Activity 1 - Domains of Expressions

On page 91 of the text, the author discusses domains (also called allowable values)
associated with expressions. The concept of a domain is very important in college
algebra, particularly as it pertains to functions. Read through Example 8 and Example 9
on page 91.

Example 8 shows how to determine the domain of a rational expression. Recall that the
denominator of a rational expression cannot equal zero.

Example 9 is an example of finding the domain of a radical expression. Remember that

the radicand of a square root must be non-negative.

Work the following problems on page 94 of your text: 61, 63, 67, 73. You do not need to
turn in these problems.

Then do the following work for submission: For each problem, show all work and
clearly explain your reasoning. Be Sure that your work is legible, so that it can
read and graded. (4 problems)

1. Write up and turn in the solution for problem 72. You may use a digitizing tablet
or scan your solutions. Use interval notation in your solution.

2. For this problem, you may find it helpful to reference Example 1 on p. 59 of the
textbook.

In a previous algebra class, you may have been asked to "simplify" a rational

expression such as  .
 

  
A "correct solution" is often depicted by: = =
   ()() 
 
Thus, it appears that =
   
This is true for almost all values of ; however, it is not true for ALL values of .
 
In terms of domains of expressions discuss the equality of  and .
  

In other words, for what values of  do the two expressions evaluate to real
 numbers which are equal to each other? This set of  -values is the same as the
domain of which expression?

   
3. Consider the expressions and  + 3.

   
a. Show that simplifies to  + 3.


b. Fill in the -values in the table below, or state that they do not exist.

   
 y= =+3


-3
-1
0
0.9
0.99
1
1.01
1.1

4. Based on your answers from problem 3, sketch the graphs of

   
y= and  =  + 3. Where do the two graphs differ?


After completing this assignment and preparing it for submission,

please check that it is legible before actually submitting it!