I have no idea how to solve this problem. Our Algebra teacher said that if we can solve this problem, then we get 10 extra points on our mid term.

Let f(x) be a function defined on the positive integers such that:

f(x) = x/2 if x is even f(x) = (3*x+1)/2 if x is odd

wait. what's the problem? i don't see an actual problem to do here, just a statement.

I too, do not understand the question. I suppose you want us to find a Function....but.....with what exactly?

That's all that she gave us. She didn't give us a number to define the function.

where's the calculus in this?
also, where's the problem? lol i'm really confused.

does she want you to graph it? in that case, i've attached my best guess... not sure if this is the answer, we havent really done this in calc and its very late also ive summarily forgotten all the stuff we've learned this year due to finals already being over with so THIS IS MOST LIKELY WRONG AND I'M TAKING NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT ITS JUST A GUESS
haha sry but im being paranoid that you'll rely on my answer and itll turn out to be horribly and fudgily wrong.
(the red is what the graph would be)

(edit)OK JK NVM itd be the 2nd graph im attaching.. even and odd can only be integers *cry* why am i so dumb

for some reason it would be harder if you had some asymtopes

I think that the purpose of this problem is to find one function that fits that description.

I don't think that this is calculus, but what I would do is create a table of values like this:

x f(x)
1 2
2 1
3 5
4 2
5 8
6 3
7 11

Create a table on a graphing calculator and then try to find the function. I can't find my TI-83 right now, and I don't know how to do anything practical on my TI-89 Titanium, so I can't graph it at the moment. Hm, that would probably be a very awkward graph.

Good luck.

I actually still don't get this... You have f(x) already defined in the statement.

anoniez, you got some pretty handwriting.

haha, thanks! lol

oh i might as well give ita shot even if it feels wrong
f(x) = x/2 if x is even
therefore f(x)=f(-x)
-x/2=x/2
1=-1

f(x) = (3*x+1)/2 if x is odd
f(x)=/=f(-x)

wait is it three to the power of x of three to the power of x PLUS one??

but thats if f(x) is even/odd, not if x is even/odd, right?

lol its probably past the due date already..

I'm going to assume this assignment has been turned in or the topic starter needs no further help, if that is not the case, pm me or another able staff member to reopen.

Topic Closed.