Solve 2 Calculus Problems: Find Point & Write Equation

  • Thread starter Thread starter vee123
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Calculus
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two calculus-related problems: finding a point on a line defined by two given points and writing an equation for a graph after a horizontal shift. The original poster expresses confusion about the reasoning behind the answers provided.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of finding the equation of the line from two points and explore the concept of shifting a function horizontally. Questions arise regarding the correct application of transformations and the reasoning behind the answers.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered suggestions for approaches, such as plotting the points and applying transformations. There is an acknowledgment that the problems may not strictly fall under calculus, and the original poster is beginning to recall relevant concepts.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster's uncertainty about the nature of the problems, as they are from the beginning section of a calculus book. The discussion reflects a mix of confusion and attempts to clarify the concepts involved.

vee123
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
I have two Calculus problems I need explained because I'm studying for a final exam and I forgot how to do these things:

#1: Find the point that lies on the line determined by the points (1,-2) and (-3,1).

The answer is (5,-5), but I don't know why...


#2: Write an equation satisfied by the graph obtained by shifting y=2x-5 three units to the left.

The answer is y=2x+1

I know when an equation is shown moving to the left, it is put in parentheses and a number is added to it (for example y=x^2 becomes y=(x^2+2) when it is moved two places to the left). However, I do not know how to do this problem.

Could someone please help me?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
vee123 said:
I have two Calculus problems I need explained because I'm studying for a final exam and I forgot how to do these things:

#1: Find the point that lies on the line determined by the points (1,-2) and (-3,1).

The answer is (5,-5), but I don't know why...


#2: Write an equation satisfied by the graph obtained by shifting y=2x-5 three units to the left.

The answer is y=2x+1

I know when an equation is shown moving to the left, it is put in parentheses and a number is added to it (for example y=x^2 becomes y=(x^2+2) when it is moved two places to the left). However, I do not know how to do this problem.

Could someone please help me?

Several things you can do. First off, these aren't calc questions, afaik.

1. Can you write down the equation determined by the two points? If so, then I guess you have choices to plug into the equation to see if they work.

2. The easiest thing to do is to just plot the thing and move it 3 units to the left, and see what you get. But you can also just apply some transforms. In your case, you can shift your function to the left ( f(x) -> f(x+3) ) by applying that transform.

See what you get :)
 
Thanks for the reply! I think I'm starting to remember this...

Yeah I know these aren't really calc questions, but they were in the beginning section of my calc. book.

Thanks for your help!
 
Anytime :D
 
Okay, I'm still having trouble with the second question. I know I may sound really stupid, but I tried to solve it by doing f(x)=(2x-5+3), and did not get the correct answer. What am I doing incorrectly?
 
Consider rewriting f(x) = 2x-5 as f(x) = 2(x-5/2).. and see if you get anything from there...
 
Now I understand! I was having a bit of a mental block at hte moment... Thank you very much! :)
 

Similar threads

Replies
64
Views
7K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
42
Views
4K