Determining the Domain of a Function

Look at each function (one at a time would be best). Use the slider to move the point on the graph. Notice that each graph has places where there seem to be gaps or jumps. These gaps and jumps are places where the graph is undefined (the y-value is not a real number at that x-value). The DOMAIN of a function is the set of all x-values that produce real number answers.

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  1. Find the domain of f(x). What is it about this function that causes the graph to start at the x-coordinate 0?
  2. Find the domain of g(x). What is it about this function that causes the jump?
  3. Find the domain of h(x). What is it about this function that causes the gaps and jumps?
  4. How does a denominator cause a function to be undefined?
  5. How does a square root cause a function to be undefined?

Kelly Harms, Created with GeoGebra Upgraded by S.H.Lapinski