frac{-4}{1} = -4f(0)=0+12(0)−4​=1−4​=−4

Since we found an xxx such that f(x)=−4f(x) = -4f(x)=−4, the range of f(x)=2x−4x+1f(x) = \frac{2x – 4}{x + 1}f(x)=x+12x−4​ includes -4.

Trigonometric Functions

Trigonometric functions like sine, cosine, and tangent have ranges that can include -4 when combined with linear transformations.

Example: f(x)=5sin⁡(x)−4f(x) = 5 \sin(x) – 4f(x)=5sin(x)−4

1. The range of sin⁡(x)\sin(x)sin(x) is [−1,1][-1, 1][−1,1].
2. Transforming it: 5sin⁡(x)5 \sin(x)5sin(x) has a range of [−5,5][-5, 5][−5,5].
3. Shifting it: 5sin⁡(x)−45 \sin(x) – 45sin(x)−4 has a range of [−9,1][-9, 1][−9,1].

Since -4 is within the interval [−9,1][-9, 1][−9,1], the range of f(x)=5sin⁡(x)−4f(x) = 5 \sin(x) – 4f(x)=5sin(x)−4 includes -4.

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Exponential functions usually have ranges that do not include negative values unless transformed. However, logarithmic functions can include negative values if the base and transformations are appropriately chosen.

Example: f(x)=log⁡b(x)−4f(x) = \log_b(x) – 4f(x)=logb​(x)−4 (where b>1b > 1b>1)

1. The range of log⁡b(x)\log_b(x)logb​(x) is all real numbers (R\mathbb{R}R).
2. Transforming it: log⁡b(x)−4\log_b(x) – 4logb​(x)−4 shifts the range down by 4.

Since -4 is a real number, the range of f(x)=log⁡b(x)−4f(x) = \log_b(x) – 4f(x)=logb​(x)−4 includes -4.

Conclusion

Identifying functions whose range includes -4 involves analyzing various types of functions and understanding their behavior. Linear functions, certain quadratic functions, specific rational functions, trigonometric functions with appropriate transformations, and logarithmic functions can all have ranges that include -4. By examining the function’s form, transformations, and behavior, we can determine whether -4 is part of the range. Understanding these principles enhances our ability to analyze and work with different mathematical functions, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of their properties and applications.