Chapter 1: Problem 16
Sketch the graph of \(g(x)=|x+3|-4\) by first sketching \(h(x)=|x|\) and then translating.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Translate \(|x|\) left 3 units and down 4 units.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the basic graph
The function to start with is the absolute value function, which is \(h(x) = |x|\). The graph of \(h(x) = |x|\) is a V-shaped graph that opens upwards with the vertex at the origin (0,0). Identify this shape and the position.
02
Translate horizontally
The expression inside the absolute value function in \(g(x) = |x+3| - 4\) is \(x+3\). This means we need to perform a horizontal translation of the \(h(x) = |x|\) graph. Replace \(x\) with \(x+3\) which shifts the graph 3 units to the left. Now the vertex of \(|x+3|\) is at (-3,0).
03
Translate vertically
Next, adjust for the '-4' outside the absolute value to complete the translation. This shifts the graph down by 4 units. The vertex of the graph \(g(x) = |x+3| - 4\) is now at (-3,-4).
04
Sketch the final graph
Draw the translated V-shaped graph with the new vertex at (-3, -4). The arms of the 'V' rise upwards at 45-degree angles from the vertex.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Function Transformations
Function transformations help us understand how changes to a function's equation affect its graph. They can drastically change the position, shape, and orientation of a graph on a coordinate plane. Here are some fundamental transformations:
- Translation: This moves the entire graph horizontally or vertically without altering its shape or orientation.
- Reflection: This flips the graph over a line, such as the x-axis or y-axis, creating a mirror image.
- Stretching/Shrinking: This alters the graph's shape in a specific direction, either making it wider or narrower.
Horizontal Translation
Horizontal translation involves shifting a graph left or right along the x-axis. When analyzing expressions like \(x + c\), the term \(c\) indicates the movement direction and magnitude:
Hence, the vertex initially at the origin (0,0) moves to (-3,0). This is a crucial step, as it sets the stage for further transformations. Remember to always check the signs to determine the correct direction of movement.
- If \(x + c\), move the graph \(|c|\) units left if \(c > 0\).
- If \(x - c\), move the graph \(|c|\) units right if \(c > 0\).
Hence, the vertex initially at the origin (0,0) moves to (-3,0). This is a crucial step, as it sets the stage for further transformations. Remember to always check the signs to determine the correct direction of movement.
Vertical Translation
Vertical translation shifts a graph up or down along the y-axis. This movement is dictated by the constant term outside the function. In the exercise, \(|x+3| - 4\), changes occur vertically:
- A positive constant, say \(d\), shifts the graph \(|d|\) units up.
- A negative constant, such as \(-4\) in our case, shifts it \(|-4| = 4\) units down.
Graph Sketching
Once all transformations are understood, sketching the graph is a simple process. Begin with the function \(h(x) = |x|\), a V-shaped graph centered at the origin. Apply each transformation step-by-step:
- First: Shift left 3 units from (0,0) to (-3,0).
- Then: Shift down 4 units to arrive at the final vertex position of (-3,-4).