post  Things we'll never use

QWERTYman (367)   Link to this post
Even and odd functions


Seriously. When, when, when, will we ever need to know that:
f(-x) = f(x) makes a function even, and
f(-x) = -f(x) makes a function odd? What use does this have?

"Johnson, we just got the graph of <insert graphable idea here>. We need you to tell us whether it's even or odd."

What the hell?

Feel free to post others below.
firedraco (2623)   Link to this post
If you are taking anti derivatives, it can simplify stuff.
Bazzy (4118)   Link to this post
When you are studying a function, if it's odd or even it is easier as the same things that happen to the function for x > 0 are the same as when x < 0.

You should first check if the function is odd/even/something_else and then draw the graph, not vice versa

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