Transformations of functions help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around transformations of functions, specifically focusing on reflections and stretches of graphs. The original poster seeks clarification on how to apply these transformations to given equations and scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how to reflect a quadratic function in the y-axis and x-axis, questioning the correct application of transformations. They also seek guidance on identifying the transformations needed to map the sine function to a modified sine function. Additionally, they inquire about the relationship between a given formula for water depth and transformations of functions.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide insights into the transformations, suggesting the use of a graphing calculator to visualize the effects of transformations. Others clarify the algebraic manipulation involved in reflecting functions and offer geometric interpretations of the transformations. The discussion appears to be productive, with participants exploring various interpretations and approaches without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses concern about the rushed nature of their instruction on transformations, indicating a potential gap in foundational understanding. They emphasize the need for explanations rather than direct answers, reflecting the forum's learning-first approach.

Trail_Builder
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bascially, my teacher rushed us through transformations of functions in an hour, and didnt have time to go throuhg it all so i need some expalnations from you guys please :rolleyes:

(you don't have to do it for me, just tell me where to go, thnx)

1.) The curve with equation y = x^2 - 2x - 3 reflected in the y-axis. Find the equation of this new curve.

right, i know that when y=f(x) that to reflect in y-axis I do y=f(-x).

so, to answer the question, do i simply stick a - sign in front of all the x? leaving y = -x^2 + 2x - 3 ? but then, let's say i changed the question to the x-axis (i know when y=f(x) to reflect in x-axis you do y=-f(x) ) i am now more confused because i would guess to also stick minus in front again ?:confused: which i know i can't do the same.

can someone please explain what to do, thnx

2.) Describe fully the sequence of two transformations that maps the graph of y = sinx onto the graph of y=3sin2x

i know how to do the bit relating to 3, which is 'multiply the y-value by 3', but i not sure how to do the transformation relating to 2, can you advise please. thnx

3.) (not sure how it relates to transformations of functions but its on the list of related qus) The depth, D metres, of the water at the end of a jetty in the afternoon can be modeled by this formula

D = 5.5 + Asin30(t - k)deg

where

t hours is the number of hours after midday
A and k are constants.

Yesterday the low tide was at 3pm
The depth of wter at low tide was 3.5m

Find the value of A and k


is it as simple as subbing the values in? because that somehow seems to easy and not related to transformation of functions?

thnx

hope you can help will these and please explain rather than tell me answer, thnx a bunch
 
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Do you have a graphing calculator? You could test #1 for yourself and see if it works. For #2, if a is a positive number, the graph of [tex]f(\frac{x}{a})[/tex] is the graph of f(x) stretched horizontally by a factor of a and the graph of f(ax) is the graph of f(x) compressed by a factor of a.

More info for #1, let's say we are given f(x)=2x+4

f(-x)=-2x+4
-f(x)=-2x-4

The best way to understand transformations is to pick up your graphing calculator, punch in y=x+4, then try y=-x+4, then try y=[tex]\frac{x}{2}[/tex]+4, then try y==[tex]\frac{x}{2}[/tex]+8, etc. Try to understand why it is happening.
 
Last edited:
thnx buddy, yeh i have a an uber sweet calculator, cost like 70 quid hehe, so yeh it can do graphs, ill have a play at school tomoz, thnx
 
Trail_Builder said:
bascially, my teacher rushed us through transformations of functions in an hour, and didnt have time to go throuhg it all so i need some expalnations from you guys please :rolleyes:

(you don't have to do it for me, just tell me where to go, thnx)

1.) The curve with equation y = x^2 - 2x - 3 reflected in the y-axis. Find the equation of this new curve.

right, i know that when y=f(x) that to reflect in y-axis I do y=f(-x).

so, to answer the question, do i simply stick a - sign in front of all the x? leaving y = -x^2 + 2x - 3 ? but then, let's say i changed the question to the x-axis (i know when y=f(x) to reflect in x-axis you do y=-f(x) ) i am now more confused because i would guess to also stick minus in front again ?:confused: which i know i can't do the same.

can someone please explain what to do, thnx
surely your algebra is better than that! f(-x) means that x is replaced with -x so that, for example, x2 become (-x)2. That is NOT -x2! y= (-x)2+ 2(-x)- 3= what?

2.) Describe fully the sequence of two transformations that maps the graph of y = sinx onto the graph of y=3sin2x

i know how to do the bit relating to 3, which is 'multiply the y-value by 3', but i not sure how to do the transformation relating to 2, can you advise please. thnx
I would not say 'multiply the y-value by 3' but rather 'stretch the graph vertically by 3': a "transformation" is geometric. As for the 2, your "base" equation is y= sin(x). If you think of y= sin(2x)= sin(x') then x'= 2x so x= x'/2. The "old" x value is divided by 2. Geometrically, the graph is "squeezed" horizontally by a factor of 1/2.

Are you related to "TheMatador"? see
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=152054

3.) (not sure how it relates to transformations of functions but its on the list of related qus) The depth, D metres, of the water at the end of a jetty in the afternoon can be modeled by this formula

D = 5.5 + Asin30(t - k)deg

where

t hours is the number of hours after midday
A and k are constants.

Yesterday the low tide was at 3pm
The depth of wter at low tide was 3.5m

Find the value of A and k


is it as simple as subbing the values in? because that somehow seems to easy and not related to transformation of functions?

thnx

hope you can help will these and please explain rather than tell me answer, thnx a bunch
Yes, it is that easy! Substitute the values given and you will have two equations to solve for A and k.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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