Chapter 3: Problem 56
Graph the functions by using transformations of the graphs of \(y=\frac{1}{x}\) and \(y=\frac{1}{x^{2}}\). $$ g(x)=\frac{1}{x+4} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Shift the graph of \(y=\frac{1}{x}\) 4 units to the left.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Parent Function
The parent function is given as \(y=\frac{1}{x}\). Its graph is a hyperbola with two branches, asymptotes at \(x=0\) and \(y=0\), and it is symmetric about the origin.
02
Identify the Transformation
For \(g(x)=\frac{1}{x+4}\), the transformation involves a horizontal shift. Here, the graph shifts left by 4 units due to the \(+4\) inside the function.
03
Apply the Horizontal Shift
To graph \(g(x)=\frac{1}{x+4}\), take the parent function \(y=\frac{1}{x}\) and move every point 4 units to the left. The vertical asymptote shifts from \(x=0\) to \(x=-4\).
04
Draw the Transformed Graph
Plot the hyperbola with the new position. The graph will have vertical asymptote at \(x=-4\) and a horizontal asymptote still at \(y=0\). Ensure the branches extend towards the asymptotes without touching them.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
parent function
The parent function in this exercise is denoted as \( y = \frac{1}{x} \). This particular function is a basic form known as a rational function. Its graph represents a hyperbola, a type of curve with two distinct branches.
The hyperbola is symmetric about the origin, meaning any point \((x, y)\) on the curve will have a corresponding point \((-x, -y)\).
As for its significant features:
The hyperbola is symmetric about the origin, meaning any point \((x, y)\) on the curve will have a corresponding point \((-x, -y)\).
As for its significant features:
- The vertical asymptote is at \( x = 0 \).
- The horizontal asymptote is at \( y = 0 \).
horizontal shift
Transforming functions often involves shifting their graphs. In the exercise, we're dealing with a horizontal shift. The given function is \( g(x)=\frac{1}{x+4} \).
When analyzing \( x+4 \) inside the function, we infer that it shifts the parent function \( y = \frac{1}{x} \) horizontally. Here, adding \( 4 \) means moving the graph to the left by 4 units.
This transformation modifies our vertical asymptote from \( x=0 \) to \( x=-4 \), while the horizontal asymptote remains unchanged at \( y=0 \). When performing the shift:
When analyzing \( x+4 \) inside the function, we infer that it shifts the parent function \( y = \frac{1}{x} \) horizontally. Here, adding \( 4 \) means moving the graph to the left by 4 units.
This transformation modifies our vertical asymptote from \( x=0 \) to \( x=-4 \), while the horizontal asymptote remains unchanged at \( y=0 \). When performing the shift:
- Move every point on the graph 4 units left.
- Ensure the shape of the hyperbola remains consistent.
hyperbola
A hyperbola is a unique curve in mathematics characterized by two separate branches. The parent function \( y = \frac{1}{x} \) produces a hyperbola.
Understanding its structure:
In \( g(x)=\frac{1}{x+4} \), the original hyperbola is shifted left by 4 units, maintaining its asymptotic behavior relative to the new vertical asymptote at \( x=-4 \).
Understanding its structure:
- It has two symmetric branches.
- The branches approach the asymptotes but never intersect them.
- The hyperbola is steep near the origin and flattens out as \( x \) moves farther from zero.
In \( g(x)=\frac{1}{x+4} \), the original hyperbola is shifted left by 4 units, maintaining its asymptotic behavior relative to the new vertical asymptote at \( x=-4 \).
asymptotes
Asymptotes are lines that a graph approaches but never actually touches. In the given parent function \( y = \frac{1}{x} \), there are two important asymptotes to consider:
When a horizontal shift occurs, such as with \( g(x) = \frac{1}{x+4} \), the vertical asymptote moves accordingly while the horizontal asymptote remains constant.
After shifting the function 4 units to the left, the new vertical asymptote will be at \( x = -4 \) instead of \( x = 0 \), but the horizontal asymptote stays at \( y=0 \).
- Vertical asymptote at \( x=0 \).
- Horizontal asymptote at \( y=0 \).
When a horizontal shift occurs, such as with \( g(x) = \frac{1}{x+4} \), the vertical asymptote moves accordingly while the horizontal asymptote remains constant.
After shifting the function 4 units to the left, the new vertical asymptote will be at \( x = -4 \) instead of \( x = 0 \), but the horizontal asymptote stays at \( y=0 \).