Calculate the Domain for the Rational Function: 5/(2x - 1/2)

Rational Function Domains with Fractional Denominators

Look at the following function:

52x12 \frac{5}{2x-\frac{1}{2}}

What is the domain of the function?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:07 Does this function have a domain? If it does, what is it?
00:11 To find the domain, remember, we can't divide by zero.
00:16 So, let's figure out what makes the denominator zero.
00:20 First, let's get X by itself.
00:36 Multiply by the opposite, top with top, and bottom with bottom.
00:42 And that's how we solve this problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Look at the following function:

52x12 \frac{5}{2x-\frac{1}{2}}

What is the domain of the function?

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of finding the domain of the function 52x12 \frac{5}{2x-\frac{1}{2}} , we need to ensure the denominator is not zero.

Here is the step-by-step solution:

  • Step 1: Identify the denominator of the function, which is 2x12 2x - \frac{1}{2} .
  • Step 2: Set the denominator equal to zero: 2x12=0 2x - \frac{1}{2} = 0 .
  • Step 3: Solve this equation for x x :

2x12=0 2x - \frac{1}{2} = 0

2x=12 2x = \frac{1}{2}

x=14 x = \frac{1}{4}

Step 4: The calculated value x=14 x = \frac{1}{4} is the value that makes the denominator zero. Hence, the domain of the function consists of all real numbers except x=14 x = \frac{1}{4} .

Therefore, the domain of the function is all real numbers such that x14 x \neq \frac{1}{4} .

The correct choice from the multiple choices is: x14 x \ne \frac{1}{4} .

The domain of the function is x14 x \ne \frac{1}{4} .

3

Final Answer

x14 x\ne\frac{1}{4}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Domain Rule: All real numbers except values making denominator zero
  • Technique: Set 2x12=0 2x - \frac{1}{2} = 0 and solve for x
  • Check: Substitute x=14 x = \frac{1}{4} : denominator becomes 0 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Setting the entire fraction equal to zero instead of just the denominator
    Don't set 52x12=0 \frac{5}{2x-\frac{1}{2}} = 0 = this fraction can never equal zero! A fraction equals zero only when its numerator is zero (not the denominator). Always set only the denominator equal to zero to find domain restrictions.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Given the following function:

\( \frac{5-x}{2-x} \)

Does the function have a domain? If so, what is it?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't the denominator be zero?

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Division by zero is undefined in mathematics! When the denominator equals zero, the function has no value at that point, so it's excluded from the domain.

What if I get a different answer when solving the denominator equation?

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Double-check your algebra! For 2x12=0 2x - \frac{1}{2} = 0 , add 12 \frac{1}{2} to both sides, then divide by 2. You should get x=14 x = \frac{1}{4} .

How do I write the domain in interval notation?

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The domain is (,14)(14,) (-\infty, \frac{1}{4}) \cup (\frac{1}{4}, \infty) . The union symbol ∪ connects two intervals that exclude the restricted value.

What's the difference between domain and range?

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Domain = all possible x-values (input). Range = all possible y-values (output). For rational functions, we find domain by avoiding zero denominators.

Can a rational function have multiple domain restrictions?

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Yes! If the denominator has multiple factors like (x1)(x+3) (x-1)(x+3) , then both x = 1 and x = -3 would be excluded from the domain.

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