Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Transformations of Functions
Transformations of functions involve shifting, stretching, or reflecting the graph of a function. For quadratic functions like y = x², horizontal shifts occur when adding or subtracting a value from x, while vertical shifts happen when adding or subtracting a value from the entire function. Understanding these transformations is crucial for matching equations to their graphical representations.
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Domain and Range of Function Transformations
Vertical Stretching and Compression
Vertical stretching and compression refer to how the graph of a function is altered by multiplying the function by a constant factor. For example, in the equation y = 7x², the graph is stretched vertically by a factor of 7, making it narrower compared to the standard parabola y = x². This concept is essential for recognizing how changes in the coefficient of x² affect the graph's shape.
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Stretches and Shrinks of Functions
Graphing Quadratic Functions
Graphing quadratic functions involves plotting parabolas, which are U-shaped curves. The standard form y = ax² + bx + c helps identify the vertex, axis of symmetry, and direction of opening. Recognizing how different forms of quadratic equations relate to the basic graph of y = x² allows for accurate matching of equations to their graphical descriptions.
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