/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 19 Sketch the graph of \(f\) by han... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Sketch the graph of \(f\) by hand. $$f(x)=3$$

Short Answer

Expert verified
The graph of \(f(x) = 3\) is a horizontal line at \(y = 3\).

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Function Type

The given function is a constant function because it does not have any variable terms, and is expressed in the form \(f(x) = c\) where \(c\) is a constant. In this case, \(f(x) = 3\).
02

Understand the Graph of a Constant Function

A constant function like \(f(x) = 3\) represents a horizontal line on the graph. The function value is the same for all \(x\)-values. This means that regardless of the \(x\) value, the output \(f(x)\) will always be 3.
03

Determine the Y-intercept

For the function \(f(x) = 3\), the graph touches the y-axis at \((0, 3)\). This point is called the y-intercept and represents where the graph will cross the y-axis.
04

Draw the Horizontal Line

On a graph, mark the point \((0, 3)\) on the y-axis, since this is the y-intercept. Then, draw a horizontal line across the plane that passes through the y-value of 3. This line should extend infinitely to the left and right, parallel to the x-axis.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

graphing functions
Graphing functions is a foundational concept in mathematics that helps us visualize how functions behave. When graphing functions, we represent them as lines or curves on a coordinate plane. For each input value, or 'x' value, we have a corresponding output value or 'y' value, which we plot as a point.
Graphing makes it easy to see patterns or trends. For example, with a linear function, you'll see a straight line. When considering a function like the constant function \(f(x) = 3\), its graph focuses on giving a clearer visual of constant values and behaviors.
  • Start by plotting points on a coordinate plane.
  • Ensure there's a consistent relationship between x and y values.
  • Connect the points smoothly if applicable (though, for constant functions, you'll see a straight line).

Visualizing the function helps to identify key characteristics such as intercepts and the overall shape.
y-intercept
A y-intercept is a crucial point where the graph of a function crosses the y-axis. In mathematics, this is the \((0, y)\) coordinate. The y-intercept occurs when the input value \(x\) is zero. This means you look at where the function intersects the vertical y-axis.
For constant functions, like \(f(x) = 3\), identifying the y-intercept is straightforward. Here, the y-intercept is the point \((0, 3)\), representing the function's output when the input is zero.
  • Examine the function equation and set \(x = 0\) to find the y-intercept.
  • Plot this point on the y-axis.
  • The y-coordinate at this point gives the function's constant value.

Being able to find and plot the y-intercept aids in understanding the position and height of the function on the graph.
horizontal line
A horizontal line is a straight line that runs parallel to the x-axis. This kind of line shows that a function maintains a constant value, regardless of the x-values. It's a key feature of constant functions. For \(f(x) = 3\), the graph is a horizontal line positioned at y = 3.
Horizontal lines reflect great stability in function values, which means the output does not change across different x-values.
  • Locate the function's y-value.
  • Draw a line parallel to the x-axis at this y-value.
  • This line extends infinitely in both horizontal directions.

Understanding horizontal lines clarifies how constant functions behave and appear graphically. These lines emphasize that while x changes, y remains steady.

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