Y=ln(3-x) How to transform it? What is wrong with my logic?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transformation of the function \( y = \ln(3-x) \). Participants explore the logic behind graphing this function, comparing it to transformations of other logarithmic functions, and questioning the correctness of their approaches to understanding these transformations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Tim expresses confusion about the transformations of the function \( y = \ln(3-x) \) and how it relates to \( \ln(-x) \) and other transformations.
  • One participant notes that the graph of \( \ln(3-x) \) resembles \( \ln x \) but shifts and diverges differently, specifically crossing the x-axis at \( x=2 \) and diverging to \(-\infty\) at \( x=3 \).
  • Another participant clarifies that \( \ln(3-x) \) is not equivalent to \( \ln(-x) - 3 \) and suggests viewing it as the sum of two logarithms.
  • Tim questions why \( y = \ln(3-x) \) does not translate \( \ln(-x) \) three units to the left, seeking clarification on the transformation process.
  • Participants discuss the steps of reflecting and translating the basic logarithmic function, emphasizing the importance of the order of transformations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various interpretations of the transformations involved, with no consensus reached on the correct approach to understanding \( y = \ln(3-x) \). Some participants provide differing explanations and methods, indicating ongoing confusion and debate.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential misunderstandings regarding the order of transformations and the nature of logarithmic functions, but do not resolve these issues. There are also references to specific points on the graph that illustrate the transformations, which may depend on individual interpretations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in understanding logarithmic transformations, particularly in the context of graphing and function manipulation in mathematics.

J_Ly08
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Hi, my name is Tim, I am new to this forum. Here's the description:

I don't understand how they've done it. I realize I can plot this, but what is the logic.

As a graph, I drew ln(-x) first, then added 3, so move left by 3 but that was not correct
I can see they've added 3 first, move left 3. Then they minus 1 times x. Or have they done it another way?
Why wasn't the first one correct, it makes sense to me

I also tried another approach which was ln(-(x-3)) so I first drew ln(x-3), and then I minus 1 times x, so I flipped it against the y axis. That also did not work, what is wrong with the logic on this one as well?
 
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I really don't understand. The graph of \ln(3-x) is the curve which has exactly the same shape as \ln x, only that it is "crosses" the Ox axis in x=2 and diverges rapidly to -\infty in x=3.

In other terms, it the graph of \ln -x (which you get from the graph of \ln x by rotating it around the Oy axis) shifted rightwards on the Ox axis by 3 units.
 
Thanks for the reply. Can you please explain/reword

In other terms, it the graph of ln−x (which you get from the graph of lnx by rotating it around the Oy axis) shifted rightwards on the Ox axis by 3 units.

I'm looking at it as transformation, so just like y=(x^2 + 3) moves x^2 up 3 units. Why isn't y=ln(3-x) moving ln(-x) 3 times to the left? and also to the last part of my question of my first post, if you write it as ln(-(x-3)) why wouldn't that work?

much appreciate for the help
 
J_Ly08 said:
I'm looking at it as transformation, so just like y=(x^2 + 3) moves x^2 up 3 units. Why isn't y=ln(3-x) moving ln(-x) 3 times to the left?
Why not? Because ln(3-x) is not the same as (ln(-x)) - 3

You should be able to show, viewing it as the sum of two logarithms,
ln(-x) - 3 = ln( (-x) / (e³) )
 
J_Ly08 said:
Hi, my name is Tim, I am new to this forum. Here's the description:

I don't understand how they've done it. I realize I can plot this, but what is the logic.

As a graph, I drew ln(-x) first, then added 3, so move left by 3 but that was not correct
Here's why.

Basic function: y = ln(x)
Reflection across y-axis: y = ln(-x)
Translation: y = ln(-x + 3) = ln(-(x - 3))
Notice that this is a translation to the right by 3 units of the graph of y = ln(-x).
J_Ly08 said:
I can see they've added 3 first, move left 3. Then they minus 1 times x. Or have they done it another way?
Why wasn't the first one correct, it makes sense to me

I also tried another approach which was ln(-(x-3)) so I first drew ln(x-3), and then I minus 1 times x, so I flipped it against the y axis. That also did not work, what is wrong with the logic on this one as well?
Draw the basic untransformed graph, y = ln(x)
Reflect across the y-axis to get y = ln(-x)
Translate right by 3 units to get y = ln(-(x - 3)

On the first graph, one point is (1, 0).
On the reflected graph, this point moves to (-1, 0) [Check: ln(-(-1)) = 0]
On the translated graph, this point (in previous step) moves to (2, 0) [Check: ln(-(2 - 3)) = ln(-(-1)) = ln(1) = 0.
 
Thanks for the responses.

After reading mark's reply its starting to clear up more. Much appreciate the help :)
 

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