Need to explain why or why not.
2006-08-02 08:43:37 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Home Schooling
It depends on your definition of a function. Using the strict definition that every x value uniquely determines a y value, your equation is not a function. Namely, we isolate y:
y = ±√(25-x²)
Except when x = ±5, there are obviously two values for y for each x, the negative and the positive.
Another way to phrase is that when you draw a vertical line through any x where -5 < x < 5 it will cross the graph (circle) in more than one point.
Thus, strictly, the equation of the circle is not a function. However, it is often common to use a broader definition of a function in which it just generally refers to a relation in which y depends on x. Then, the equation is a function if the looser definition is used.
2006-08-02 11:52:44 · answer #1 · answered by tedjn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It represents a function. It is the locus of a point which moves in such a way that its distance from a fixed point (centre) is equatal to 5.
2006-08-02 15:50:42 · answer #2 · answered by skahmad 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋