Math Problem Statement

The graph of y = -f(x - 3) is shown. Which equation defines function f?

Solution

To solve this problem, let's carefully examine the given information:

The equation of the graph is given as y=f(x3)y = -f(x - 3), which indicates two transformations of the function f(x)f(x):

  1. Horizontal Shift: The x3x - 3 part indicates a shift to the right by 3 units.
  2. Reflection: The negative sign in front of ff means the graph is reflected across the x-axis.

Steps to solve:

  1. Determine the Slope: The graph appears to have a positive slope, and we can estimate the slope by choosing two points from the graph. From the graph:

    • The line passes through the points (3,0)(3, 0) and (0,7.5)(0, -7.5).
    • The slope is calculated as: slope=0(7.5)30=7.53=2.5=52\text{slope} = \frac{0 - (-7.5)}{3 - 0} = \frac{7.5}{3} = 2.5 = \frac{5}{2}
  2. Reflect the Slope: Since the equation has f(x3)-f(x - 3), the function is reflected, making the slope 52-\frac{5}{2}.

  3. Horizontal Shift: The function is shifted right by 3 units, which means f(x3)f(x - 3) must be used instead of just f(x)f(x). So the equation we are looking for should "undo" this shift.

  4. Choose the Correct Answer: Now, we know the general form of f(x)f(x) should have a slope of 52\frac{5}{2} since the reflection has been accounted for by the y=f(x3)y = -f(x - 3) form.

Looking at the given options, the correct equation defining f(x)f(x) is: f(x)=52x+92f(x) = \frac{5}{2}x + \frac{9}{2}

Thus, the selected answer is correct.


Do you have any questions or need further details?

Here are 5 related questions to consider:

  1. What is the impact of shifting a graph horizontally?
  2. How does reflection across the x-axis affect the slope of a line?
  3. Can you derive the slope-intercept form of a line given two points?
  4. How would a vertical shift affect the equation of the function?
  5. What other transformations could affect the graph of a linear function?

Tip: When determining the equation of a transformed function, always look for key transformations like translations, reflections, and dilations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Functions
Graph Transformations

Formulas

Slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Slope-intercept form: y = mx + b

Theorems

Properties of reflections
Properties of horizontal shifts

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12