ACT Math · Polynomial and rational functions

What is the domain of f(x) = √(x-4)x-7?

What is the domain of f(x)=x−4x−7f(x) = \dfrac{\sqrt{x-4}}{x-7}?

Answer and explanation

Answer: J: x ≥ 4, x ≠ 7

Two separate restrictions apply. The square root needs x−4≥0x-4\ge0, so x≥4x\ge4. The denominator cannot be zero, so x≠7x\ne7. Both must hold, so the domain is x≥4x\ge4 with x≠7x\ne7, choice J. Choice F keeps only the square-root condition and allows x=7x=7, where the fraction is undefined. Choice G keeps only the denominator condition and allows values like x=0x=0, where the square root is not real. Choice H uses x>4x>4, which wrongly excludes x=4x=4; at x=4x=4 the numerator is 0=0\sqrt0=0 and the denominator is −3-3, so f(4)=0f(4)=0 is defined.

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