University Calculus: Early Transcendentals (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321999584
ISBN 13: 978-0-32199-958-0

Chapter 1 - Section 1.2 - Combining Functions; Shifting and Scaling Graphs - Exercises - Page 21: 78

Answer

Only the function $f(x)=0$ can be both odd and even.

Work Step by Step

Let's have a random function called $f(x)$. - $f(x)$ is an even function when $f(-x)=f(x)$ - $f(x)$ is an odd function when $f(-x)=-f(x)$ So if $f(x)$ wants to be both even and odd, that means $$f(-x)=f(x)=-f(x)$$ We focus only on this part: $$f(x)=-f(x)$$ $$2f(x)=0$$ $$f(x)=0$$ That means $f(x)=0$ is both odd and even, which makes sense when we consider: $f(-x)=0$ and $-f(x)=0$.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.