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 standard cubic function, f(x) = x³, has a characteristic 'S' shape and passes through the origin. Understanding its basic shape and properties, such as its inflection point and end behavior, is crucial for graphing transformations.
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Transformations of Functions
Transformations involve shifting, stretching, compressing, or reflecting the graph of a function. For the function h(x) = (1/2)(x − 2)³ – 1, the transformations include a horizontal shift to the right by 2 units, a vertical stretch by a factor of 1/2, and a downward shift by 1 unit. Recognizing these transformations helps in accurately sketching the new graph based on the original cubic function.
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Domain & Range of Transformed Functions
Graphing Techniques
Graphing techniques involve plotting points, identifying key features, and applying transformations to create accurate representations of functions. For cubic functions, it is important to determine critical points such as intercepts and turning points. By applying transformations systematically, one can derive the graph of h(x) from the graph of f(x) effectively.
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