Determine the Domain: Unraveling the Fraction Function 5/(6x-1.5)

Domain Restrictions with Mixed Number Denominators

Look at the following function:

56x112 \frac{5}{6x-1\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
00:00 Does the function have a domain? If so, what is it?
00:03 To find the domain, remember that division by 0 is not allowed
00:07 So let's find the solution that makes the denominator zero
00:14 Let's isolate X
00:31 Multiply by the reciprocal
00:38 Make sure to multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator
00:42 Simplify what we can
00:51 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Look at the following function:

56x112 \frac{5}{6x-1\frac{1}{2}}

What is the domain of the function?

2

Step-by-step solution

To determine the domain of the function 56x112 \frac{5}{6x - 1\frac{1}{2}} , we need to find where the denominator equals zero, as this will identify the values of x x that make the function undefined.

First, let's simplify the expression in the denominator:

6x1126x - 1\frac{1}{2} can be rewritten by converting 1121\frac{1}{2} to an improper fraction, which gives 6x326x - \frac{3}{2}.

Next, set the denominator equal to zero to find the excluded xx value:

6x32=06x - \frac{3}{2} = 0

Add 32\frac{3}{2} to both sides:

6x=326x = \frac{3}{2}

Divide both sides by 6 to solve for xx:

x=32÷6=32×16=312=14x = \frac{3}{2} \div 6 = \frac{3}{2} \times \frac{1}{6} = \frac{3}{12} = \frac{1}{4}

Therefore, the domain of the function is all real numbers xx except x=14x = \frac{1}{4}. This ensures the function does not have division by zero.

The correct choice from the provided options 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: Exclude all x-values that make the denominator zero
  • Technique: Convert 112 1\frac{1}{2} to 32 \frac{3}{2} before solving
  • Check: Substitute x=14 x = \frac{1}{4} : 6(14)32=0 6(\frac{1}{4}) - \frac{3}{2} = 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Working with mixed numbers directly in equations
    Don't solve 6x112=0 6x - 1\frac{1}{2} = 0 with the mixed number = confusion and wrong answers! Mixed numbers make arithmetic messy and lead to calculation errors. Always convert mixed numbers to improper fractions first: 112=32 1\frac{1}{2} = \frac{3}{2} .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 22(\frac{2}{x}-1)=30 \)

What is the domain of the equation above?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't the denominator equal zero?

+

Division by zero is undefined in mathematics! When the denominator equals zero, the function has no value at that point, creating a vertical asymptote on the graph.

How do I convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?

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Multiply the whole number by the denominator, then add the numerator: 112=1×2+12=32 1\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 2 + 1}{2} = \frac{3}{2} . This makes calculations much easier!

What if I get a decimal answer like 0.25?

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Convert decimals to fractions for exact answers! 0.25=14 0.25 = \frac{1}{4} . This helps you see the pattern and avoid rounding errors in your work.

Do I need to check all the answer choices?

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Always solve the problem first, then compare your answer to the choices. Don't work backwards from the options - this can lead to confusion and wrong reasoning.

What does the domain notation mean?

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The notation x14 x \neq \frac{1}{4} means "x cannot equal one-fourth." The domain is all real numbers except the values that make the function undefined.

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