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
Shift \(h(x)=|x|\) left by 3 and down by 4.
Step by step solution
01
Sketch the Graph of h(x)
To begin, let's consider the function \(h(x) = |x|\). This is a V-shaped graph that is symmetrical about the y-axis. At \(x = 0\), \(h(x) = 0\). The left side of the V decreases linearly with a slope of -1, and the right side of the V increases linearly with a slope of 1.
02
Translate Horizontally
Next, we need to translate the graph of \(h(x) = |x|\) horizontally. The function inside the absolute value part of \(g(x)\) is \(|x + 3|\). This indicates a translation to the left by 3 units. So, move each point on the graph of \(h(x)\) to the left by 3 units.
03
Translate Vertically
Finally, we need to incorporate the -4 outside the absolute value, \(|x + 3| - 4\). This will move each point on the graph 4 units down. Apply this vertical translation to the graph you obtained after the horizontal translation.
04
Draw the Final Graph
Now combine these transformations to sketch \(g(x) = |x + 3| - 4\). The vertex of the V-shaped graph has moved from (0, 0) to (-3, -4). Draw the V-shape with the same slope as \(h(x)\), but starting from the new vertex.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding the Absolute Value Function
The absolute value function is a fundamental concept that you often encounter in mathematics. In its basic form, the absolute value function is written as \( h(x) = |x| \). This function creates a V-shaped graph where the center or vertex is located at the origin of the coordinate plane, at the point (0, 0).
- The left side of the graph has a slope of -1.
- The right side has a slope of +1.
Exploring Horizontal Translation
Horizontal translation shifts the graph of a function left or right. In our function \( g(x) = |x + 3| - 4 \), we see the term \( x+3 \) inside the absolute value. This signifies a horizontal translation of our graph.Horizontal shifts can be a bit tricky:
- If it’s \( x + c \), you move the graph to the left by \( c \) units.
- Conversely, if it’s \( x - c \), shift the graph to the right by \( c \) units.
Delving into Vertical Translation
Vertical translation involves shifting a graph up or down along the y-axis. Consider the function \( g(x) = |x + 3| - 4 \). The -4 that sits outside the absolute value indicates a downward vertical shift.This is easier to interpret:
- When subtracting, it shifts the graph downward by the given value.
- When adding, it shifts the graph upward by the given value.
Putting It All Together with Function Graphing
Function graphing involves translating mathematical instructions into a visual graph. It’s like telling a story with numbers that become very clear when drawn. For \( g(x) = |x + 3| - 4 \), we have taken two main transformations:
- A horizontal shift moving the graph left by 3 units.
- A vertical shift moving the graph down by 4 units.