Chapter 0: Problem 32
Graph each function. $$ g(x)=-2 x $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph is a straight line passing through the origin (0,0) with a slope of -2.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Type of Function
The function given is a linear function because it can be written in the form of \(g(x) = mx + b\), where \(m\) is the slope and \(b\) is the y-intercept. In this function, \(g(x) = -2x\), the slope \(m = -2\) and the y-intercept \(b = 0\).
02
Plot the Y-Intercept
Since the y-intercept \(b = 0\), the graph of the function passes through the origin (0, 0). Plot the point (0, 0) on the graph.
03
Use the Slope to Find Another Point
The slope \(m = -2\) means that for every 1 unit you move to the right along the x-axis, you move 2 units down along the y-axis (since it is negative). Starting from the origin (0, 0), move 1 unit to the right to (1, 0), then 2 units down to (1, -2). Plot the point (1, -2).
04
Draw the Line
Using the two points (0, 0) and (1, -2) that you have plotted, draw a straight line through these points, extending it in both directions. This line represents the graph of the function \(g(x) = -2x\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Linear Equations
Linear equations are mathematical expressions that describe a straight line on a graph. The general form of a linear equation is \(y = mx + b\), where \(m\) represents the slope and \(b\) represents the y-intercept. These equations are simple because they only involve operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication. They do not contain exponents or complex functions. This simplicity allows them to model many real-world scenarios.
- Consist of two variables, typically \(x\) and \(y\).
- Graph as a straight line on a coordinate plane.
- Used to find unknown values when given the relationship between variables.
Slope
The slope of a line is a crucial concept in understanding linear equations. It indicates how steep a line is and the direction it moves on a graph. The slope is calculated as the change in \(y\) over the change in \(x\) (often referred to as rise over run). For the given function \(g(x) = -2x\), the slope \(m\) is \(-2\).
- A positive slope means the line rises as it moves from left to right.
- A negative slope, like \(-2\), means the line falls in the same direction.
- A slope of zero would indicate a horizontal line.
Y-Intercept
The y-intercept is the point where a line crosses the y-axis. It provides a specific location on the graph, often making it easier to plot the line. In a linear equation \(y = mx + b\), the y-intercept is the value of \(b\). For the function \(g(x) = -2x\), the y-intercept \(b\) is 0.
- Indicates the starting point of the graph on the y-axis.
- When \(b = 0\), the line passes through the origin \((0, 0)\).
- Helps in quickly sketching the graph by providing a known point.
Coordinate Plane
The coordinate plane, also known as the Cartesian plane, is a two-dimensional surface on which we can plot points, lines, and curves. It is defined by a horizontal axis (x-axis) and a vertical axis (y-axis) intersecting at a point called the origin \((0, 0)\).
- Used to plot graphs of equations, including linear equations.
- Divided into four quadrants by the x and y axes.
- Helps visualize the relationship between variables.