Chapter 2: Problem 23
Graph the function. Find the slope, \(y\) -intercept and \(x\) -intercept, if any exist. \(f(x)=3\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
It's a horizontal line at \( y = 3 \), slope is 0, y-intercept is \( (0, 3) \), no x-intercept.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Function
The function given is a constant function, \( f(x) = 3 \). This means that for any value of \( x \), \( f(x) \, = \, y \, = \, 3 \). It is a horizontal line.
02
Graph the Function
To graph \( f(x) = 3 \), draw a horizontal line that passes through the point where \( y = 3 \) on the y-axis. This line will be parallel to the x-axis.
03
Identify the Slope
Since the line is horizontal, the slope is \( 0 \). The slope of a line \( m \) is defined by \( m = \frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x} \). In a horizontal line, there is no change in \( y \) as \( x \) changes, thus \( \Delta y = 0 \) and \( m = 0 \).
04
Find the Y-intercept
The y-intercept is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. For \( f(x) = 3 \), the line crosses the y-axis at the point \( y = 3 \). Hence, the y-intercept is \( (0, 3) \).
05
Find the X-intercept
The x-intercept is the point where the line crosses the x-axis. Since the line \( f(x) = 3 \) is parallel to the x-axis and does not touch or cross it, there is no x-intercept.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding the Constant Function
When we talk about a constant function, we're dealing with a function where the output value remains the same for any input value. For instance, in the function \( f(x) = 3 \), no matter what \( x \) is, the value of \( f(x) \) or \( y \) will always be 3. This creates a horizontal line when graphed.
This kind of function can be helpful for visualizing how some variables do not change with others. In this case, the constant function is simply a flat, straight line parallel to the x-axis at the height of 3 on the y-axis.
This kind of function can be helpful for visualizing how some variables do not change with others. In this case, the constant function is simply a flat, straight line parallel to the x-axis at the height of 3 on the y-axis.
- Graph: Horizontal line
- Equation form: \( y = c \) where \( c \) is a constant
Understanding the Slope of a Line
The slope of a line tells us how steep the line is. It's a measure of the line's angle compared to the axes. In mathematical terms, the slope \( m \) is calculated using the formula \( m = \frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x} \), which means 'change in y over change in x'.
For our constant function, \( f(x) = 3 \), this slope is 0, because a horizontal line does not rise or fall as it moves from left to right. There is no change in the y-value, resulting in \( \Delta y = 0 \).
For our constant function, \( f(x) = 3 \), this slope is 0, because a horizontal line does not rise or fall as it moves from left to right. There is no change in the y-value, resulting in \( \Delta y = 0 \).
- No vertical change in the line
- Slope (\( m \)) = 0
Locating the Y-intercept
The y-intercept is a key feature to find when graphing a line. This is the point where the line intersects the y-axis, essentially where the line hits the vertical axis.
For the function \( f(x) = 3 \), the line directly crosses the y-axis at the point (0, 3). This happens because for any line in this constant position, the y-coordinate remains constant while \( x \) is zero at the y-axis crossover.
For the function \( f(x) = 3 \), the line directly crosses the y-axis at the point (0, 3). This happens because for any line in this constant position, the y-coordinate remains constant while \( x \) is zero at the y-axis crossover.
- Y-intercept point: \( (0,3) \)
Examining the X-intercept
The x-intercept is another important concept in graphing that tells us where the line crosses the x-axis. Unlike the y-intercept, the x-intercept of a horizontal line like \( f(x) = 3 \) does not exist. This is because the line remains parallel to the x-axis.
Since it is a consistent line that never touches the x-axis, there is no point on the line where \( y \) equals zero.
Since it is a consistent line that never touches the x-axis, there is no point on the line where \( y \) equals zero.
- No x-intercept exists in this scenario