How Does Rotating the x-Axis Create a New Polynomial Graph?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the transformation of polynomial graphs through the rotation of the x-axis. Specifically, it examines how the graph of the polynomial function y=x^3 can be altered to y=x^3 - 3x by rotating the x-axis to align with the line y=-3x. This transformation is identified as a shear, where points on the graph are translated parallel to the vertical axis based on their distance from the axis. The translation modifies the x-coordinates by adding a proportion of the y-coordinates, resulting in a new graph representation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polynomial functions, specifically cubic functions like y=x^3.
  • Familiarity with graph transformations, including rotation and shear.
  • Knowledge of coordinate geometry and the Cartesian plane.
  • Basic grasp of linear equations, particularly the concept of slopes and intercepts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical principles of shear transformations in geometry.
  • Study the effects of rotating axes on polynomial graphs using tools like GeoGebra.
  • Explore the concept of function transformations, including translations and reflections.
  • Learn about the implications of graph transformations in calculus, particularly in relation to derivatives and integrals.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, educators, and students interested in advanced graphing techniques, particularly those studying polynomial functions and their transformations.

batballbat
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To show the addition of the term mx to a polynomial graph, my book takes an example with y=x^3. To produce a function y=x^3 - 3x it draws the graph of y= x^3. Then the line y= - 3x is drawn in the same graph. quote" If we think of the ordinates of y=x^3 as attached to the x-axis and constrained to remain vertical, the graph of y=x^3 will become the graph of y=x^3- 3x if the x-axis is rotated about the origin until it coincides with the line y= -3x.

Can somebody explain me in detail how rotating in such a way will produce the new graph?
It mentions such transformation is shear. what is such motion? Is it applicable to all functions?
 
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That's interesting, I haven't seen that interpretation before. A "shear" of a set (graph) is when all the points in the set (on the graph) are translated parallel to the vertical axis, such that points with a greater vertical distance from the axis are translated further horizontally. More specifically, points are translated parallel to the axis by a distance proportional to their perpendicular distance from the axis.

So, to the x-coordinate, we add a proportion of the y-coordinate (height above the axis), i.e. the point (x, y) is changed into the point (x + my, y).

Umm ... brb on the "rotation" interpretation of this. I'll edit later.
 
i am not clear with the translation you mentioned. The points of graph y=x^3 are translated along the vertical axis but with distance proportional to the perpendicular distance from which axis??

also please try to explain the rotation method
 

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