Understanding Translated Functions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 33 views

Understanding Translated Functions

In mathematics, translated functions are a type of function that has been shifted or moved from its original position. This can be achieved by adding or subtracting a constant value to the input variable, or by multiplying or dividing the output value by a constant. In this article, we will explore how to graph translated functions, specifically the function $$g(x)=1.5^{x+1}+2$$, which is a translation of the parent function $$f(x)=1.5^x$$.

The Parent Function

The parent function $$f(x)=1.5^x$$ is a simple exponential function with a base of 1.5. This function has a few key characteristics that we will use to understand its behavior:

Domain: The domain of the function is all real numbers, meaning that the function can take any real value as input.
Range: The range of the function is all positive real numbers, meaning that the function can only output positive values.
Asymptote: The function has a horizontal asymptote at y=0, meaning that as x approaches infinity, the function approaches 0.

The Translated Function

The translated function $$g(x)=1.5^{x+1}+2$$ is a translation of the parent function $$f(x)=1.5^x$$. To understand how this function is translated, let's break it down into its components:

Horizontal Shift: The function has been shifted horizontally by 1 unit to the left. This means that for any given value of x, the function will output a value that is 1 unit to the left of the corresponding value of the parent function.
Vertical Shift: The function has been shifted vertically by 2 units upwards. This means that for any given value of x, the function will output a value that is 2 units above the corresponding value of the parent function.
Stretching: The function has been stretched vertically by a factor of 1.5. This means that for any given value of x, the function will output a value that is 1.5 times the corresponding value of the parent function.

Graphing the Translated Function

To graph the translated function $$g(x)=1.5^{x+1}+2$$, we can use the following steps:

Graph the Parent Function: First, we need to graph the parent function $$f(x)=1.5^x$$. This can be done by plotting a few points on the graph and then drawing a smooth curve through them.
Apply the Horizontal Shift: Next, we need to apply the horizontal shift of 1 unit to the left. This can be done by shifting the graph of the parent function 1 unit to the left.
Apply the Vertical Shift: After applying the horizontal shift, we need to apply the vertical shift of 2 units upwards. This can be done by shifting the graph 2 units upwards.
Apply the Stretching: Finally, we need to apply the stretching of 1.5 units vertically. This can be done by stretching the graph vertically by a factor of 1.5.

Example

Let's consider an example to illustrate how to graph the translated function $$g(x)=1.5^{x+1}+2$$. Suppose we want to graph the function for x values between -2 and 2.

Graph the Parent Function: First, we need to graph the parent function $$f(x)=1.5^x$$ for x values between -2 and 2. This can be done by plotting a few points on the graph and then drawing a smooth curve through them.
Apply the Horizontal Shift: Next, we need to apply the horizontal shift of 1 unit to the left. This can be done by shifting the graph of the parent function 1 unit to the left.
Apply the Vertical Shift: After applying the horizontal shift, we need to apply the vertical shift of 2 units upwards. This can be done by shifting the graph 2 units upwards.
Apply the Stretching: Finally, we need to apply the stretching of 1.5 units vertically. This can be done by stretching the graph vertically by a factor of 1.5.

Conclusion

In conclusion, graphing translated functions requires a clear understanding of the parent function and the translation applied to it. By breaking down the translation into its components, we can apply each component step-by-step to graph the translated function. In this article, we have explored how to graph the translated function $$g(x)=1.5^{x+1}+2$$, which is a translation of the parent function $$f(x)=1.5^x$$. We have also provided an example to illustrate how to graph the translated function for x values between -2 and 2.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the Parent Function: To graph a translated function, we need to understand the parent function and its behavior.
Breaking Down the Translation: We need to break down the translation into its components, such as horizontal shift, vertical shift, and stretching.
Applying Each Component: We need to apply each component step-by-step to graph the translated function.
Graphing the Translated Function: We can graph the translated function by applying the horizontal shift, vertical shift, and stretching to the parent function.

Common Mistakes

Not Understanding the Parent Function: Failing to understand the parent function can lead to incorrect graphing of the translated function.
Not Breaking Down the Translation: Failing to break down the translation into its components can lead to incorrect graphing of the translated function.
Not Applying Each Component: Failing to apply each component step-by-step can lead to incorrect graphing of the translated function.

Real-World Applications

Science and Engineering: Translated functions are used in science and engineering to model real-world phenomena, such as population growth and chemical reactions.
Economics: Translated functions are used in economics to model economic systems, such as supply and demand curves.
Computer Science: Translated functions are used in computer science to model algorithms and data structures.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, graphing translated functions requires a clear understanding of the parent function and the translation applied to it. By breaking down the translation into its components and applying each component step-by-step, we can graph the translated function accurately. We hope that this article has provided a clear understanding of how to graph translated functions and has inspired readers to explore this topic further.