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g(x) = 1/x

Definition

The function g(x) = 1/x represents a reciprocal function, where the output is equal to one divided by the input value.

Analogy

Imagine you have a bag of candies and you want to distribute them equally among your friends. If you have more friends, each friend will receive fewer candies. Similarly, as the input value (x) increases in the function g(x) = 1/x, the output value (y) decreases because it represents dividing one unit into smaller parts.

Related terms

Asymptote: A line that a graph approaches but never touches. In the case of g(x) = 1/x, there are two asymptotes - x-axis (horizontal asymptote) and y-axis (vertical asymptote).

Domain: The set of all possible input values for a function. For g(x) = 1/x, the domain excludes x=0 since division by zero is undefined.

Range: The set of all possible output values for a function. For g(x) = 1/x, the range excludes y=0 since division by zero is undefined.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.