Math Problem Statement

What kind of transformation converts the graph of f(x)=10x2–2 into the graph of g(x)= – 10x2+2?

Solution

The transformation that converts the graph of f(x)=10x22f(x) = 10x^2 - 2 into the graph of g(x)=10x2+2g(x) = -10x^2 + 2 involves two distinct transformations:

  1. Vertical reflection:

    • The coefficient of x2x^2 in f(x)f(x) is positive (10), while in g(x)g(x) it is negative (-10). This means the graph of f(x)f(x) is vertically reflected across the x-axis to obtain the graph of g(x)g(x).
    • Specifically, this changes the direction in which the parabola opens: the graph of f(x)f(x) opens upwards, while the graph of g(x)g(x) opens downwards.
  2. Vertical shift:

    • In f(x)f(x), the constant term is -2, whereas in g(x)g(x), the constant term is +2. This means the graph is shifted 4 units upwards. The transformation is a vertical translation of the graph of f(x)f(x) by 4 units to get the graph of g(x)g(x).

Summary of Transformations:

  1. Vertical reflection: Reflect across the x-axis.
  2. Vertical translation: Shift 4 units upwards.

Would you like more details on how to apply these transformations?


Here are five related questions to explore further:

  1. What are the general steps for reflecting a graph vertically?
  2. How would you shift the graph of f(x)f(x) if the constant term changed by more than 4 units?
  3. What is the effect of changing the coefficient of x2x^2 in a quadratic function?
  4. How do horizontal transformations differ from vertical ones?
  5. Can you combine multiple transformations in one step?

Tip: When reflecting a graph, remember that a vertical reflection changes only the sign of the output (y-values), not the x-values.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Quadratic Functions
Graph Transformations

Formulas

General form of quadratic function f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c
Transformation rules for reflection and translation

Theorems

Reflection theorem
Translation theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12