Expert: Bobby Soltani - 9/9/2006

Question
I want to know how can you tell if a function is even, odd, or neither? Thanks

Answer
Hi Minh,

Odd Function--a function “f” is an odd function if:  f(-x) = -f(x).

Example:

f(x) = x^3

f(-x) = (-x)^3 = -x^3 = -f(x)
              
f is an odd function.

Even Function--a function is an even function if: f(-x) = f(x).

Example:
f(x) = x^2

f(-x) = (-x)^2 = x^2 = f(x)
                       
f is an even function.      

Let me know if you have any questions.

Bobby