[Math] Finding domain of square root expression

algebra-precalculus

I have a question that states: Simplify and state the domain of

(i) $\left(\sqrt{6x-7}\right)^2$

(ii) $\sqrt{\left(6x-7\right)^2} $

I have to explain why the answers are different too, and I just can't get an answer that makes sense! I'm terrible at math and I feel so stupid!

Best Answer

Let us observe some simpler case: $(\sqrt{x})^2$ and $\sqrt{(x)^2}$.

For first expression we have to find root of $x$ first and then square that result. Since the square root is defined only for nonnegative real numbers first domain is $x\in [0,+\infty)$ and $(\sqrt{x})^2 = x$.

For second expression we have to square $x$ first and then find root of that result. Since square is defined for all real numbers and always gives nonnegative result second domain is $x\in(-\infty,+\infty)$ and $\sqrt{(x)^2} = |x|$.

Now we can apply same reasoning on your specific case and result is:

  • for $\left(\sqrt{(6x-7)}\right)^2$, domain is $[\frac{7}{6},+\infty)$ and the expression is $6x-7$.

  • for $\sqrt{(6x-7)^2}$, domain is $x\in (-\infty,+\infty)$ and expression is $|6x-7|$.

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