Graphing functions and identifying features

  • Thread starter Thread starter zebra1707
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Functions Graphing
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around graphing two functions: y = e^(-2x)(-1) and y = ln(x-2) + 1. Participants are exploring how to approach graphing these functions and what ranges of x values to consider.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the appropriate ranges for x values to graph the functions, with suggestions ranging from -1 or -2 to 4 or 5 for the exponential function, and from 2 to 10 for the logarithmic function. There are questions about the original poster's understanding of graph transformations and the importance of parentheses in function notation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on starting points for graphing and have suggested exploring the behavior of the functions. There is an acknowledgment of the original poster's uncertainty, and a mix of encouragement and practical advice has been shared.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses a lack of confidence in their understanding of the material, which may be influencing their approach to the problem. There is a mention of using a graphing calculator as a potential tool for exploration.

zebra1707
Messages
106
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Hi there

I need assistance with two graphs that are causing me some problems

y=e(^-2x)(-1) and y=ln(x-2)+1

Homework Equations



I just need some guidence as to where to start - starting with a table - what range is approriate?

The Attempt at a Solution



Stuck
 
Physics news on Phys.org
[itex]e^x[/itex] goes to 0 very rapidly for x< 0 and goes up very rapidly for x> 0. I would recommend taking x from -1 or -2 to +4 or +5.

ln(x) is only defined for x> 0 so ln(x- 2) is only defined for x> 2. I would recommend taking x from 2 up to, say 10.

Wouldn't it have been faster to just play around with some numbers rather than wait for someone to respond here? Do you not have a graphing calculator? It would have taken only a few seconds to try various value on a calculator.
 
zebra1707 said:

Homework Statement



Hi there

I need assistance with two graphs that are causing me some problems

y=e(^-2x)(-1) and y=ln(x-2)+1

Homework Equations



I just need some guidance as to where to start - starting with a table - what range is appropriate?

The Attempt at a Solution



Stuck
I assume you mean [itex]\displaystyle y=(-1)e^{-2x}\,,[/itex] which you could write as y = (e^(-2x))(-1), (the location of parentheses is important) or y = -e^(-2x), or better yet, y = -e-2x,

and y = ln(x-2) + 1 .

Are you familiar with the graphs of:
[itex]\displaystyle y=e^{x}\,,[/itex]​
and
[itex]\displaystyle y=\ln(x)\ ?[/itex]​
That's the place to start.

Then use what you've (hopefully) been learning about shifting, stretching, shrinking, flipping, etc. graphs.
 
HallsofIvy said:
[itex]e^x[/itex] goes to 0 very rapidly for x< 0 and goes up very rapidly for x> 0. I would recommend taking x from -1 or -2 to +4 or +5.

ln(x) is only defined for x> 0 so ln(x- 2) is only defined for x> 2. I would recommend taking x from 2 up to, say 10.

Wouldn't it have been faster to just play around with some numbers rather than wait for someone to respond here? Do you not have a graphing calculator? It would have taken only a few seconds to try various value on a calculator.

Thank you, yes, you are right. I think just a lack of confidence in this aspect of Maths. Sorry to be a bother. Regards
 
SammyS said:
I assume you mean [itex]\displaystyle y=(-1)e^{-2x}\,,[/itex] which you could write as y = (e^(-2x))(-1), (the location of parentheses is important) or y = -e^(-2x), or better yet, y = -e-2x,

and y = ln(x-2) + 1 .

Are you familiar with the graphs of:
[itex]\displaystyle y=e^{x}\,,[/itex]​
and
[itex]\displaystyle y=\ln(x)\ ?[/itex]​
That's the place to start.

Then use what you've (hopefully) been learning about shifting, stretching, shrinking, flipping, etc. graphs.

Many thanks, I appreciate the guidance.
 

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K