In Exercises 60–63, begin by graphing the standard quadratic function, f(x) = x2. Then use transformations of this graph to graph the given function. r(x) = -(x + 1)2
Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
3. Functions
Common Functions
Problem 39
Textbook Question
Use the graph of y = f(x) to graph each function g. g(x) = -(1/2)f(x+2)

Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the transformations applied to the function f(x). The given function g(x) = -(1/2)f(x+2) involves three transformations: a horizontal shift, a vertical scaling, and a reflection.
Step 2: Start with the horizontal shift. The term (x+2) inside f(x) indicates a horizontal shift to the left by 2 units. This means every point on the graph of f(x) will move 2 units to the left.
Step 3: Apply the vertical scaling. The coefficient (1/2) in front of f(x+2) compresses the graph vertically by a factor of 1/2. This means the y-coordinates of all points on the graph will be halved.
Step 4: Apply the reflection. The negative sign in front of (1/2) reflects the graph across the x-axis. This means the y-coordinates of all points will be multiplied by -1, flipping the graph upside down.
Step 5: Combine all transformations. Start with the graph of f(x), shift it 2 units to the left, compress it vertically by a factor of 1/2, and then reflect it across the x-axis. The resulting graph is the graph of g(x).
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
6mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Function Transformation
Function transformation refers to the process of altering the graph of a function through various operations, such as shifting, stretching, or reflecting. In the given function g(x) = -(1/2)f(x+2), the transformations include a horizontal shift to the left by 2 units, a vertical compression by a factor of 1/2, and a reflection across the x-axis.
Recommended video:
Domain & Range of Transformed Functions
Horizontal Shifts
Horizontal shifts occur when a function is modified by adding or subtracting a value inside the function's argument. For g(x) = f(x+2), the '+2' indicates a shift to the left by 2 units. This means that every point on the graph of f(x) will move leftward, affecting the x-coordinates of the graph.
Recommended video:
Shifts of Functions
Vertical Compression and Reflection
Vertical compression and reflection involve scaling the output of a function and flipping it over the x-axis. In g(x) = -(1/2)f(x+2), the factor of -1 indicates a reflection across the x-axis, while the factor of 1/2 compresses the graph vertically, making it half as tall. This alters the y-values of the function, affecting the overall shape of the graph.
Recommended video:
Reflections of Functions
Watch next
Master Graphs of Common Functions with a bite sized video explanation from Patrick
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Textbook Question
668
views
