Finding the Reflected Function

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 147 views

Understanding the Original Function

The given exponential function is $g(x) = 2(5)^x$ . This function represents a curve that increases exponentially as the value of $x$ increases. The base of the exponent is $5$ , which means that the function grows rapidly as $x$ increases.

Reflecting the Function Across the Y-Axis

When a function is reflected across the $y$ -axis, the $x$ -coordinates of the points on the graph are negated. In other words, if a point $(x, y)$ is on the graph of the original function, then the point $(-x, y)$ is on the graph of the reflected function.

Finding the Reflected Function

To find the reflected function $h(x)$ , we need to negate the $x$ -coordinate in the original function. This gives us:

$h(x) = 2(5)^{-x}$

Understanding the Range of the Reflected Function

The range of a function is the set of all possible output values. To find the range of the reflected function, we need to consider the behavior of the function as $x$ approaches positive and negative infinity.

Behavior of the Function as X Approaches Positive Infinity

As $x$ approaches positive infinity, the value of $2(5)^{-x}$ approaches $0$ . This is because the exponent $-x$ becomes increasingly negative, causing the function to approach $0$ .

Behavior of the Function as X Approaches Negative Infinity

As $x$ approaches negative infinity, the value of $2(5)^{-x}$ approaches positive infinity. This is because the exponent $-x$ becomes increasingly positive, causing the function to approach positive infinity.

Determining the Range of the Reflected Function

Based on the behavior of the function as $x$ approaches positive and negative infinity, we can conclude that the range of the reflected function is the set of all non-negative real numbers.

Finding the Y-Intercept of the Reflected Function

The $y$ -intercept of a function is the value of the function at $x = 0$ . To find the $y$ -intercept of the reflected function, we need to substitute $x = 0$ into the equation:

$h(0) = 2(5)^{-0} = 2(5)^0 = 2(1) = 2$

Conclusion

In conclusion, the range of the reflected function $h(x) = 2(5)^{-x}$ is the set of all non-negative real numbers, and the $y$ -intercept is $2$ .

Range of the Reflected Function

The range of the reflected function is $\{y \mid y \geq 0\}$ .

Y-Intercept of the Reflected Function

The $y$ -intercept of the reflected function is $2$ .

Key Takeaways

The range of the reflected function is the set of all non-negative real numbers.
The $y$ -intercept of the reflected function is $2$ .
The reflected function $h(x) = 2(5)^{-x}$ is an exponential function that approaches $0$ as $x$ approaches positive infinity and approaches positive infinity as $x$ approaches negative infinity.

Real-World Applications

The concept of reflecting a function across the $y$ -axis has many real-world applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. For example, in physics, the reflection of a function across the $y$ -axis can be used to model the behavior of a system that is symmetric about the $y$ -axis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the reflection of an exponential function across the $y$ -axis results in a new function that has a different range and $y$ -intercept. The range of the reflected function is the set of all non-negative real numbers, and the $y$ -intercept is $2$ . This concept has many real-world applications and is an important tool in mathematics and science.

Q: What is the process of reflecting a function across the y-axis?

A: The process of reflecting a function across the y-axis involves negating the x-coordinate of each point on the graph of the original function. This means that if a point (x, y) is on the graph of the original function, then the point (-x, y) is on the graph of the reflected function.

Q: How does reflecting a function across the y-axis affect its range?

A: Reflecting a function across the y-axis can affect its range. If the original function has a range that includes negative values, the reflected function will have a range that includes only non-negative values.

Q: How does reflecting a function across the y-axis affect its y-intercept?

A: Reflecting a function across the y-axis does not affect its y-intercept. The y-intercept is the value of the function at x = 0, and this value remains the same after the function is reflected across the y-axis.

Q: Can a function be reflected across the y-axis more than once?

A: Yes, a function can be reflected across the y-axis more than once. Each reflection will result in a new function with a different range and y-intercept.

Q: What is the difference between reflecting a function across the y-axis and reflecting it across the x-axis?

A: Reflecting a function across the y-axis involves negating the x-coordinate of each point on the graph, while reflecting it across the x-axis involves negating the y-coordinate of each point. These two types of reflections result in different functions with different ranges and y-intercepts.

Q: How can reflecting a function across the y-axis be used in real-world applications?

A: Reflecting a function across the y-axis can be used in a variety of real-world applications, such as modeling the behavior of a system that is symmetric about the y-axis. For example, in physics, the reflection of a function across the y-axis can be used to model the behavior of a pendulum or a spring.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when reflecting a function across the y-axis?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when reflecting a function across the y-axis include:

Failing to negate the x-coordinate of each point on the graph
Failing to consider the effect of the reflection on the range and y-intercept of the function
Failing to use the correct notation for the reflected function

Q: How can I practice reflecting functions across the y-axis?

A: You can practice reflecting functions across the y-axis by working through examples and exercises in a textbook or online resource. You can also try reflecting different types of functions, such as linear, quadratic, and exponential functions.

Q: What are some advanced topics related to reflecting functions across the y-axis?

A: Some advanced topics related to reflecting functions across the y-axis include:

Reflecting functions across the x-axis and y-axis simultaneously
Reflecting functions with multiple variables
Using reflections to solve systems of equations

Conclusion

In conclusion, reflecting a function across the y-axis is an important concept in mathematics and science. By understanding how to reflect a function across the y-axis, you can gain a deeper understanding of the behavior of different types of functions and how they can be used to model real-world phenomena.