Math Problem Statement

Determine whether the function is even, odd, or neither. Then determine whether the function's graph is symmetric with respect to the y-axis, the origin, or neither. The function is g(x) = x^4 - 3x.

Solution

The given function is g(x)=x43xg(x) = x^4 - 3x.

We need to determine if this function is even, odd, or neither, and also check for symmetry with respect to the y-axis, the origin, or neither.

Step 1: Check if the function is even

A function is even if g(x)=g(x)g(-x) = g(x) for all xx.

Let's compute g(x)g(-x): g(x)=(x)43(x)=x4+3xg(-x) = (-x)^4 - 3(-x) = x^4 + 3x Since g(x)=x4+3xg(-x) = x^4 + 3x and g(x)=x43xg(x) = x^4 - 3x, we see that g(x)g(x)g(-x) \neq g(x). Therefore, the function is not even.

Step 2: Check if the function is odd

A function is odd if g(x)=g(x)g(-x) = -g(x) for all xx.

We already know that: g(x)=x4+3xg(-x) = x^4 + 3x And: g(x)=(x43x)=x4+3x-g(x) = -(x^4 - 3x) = -x^4 + 3x Since g(x)g(x)g(-x) \neq -g(x), the function is not odd.

Step 3: Conclusion (Even, Odd, or Neither)

Since the function is neither even nor odd, the correct answer is neither.

Step 4: Symmetry

Now, let's check for symmetry with respect to the y-axis, the origin, or neither.

  • Symmetry with respect to the y-axis: A function is symmetric with respect to the y-axis if it is even. Since the function is not even, it is not symmetric with respect to the y-axis.

  • Symmetry with respect to the origin: A function is symmetric with respect to the origin if it is odd. Since the function is not odd, it is not symmetric with respect to the origin.

  • Neither: Since the function is neither even nor odd, and has no symmetry with respect to the y-axis or origin, the correct answer is neither.

Final Answer:

  • The function is neither even nor odd.
  • The graph of the function has symmetry with respect to neither the y-axis nor the origin.

Do you want more details or have any further questions?

Here are 5 related questions you can explore:

  1. What conditions must a function satisfy to be classified as even?
  2. How can you algebraically determine if a function is odd?
  3. What are examples of functions that are both even and odd?
  4. How does symmetry affect the shape of a function's graph?
  5. What is the relationship between function symmetry and its graph's reflection?

Tip: Always start by testing symmetry through substitution g(x)g(-x), then check conditions for evenness and oddness!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Even and Odd Functions
Symmetry
Function Analysis
Graphing Functions

Formulas

g(-x) = g(x) for even functions
g(-x) = -g(x) for odd functions

Theorems

A function is even if it is symmetric with respect to the y-axis
A function is odd if it is symmetric with respect to the origin

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12