Vertical Line Test/Horizontal Line Test

Discussion in 'Algebra' started by nycmathguy, Aug 10, 2021.

  1. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

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    What is the most basic difference between a vertical line test and a horizontal line test? I think if a graph fails the horizontal line test, the function is not one-to-one. Yes? If a graph fails the vertical line test, there is no function. Yes?
     
    nycmathguy, Aug 10, 2021
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  2. nycmathguy

    MathLover1

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    So in short, if you have a curve, the vertical line test checks if that curve is a function, and the horizontal line test checks whether the inverse of that curve is a function.
     
    MathLover1, Aug 11, 2021
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  3. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

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    I understand. However, can you provide one graph for each case for study purposes?
     
    nycmathguy, Aug 11, 2021
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  4. nycmathguy

    MathLover1

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    the vertical line test: function y=x+1
    [​IMG]=> y=x+1 is a function

    or y=x^2-2


    [​IMG]=> y=x^2-2 is a function


    or, graph of the circle x^2 + y^2 = 9

    [​IMG]=>x^2 + y^2 = 9 is NOT a function


    the horizontal line test:

    graph of the line y=-x+2
    the inverse:
    y=-x+2=>swap variables

    x=-y+2..........solve for y
    y=-x+2 (same as original function)


    [​IMG]=> is one-to-one function

    Graph of the rational function
    f(x)= 1/(x+1)

    inverse:
    y= 1/(x+1)
    x= 1/(y+1)
    (y+1)= 1/x
    y= 1/x-1


    [​IMG]
    => is one-to-one function
     
    MathLover1, Aug 12, 2021
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  5. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

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    Beautifully done.
     
    nycmathguy, Aug 12, 2021
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