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Which of the following is the graph of x^2 < 16?

Which of the following is the graph of x^2 < 16?-example-1
User Emehex
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2 Answers

8 votes

Answer: -4 to the seccond power and 16 is greater

Explanation:

User Milan Surelia
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6 votes

Based on the image you sent, which shows four graphs labeled A, B, C, and D, the graph of x^2 < 16 is: C. The graph with two open circles at -4 and 4, and a curved line passing through both points but not touching the x-axis.

Here's why:

The inequality x^2 < 16 describes all real numbers whose squares are less than 16.

Squaring any real number will result in a non-negative value (0 or greater).

Therefore, the graph of x^2 < 16 cannot touch the x-axis (which represents 0).

Let's analyze the other graphs:

Graph A: This graph shows a parabola that intersects the x-axis at -4 and 4. However, it also includes the part of the curve below the x-axis, which doesn't satisfy the inequality x^2 < 16.

Graph B: This graph shows a parabola that goes below the x-axis between -4 and 4. Since the inequality specifies values less than 16, not including negative values, this graph is also not accurate.

Graph D: This graph shows two horizontal lines at -4 and 4. While these numbers satisfy the inequality, they represent only two specific points, not all real numbers less than 16 as required.

Therefore, only graph C accurately represents the inequality x^2 < 16 by showing all real numbers whose squares are less than 16 (between -4 and 4) without including any values on the x-axis or below it.

User Skubski
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4.1k points