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Modeling, Functions, and Graphs

Section B.7 Function Notation and Transformation of Graphs

Subsection Function Notation

The calculator uses \(Y_1 (X)\text{,}\) \(Y_2 (X)\text{,}\) and so on, instead of \(f (x)\text{,}\) \(g(x)\text{,}\) and so on, for function notation.

Example B.42.

Evaluate \(f (x) = x^2 + 6x + 9\) for \(x = 3\text{.}\)
  1. Set \(Y_1 = X^2 + 6X + 9\text{,}\) and quit (2nd MODE) to the Home screen.
  2. To evaluate this function for \(X = 3\text{,}\) press
    VARS ENTER ENTER ( \(3\) ) ENTER
    GC evaluating a function
    Figure B.43.

Subsection Transformation of Graphs

We can use function notation to facilitate graphing transformations. In the examples below, we use \(f (x) = x^2\text{.}\)

Subsubsection Translations

Example B.44.
Compare the graphs of \(y = f (x) - 8\) and \(y = f (x - 8)\) with that of \(y = f (x)\text{.}\)
Define \(Y_1 = X^2\) and \(Y_2 =Y_1(X) - 8\) . Press ZOOM \(6\) to see the graphs (Figure B.45).
GC vertical shift of parabola
Figure B.45.
Define \(Y_1 = X^2\) and \(Y_2 =Y_1(X - 8)\text{.}\) Press ZOOM \(6\) to see the graphs (Figure B.46).
GC horizontal shift of parabola
Figure B.46.

Subsubsection Vertical Scalings and Reflections

Compare the graph of \(y = \frac{-1}{2} f (x)\) with that of \(y = f (x)\text{.}\)
Define \(Y_1 = X^2\) and \(Y_2 = -1/2*Y_1(X)\text{.}\) Press to see the graphs (Figure B.47).
GC vertical reflection of parabola
Figure B.47.