Chapter 8: Problem 68
Sketch the graph of each function. See Section 8.5. $$ h(x)=x-3 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph of \( h(x) = x - 3 \) is a straight line with slope 1 and y-intercept -3.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Type of Function
The function given is a linear function because it is of the form \( h(x) = mx + b \), where \( m = 1 \) and \( b = -3 \). Linear functions graph as straight lines.
02
Determine the Y-intercept
The y-intercept of the function can be determined by setting \( x = 0 \). Calculate \( h(0) = 0 - 3 = -3 \). Therefore, the y-intercept is \( -3 \). This tells us that the graph crosses the y-axis at \( (0, -3) \).
03
Determine the Slope
The slope \( m \) of the function is \( 1 \), indicating that for every unit increase in \( x \), \( h(x) \) increases by 1 unit. This shows the steepness of the line.
04
Plot the Y-intercept
To begin, plot the point \( (0, -3) \) on the graph. This is the starting point of the line.
05
Use the Slope to Plot Another Point
Using the slope \( m = 1 \), find another point. From \( (0, -3) \), move 1 unit up and 1 unit right to plot the next point at \( (1, -2) \).
06
Draw the Line
Connect the plotted points \( (0, -3) \) and \( (1, -2) \) with a straight line. Extend the line in both directions, which represents the function \( h(x) = x - 3 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Graphing Linear Equations
Graphing linear equations is a fundamental skill in algebra. A linear equation describes a straight line when graphed on a coordinate plane. These equations are typically written in the form \( y = mx + b \), where \( m \) represents the slope and \( b \) is the y-intercept.
To graph a linear equation:
To graph a linear equation:
- Start by identifying the y-intercept, which is where the line crosses the y-axis.
- Next, use the slope to determine the direction and steepness of the line.
- Plot the y-intercept on the graph, and use the slope to find other points on the line.
- Draw a straight line through the plotted points.
Y-Intercept
The y-intercept is a vital part of understanding linear functions. It's the point where the graph of the equation crosses the y-axis. In the equation form \( y = mx + b \), the y-intercept is denoted by \( b \).
To find the y-intercept:
The y-intercept is crucial for graphing because it provides a starting point for the line.
To find the y-intercept:
- Set \( x = 0 \) in the equation.
- Solve for \( y \).
The y-intercept is crucial for graphing because it provides a starting point for the line.
Slope
The slope of a linear equation defines its steepness and direction. It's represented by the coefficient of \( x \) in the equation \( y = mx + b \). The slope \( m \) can be thought of as 'rise over run', indicating how much the function value increases (rise) for a one-unit increase in \( x \) (run).
For instance:
For instance:
- If \( m = 1 \), for every increase in \( x \) by 1, \( y \) increases by 1. This means the line rises at a 45-degree angle.
- Positive slopes indicate an upward trend as you move right, while negative slopes indicate a downward trend.
- A slope of zero means a horizontal line, while an undefined slope means a vertical line.
Straight Lines
Straight lines are the simplest forms of graphs in mathematics. When you solve a linear equation, the resulting graph is always a straight line. This is because linear equations show direct proportional relationships between variables.
Key characteristics of straight lines include:
Key characteristics of straight lines include:
- They have a constant slope, meaning the steepness doesn't change.
- The equation \( y = mx + b \) always produces a straight line when graphed.
- Each point on the line solves the equation, showing a consistent relationship between \( x \) and \( y \).