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Ch. 2 - Graphs and Functions
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 74

Graph each function. ƒ(x) = 2∛(x+1)-2

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Identify the base function to graph, which is the cube root function: \(f(x) = \sqrt[3]{x}\). This function has a characteristic S-shaped curve passing through the origin (0,0).
Recognize the transformations applied to the base function. The function given is \(f(x) = 2\sqrt[3]{x+1} - 2\). Here, \(x+1\) indicates a horizontal shift, the coefficient 2 outside the cube root indicates a vertical stretch, and the \(-2\) indicates a vertical shift downward.
Apply the horizontal shift by replacing \(x\) with \(x+1\). This shifts the graph of \(\sqrt[3]{x}\) one unit to the left. So, the new 'center' point moves from (0,0) to (-1,0).
Apply the vertical stretch by multiplying the cube root by 2. This makes the graph steeper, stretching it vertically by a factor of 2.
Apply the vertical shift by subtracting 2 from the entire function, moving the graph down by 2 units. The new center point after all transformations is at (-1, -2). Plot this point and sketch the transformed cube root curve accordingly.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cube Root Function

The cube root function, denoted as ∛x, is the inverse of cubing a number. It produces real outputs for all real inputs and has an S-shaped curve passing through the origin. Understanding its basic shape helps in graphing transformations applied to it.
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Function Transformations

Function transformations include shifts, stretches, and reflections applied to the parent function. In ƒ(x) = 2∛(x+1) - 2, the (x+1) inside the root shifts the graph left by 1 unit, the coefficient 2 vertically stretches it, and the -2 shifts it down by 2 units.
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Graphing Techniques

Graphing involves plotting key points and understanding the shape of the function. For cube root functions, select values of x, compute corresponding y-values, and apply transformations. This step-by-step approach ensures an accurate sketch of the function.
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