Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
3. Functions
Common Functions
Problem 69
Textbook Question
In Exercises 67–69, begin by graphing the absolute value function, f(x) = |x|. Then use transformations of this graph to graph the given function. r(x) = (1/2) |x + 2|![Graph of the absolute value function f(x) = |x| in orange on a grid.](https://lightcat-files.s3.amazonaws.com/problem_images/fdfada08352f5f0d-1673614475756.jpg)
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Start with the graph of the absolute value function f(x) = |x|, which is a V-shaped graph with its vertex at the origin (0,0).
Shift the graph of f(x) = |x| horizontally to the left by 2 units to get the graph of |x + 2|. This moves the vertex to (-2,0).
Apply a vertical compression by a factor of 1/2 to the graph of |x + 2|. This means you multiply the y-values of all points on the graph by 1/2.
The resulting graph is r(x) = (1/2) |x + 2|, which has its vertex at (-2,0) and opens upwards with a slope of 1/2 on both sides of the vertex.
Plot the transformed graph on the coordinate plane, ensuring the vertex is at (-2,0) and the slopes are adjusted accordingly.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Absolute Value Function
The absolute value function, denoted as f(x) = |x|, outputs the non-negative value of x. This function is V-shaped, with its vertex at the origin (0,0), and it reflects any negative input to positive output. Understanding this function is crucial for graphing transformations, as it serves as the base graph for modifications.
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Transformations of Functions
Transformations involve altering the graph of a function through shifts, stretches, compressions, or reflections. For example, the function r(x) = (1/2) |x + 2| represents a vertical compression by a factor of 1/2 and a horizontal shift left by 2 units. Mastery of these transformations allows for accurate graphing of modified functions based on the original absolute value function.
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Graphing Techniques
Graphing techniques include plotting key points, identifying transformations, and understanding the behavior of functions. For the function r(x), one would start by graphing f(x) = |x|, then apply the transformations to find the new vertex and shape. Effective graphing techniques are essential for visualizing and interpreting the behavior of functions in algebra.
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