Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Graphing Functions
Graphing functions involves plotting points on a coordinate plane to visualize the relationship between the input (x-values) and output (y-values). For the functions ƒ₁(x) = 4 - x² and ƒ₂(x) = |4 - x²|, understanding their shapes is crucial. ƒ₁ is a downward-opening parabola, while ƒ₂ modifies this by reflecting any negative values of ƒ₁ above the x-axis, creating a 'V' shape.
Recommended video:
Graph of Sine and Cosine Function
Absolute Value Function
The absolute value function, denoted as |x|, transforms any negative input into a positive output. In the context of ƒ₂(x) = |4 - x²|, this means that wherever ƒ₁(x) is negative (i.e., below the x-axis), ƒ₂(x) will reflect those points to be positive. This alteration significantly changes the graph's appearance, ensuring all y-values are non-negative.
Recommended video:
Average Value of a Function
Effects of Transformations on Graphs
Transformations in calculus refer to changes made to the graph of a function, such as shifts, reflections, or stretches. Applying the absolute value function to ƒ₁(x) results in a reflection of the parts of the graph that fall below the x-axis. This transformation not only alters the graph's shape but also affects its intersections with the axes and overall behavior, making it essential to analyze these effects when comparing ƒ₁ and ƒ₂.
Recommended video: