A few days ago
I Know Nothing

Graphical Analysis?

First, I’ve been asked to graph multiple functions, 2 of which I cannot figure out how to graph or enter into a calculator for a general idea:

f(x)= log(subscript 2) (x) ; f(x)= √(a^2)-(x^2) )

So if somebody could explain how to do this, or find a reference I can check out that would be awesome.

Also, if a set of directions say to “Draw a reflection” of..sin(x) (for example), is that the same as regular graphing? And how would you go about drawing it for a reflection on the X axis, along with the Y axis?

Thanks

Top 1 Answers
A few days ago
Anand S

Favorite Answer

Your calculator uses base 10 for log. For f(x) = log(subscript 2) (x), take advantage of the Change of Base Formula:

Log (subscript b) (x) = Log (subscript a) (x)/Log (subscript a) (b)

Ex: Log (subscript 3) (7) = Log (subscript 10) (7)/Log (subscript 10) (3)

A reflection across the x-axis means to draw the mirror image of a graph if a mirror were placed along the x-axis. If you take a particular x-value, and its y-value on the graph is normally 3 units above the x-axis, its reflection would be 3 units *below* the x-axis. Can you think of a way to change your equation y=sin(x) to get all the points to be on the opposite side of the x-axis?

Similarly, for a reflection across the y-axis, if a point on the graph is normally 2 units to the right of the y-axis, in the reflection that point will be 2 units to the left of the y-axis. Notice that the y-value stays the same but the x-value changes. Can you think of a way to change your equation to get it to do that?

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