MHB How Many Ways Can You Convert an Explicit Function into an Implicit One?

  • Thread starter Thread starter roni1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Function Implicit
AI Thread Summary
An explicit function can be converted into an implicit function by expressing it as y - f(x) = 0, a method referenced in Wikipedia. In addition to this, finding an inverse of the function is another valid approach. The discussion raises questions about the number of methods available for this conversion, specifically whether there are finite or infinite ways to achieve it. While one method is confirmed, the exploration of additional techniques remains open. Understanding these conversions is essential for deeper mathematical comprehension.
roni1
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
Hello,
I explain in my class a way to take a function and change it to implict function as:
y - f(x) = 0
I see that way in Wikipedia, so I used it the class.
But my students ask me question that I don't know to answer:
1. Are there more ways to take a function and change it to implict function?
2. Are there infinite ways or a finite ways to do it?

Thanks, for one that answer.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
1. At least one other way of stating an implicit function: find an inverse.
 
Seemingly by some mathematical coincidence, a hexagon of sides 2,2,7,7, 11, and 11 can be inscribed in a circle of radius 7. The other day I saw a math problem on line, which they said came from a Polish Olympiad, where you compute the length x of the 3rd side which is the same as the radius, so that the sides of length 2,x, and 11 are inscribed on the arc of a semi-circle. The law of cosines applied twice gives the answer for x of exactly 7, but the arithmetic is so complex that the...
Is it possible to arrange six pencils such that each one touches the other five? If so, how? This is an adaption of a Martin Gardner puzzle only I changed it from cigarettes to pencils and left out the clues because PF folks don’t need clues. From the book “My Best Mathematical and Logic Puzzles”. Dover, 1994.
Back
Top