How Do You Graph a Reflection of a Function on the Same Set of Axes?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on graphing the function f(x) = √(x - 4) and its reflections -f(x) and f(-x). The correct equations derived are -f(x) = -√(x) + 4 and f(-x) = √(-x + 4). The participant highlights the challenge of graphing f(-x) due to domain restrictions, specifically that it requires x ≤ 4 for valid inputs. The reflections indicate that -f(x) represents a reflection across the x-axis, while f(-x) represents a reflection across the y-axis.

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Homework Statement


Given f(x)= square root of x - 4, write the equation for -f(x) and f(-x).
Sketch the three graphs on the same set of axes
Determine any points that are invariant for each reflection

The Attempt at a Solution


well basically I did the first part of the question and the result i got was
-f(x) = -square root of X + 4
f(-x) = square root of -x -4

the second part where it asks to graph these 3 equations, I've graphed the f(x) equation and the -f(x) equation but I can't graph the f(-x) equation. Simply because i get an error when i try to square root a negative number. So how would i graph this kind of eqation?
 
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...-f(x) is a reflection in the x-axis
and f(-x) is a reflection in the y-axis
 
Do mean f(x)= sqrt(x+ 4) or f(x)= sqrt(x)+ 4?
If the first, the domain of f is [itex]x+4\ge 0[/itex] or [itex]x \ge -4[/itex] and f(-x) = sqrt(-x+ 4) has domain [itex]-x+4\ge 0[/itex] or [itex]x\le 4[/itex]

If the second, the domain of f is [itex]x\ge 0[/itex] and f(-x)= sqrt(-x)+ 4 has domain [itex]x\le 0[/itex].

You have to take values of x in the correct domain in order to graph f(-x). In any case, rock.freak667 is correct: the graph of f(-x) is the refection of the graph of f(x) in the y-axis.
 

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