Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Cubic Functions
A cubic function is a polynomial function of degree three, typically expressed in the form f(x) = ax³ + bx² + cx + d. The graph of a standard cubic function, such as f(x) = x³, has a characteristic 'S' shape and passes through the origin. Understanding the basic shape and properties of cubic functions is essential for analyzing transformations.
Recommended video:
Graph Transformations
Graph transformations involve shifting, reflecting, stretching, or compressing the graph of a function. For example, the function r(x) = (x − 2)³ + 1 represents a horizontal shift to the right by 2 units and a vertical shift upward by 1 unit from the standard cubic function. Mastery of these transformations allows for the accurate graphing of modified functions.
Recommended video:
Function Notation and Evaluation
Function notation, such as f(x) or r(x), is a way to represent a function and its output for a given input x. Evaluating a function involves substituting a specific value for x to find the corresponding output. Understanding how to manipulate and evaluate functions is crucial for applying transformations and analyzing their effects on the graph.
Recommended video:
Evaluating Composed Functions