Chapter 1: Problem 51
Sketch the graph of the equation. $$ y=\sqrt{x}-4 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Sketch a downward-shifted square root graph starting at (0, -4).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the base function
The base function is the square root function, given by \( y = \sqrt{x} \). It is defined for \( x \geq 0 \) and has a basic graph that starts at the origin (0,0) and increases gradually to the right.
02
Analyze the transformation
The given function \( y = \sqrt{x} - 4 \) applies a vertical shift to the base function. The graph of \( y = \sqrt{x} \) is shifted 4 units downward. This means that each output value is reduced by 4.
03
Plot key points
Choose several x-values to calculate corresponding y-values for the transformed function. For example:- At \( x = 0 \), \( y = \sqrt{0} - 4 = -4 \).- At \( x = 1 \), \( y = \sqrt{1} - 4 = -3 \).- At \( x = 4 \), \( y = \sqrt{4} - 4 = -2 \).Plot these points on the coordinate grid.
04
Draw the graph
Connect the plotted points with a smooth curve that reflects the shape of the square root function shifted downward. Start from point (0, -4) and extend the curve to the right, maintaining the gradual upward slant characteristic of the square root function.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Square Root Function
The square root function is a fundamental mathematical function represented as \( y = \sqrt{x} \). This function is only defined for non-negative input values, meaning \( x \geq 0 \). The square root function produces a curve that starts from the origin, point (0, 0), and gradually increases to the right as x increases.
- The shape of the curve reflects an ever-increasing, decelerating rate of change.
- Its domain is all non-negative real numbers, and its range is also all non-negative real numbers.
Vertical Shift
Graph transformations include various types of modifications such as shifting, stretching, or reflecting. A vertical shift involves moving a graph up or down without altering its shape. The equation \( y = \sqrt{x} - 4 \) represents a vertical shift of the square root function.
- The graph of \( y = \sqrt{x} \) is translated downward by 4 units.
- This results in each point on the graph being 4 units lower than it would be in the base function.
Plotting Points
Plotting points is essential for accurately sketching any graph. In this equation \( y = \sqrt{x} - 4 \), starting by choosing specific x-values—like 0, 1, and 4—can help illustrate the transformation:
Plotting points effectively creates a foundation from which the entire graph can be sketched accurately.
- At \( x = 0 \), \( y = \sqrt{0} - 4 = -4 \)
- At \( x = 1 \), \( y = \sqrt{1} - 4 = -3 \)
- At \( x = 4 \), \( y = \sqrt{4} - 4 = -2 \)
Plotting points effectively creates a foundation from which the entire graph can be sketched accurately.
Coordinate Grid
When sketching a graph, utilizing a coordinate grid is crucial. The coordinate grid consists of two perpendicular lines—the x-axis (horizontal) and the y-axis (vertical)—that form a plane. Each point on this plane is defined by a pair of values (x, y).
Using the grid, a pattern arising from plotted points such as in the equation \( y = \sqrt{x} - 4 \) becomes immediately visible, aiding in understanding and practicing graph transformations.
- The origin, where both axes meet, is labeled as (0, 0).
- Positive x-values lie to the right of the origin, and positive y-values lie above it.
Using the grid, a pattern arising from plotted points such as in the equation \( y = \sqrt{x} - 4 \) becomes immediately visible, aiding in understanding and practicing graph transformations.