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Mathematics 13 Online
OpenStudy (kobeni-chan):

Medal and Fan! :) When looking at a rational function, Charles and Bobby have two different thoughts. Charles says that the function is defined at x = −2, x = 3, and x = 5. Bobby says that the function is undefined at those x values. Describe a situation where Charles is correct, and describe a situation where Bobby is correct. Is it possible for a situation to exist where they are both correct? Justify your reasoning.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

I got you, Hold on.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Can you think of a function that is defined at x=-2, 3 and 5? ( meaning: we are allowed to plug these values in for x)

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Since we know that functions are undefined at points where the denominator equals 0 \[\frac{ 1 }{(x+2)(x-3)(x-5)}\]

OpenStudy (kobeni-chan):

ok

OpenStudy (anonymous):

And a situation where Charles is correct would be anything else really

OpenStudy (anonymous):

They cannot both be right

OpenStudy (kobeni-chan):

hmm ok

OpenStudy (anonymous):

If the function was 1/x, then Charles would be correct. If the functon as 1/((x+2)(x-3)(x-5)), then Bobby would be correct

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Something cannot be both defined and undefined at the same points, does this make sense?

OpenStudy (kobeni-chan):

yeah I get it now thanks @Wxlfz can you medal swagmaster47 for me?

OpenStudy (anonymous):

I suppose that you could argue that the function is only undefined if your understanding of mathematics doesn't include the concept of infinity

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Suppose all you want.

OpenStudy (kobeni-chan):

..

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