Math Problem Statement

An exponential function f(x) is reflected across the x-axis to create the function g(x). Which is a true statement regarding f(x) and g(x)?

Solution

The question is asking about the behavior of an exponential function f(x)f(x) after being reflected across the x-axis to create another function g(x)g(x). Let's analyze the given options:

  1. The two functions have the same initial value: This is incorrect because a reflection across the x-axis flips the output of the function. If f(x)f(x) starts at a certain value, then g(x)=f(x)g(x) = -f(x), meaning the initial value will be the negative of the initial value of f(x)f(x).

  2. The two functions will cross each other on the axis: This is also incorrect. Reflections do not cause two functions to intersect on the axis unless both functions are zero at the same point. Since the reflection flips f(x)f(x) across the x-axis, their graphs will never meet unless they are both zero at the same point.

  3. The two functions have reciprocal output values for each given input value: This option is also not correct. A reciprocal relationship means that for an input xx, g(x)=1/f(x)g(x) = 1/f(x). This is not true here, since g(x)=f(x)g(x) = -f(x), not 1/f(x)1/f(x).

  4. The two functions have opposite output values for each given input value: This is the correct answer. Since g(x)g(x) is the reflection of f(x)f(x) across the x-axis, for any given input value, g(x)=f(x)g(x) = -f(x). Therefore, the output values of the two functions are opposite (or negative) for any xx.

So, the correct statement is: "The two functions have opposite output values for each given input value."

Would you like further clarification or have any questions about the topic?

Here are some related questions to explore further:

  1. How does reflecting an exponential function affect its graph?
  2. What is the general form of an exponential function and its reflection across the x-axis?
  3. How can the behavior of an exponential function be altered by transformations other than reflections?
  4. Can exponential functions cross the x-axis? Why or why not?
  5. How do the domain and range of exponential functions change with reflection across the x-axis?

Tip: When dealing with transformations of functions, always consider how the reflection or shift affects the output (y-values), not just the input (x-values).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Functions
Reflections of Functions
Transformation of Functions

Formulas

g(x) = -f(x)

Theorems

Reflection across the x-axis

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12