Chapter 1: Problem 62
Graph the function using transformations. $$y=-\frac{1}{5} \sqrt{x}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph is a reflected and compressed version of \(y=\sqrt{x}\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Parent Function
The parent function for this transformation is the square root function, which is \( y = \sqrt{x} \). This is the simplest form of the function we are dealing with.
02
Vertical Stretch/Compression and Reflection
The function \( y = -\frac{1}{5} \sqrt{x} \) includes a coefficient of \(-\frac{1}{5}\) in front of the square root. This coefficient affects the graph in two ways: the negative sign indicates a reflection across the x-axis, and the \(\frac{1}{5}\) indicates a vertical compression by a factor of 5. This means that each point on the graph is moved to \(\frac{1}{5}\) of its original distance from the x-axis, and flipped to the opposite side.
03
Graph the Transformation
Begin graphing the original parent function \( y = \sqrt{x} \), which starts at the origin (0,0) and passes through points like (1,1), (4,2), and (9,3). Now, apply the transformations: reflect these points over the x-axis and compress each y-value by a factor of \(\frac{1}{5}\). This results in new points like: (1, -0.2), (4, -0.4), and (9, -0.6). Plot these transformed points to get the new graph. The transformed graph should be a downward sloping curve starting at the origin and going through the transformed points, showing the reflection and compression.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Square Root Function
The square root function is a fundamental mathematical concept used in many fields. It is represented by the equation \( y = \sqrt{x} \). This function forms a curve that plots from the origin and moves to the right, extending indefinitely, forming a gentle upward slope.
Key characteristics:
Key characteristics:
- The starting point is at the origin, (0,0).
- The function passes through points such as (1,1), (4,2), and (9,3) because the square roots of these x-values are integers.
- It always remains in the first quadrant since both x and y are positive.
Vertical Compression
Vertical compression occurs when the y-values of a function are multiplied by a factor between 0 and 1. For the given function, \( y = -\frac{1}{5} \sqrt{x} \), the compression factor is \( \frac{1}{5} \). This compresses the graph vertically by shrinking the output of the square root function.
Features of vertical compression:
Features of vertical compression:
- This transformation decreases the height of the graph, making it "flatter." For example, a point like (4,2) on the parent function becomes (4,0.4) on the compressed graph.
- The graph retains its original shape but all y-coordinates are scaled down by the compression factor.
- The x-values remain unchanged, so the horizontal positioning on the graph is unaffected.
Reflection Across the X-Axis
Reflection across the x-axis in a function lets you invert the graph as if you were "flipping" it upside down. This is signified by a negative sign before the function, as seen in \( y = -\frac{1}{5} \sqrt{x} \).
Reflection aspects:
Reflection aspects:
- Every positive y-value from the square root function becomes negative.
- Points that were above the x-axis are now mirrored below it. For instance, the point (1,0.2) from the vertically compressed graph is turned to (1, -0.2) after reflection.
- This does not affect the x-coordinates or the horizontal spread of the graph.