Vertical Compression and Reflection

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 105 views

Which of the Following Functions Represents $f(x)=8^x$ After a Vertical Compression by the Factor $\frac{1}{4}$ and a Reflection Over the $y$ -Axis?

In this problem, we are given a function $f(x)=8^x$ and asked to determine which of the following functions represents the result of applying a vertical compression by the factor $\frac{1}{4}$ and a reflection over the $y$ -axis.

Vertical Compression and Reflection

A vertical compression by the factor $\frac{1}{4}$ means that the function will be stretched vertically by a factor of $\frac{1}{4}$ . This can be represented by multiplying the function by $\frac{1}{4}$ . A reflection over the $y$ -axis means that the function will be reflected about the $y$ -axis, which can be represented by replacing $x$ with $-x$ .

Applying the Transformations

To apply the vertical compression and reflection to the function $f(x)=8^x$ , we need to multiply the function by $\frac{1}{4}$ and replace $x$ with $-x$ . This gives us:

g(x)=\frac{1}{4}\left(8^{-x}\right)

Evaluating the Options

Now, let's evaluate the options to determine which one represents the function $g(x)$ .

Option A

g(x)=\frac{1}{4}\left(8^{-x}\right)

This option represents the function $g(x)$ exactly as we derived it by applying the vertical compression and reflection to the function $f(x)=8^x$ .

Option B

g(x)=\frac{1}{4}\left(8^{x}\right)

This option does not represent the function $g(x)$ because it does not include the reflection over the $y$ -axis. The reflection over the $y$ -axis is represented by replacing $x$ with $-x$ , which is not present in this option.

Option C

g(x)=\frac{1}{4}\left(8^{x}\right)

This option is identical to Option B and does not represent the function $g(x)$ for the same reason.

Option D

g(x)=\frac{1}{4}\left(8^{x}\right)

This option is also identical to Option B and does not represent the function $g(x)$ for the same reason.

Conclusion

Based on our analysis, the correct answer is Option A, which represents the function $g(x)$ exactly as we derived it by applying the vertical compression and reflection to the function $f(x)=8^x$ .

Key Takeaways

A vertical compression by the factor $\frac{1}{4}$ means that the function will be stretched vertically by a factor of $\frac{1}{4}$ .
A reflection over the $y$ -axis means that the function will be reflected about the $y$ -axis.
To apply the vertical compression and reflection to a function, we need to multiply the function by $\frac{1}{4}$ and replace $x$ with $-x$ .

Final Answer

The final answer is Option A.
Q&A: Understanding Vertical Compression and Reflection in Functions

In our previous article, we discussed how to apply vertical compression and reflection to a function. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about vertical compression and reflection in functions.

Q: What is vertical compression?

A: Vertical compression is a transformation that stretches a function vertically by a factor of $\frac{1}{k}$ , where $k$ is a positive constant. This means that the function will be compressed or shrunk vertically by a factor of $k$ .

Q: How do I apply vertical compression to a function?

A: To apply vertical compression to a function, you need to multiply the function by $\frac{1}{k}$ , where $k$ is the compression factor. For example, if you want to apply a vertical compression by a factor of $\frac{1}{4}$ to the function $f(x)=x^2$ , you would multiply the function by $\frac{1}{4}$ to get $\frac{1}{4}f(x)=\frac{1}{4}x^2$ .

Q: What is reflection over the y-axis?

A: Reflection over the y-axis is a transformation that flips a function about the y-axis. This means that the function will be reflected about the y-axis, and the x-coordinates of the function will be negated.

Q: How do I apply reflection over the y-axis to a function?

A: To apply reflection over the y-axis to a function, you need to replace $x$ with $-x$ in the function. For example, if you want to apply reflection over the y-axis to the function $f(x)=x^2$ , you would replace $x$ with $-x$ to get $f(-x)=(-x)^2=x^2$ .

Q: Can I apply both vertical compression and reflection to a function?

A: Yes, you can apply both vertical compression and reflection to a function. To do this, you need to multiply the function by $\frac{1}{k}$ and replace $x$ with $-x$ . For example, if you want to apply a vertical compression by a factor of $\frac{1}{4}$ and reflection over the y-axis to the function $f(x)=x^2$ , you would multiply the function by $\frac{1}{4}$ and replace $x$ with $-x$ to get $\frac{1}{4}f(-x)=\frac{1}{4}(-x)^2=\frac{1}{4}x^2$ .

Q: How do I determine the correct order of transformations?

A: When applying multiple transformations to a function, you need to determine the correct order of transformations. The general rule is to apply the transformations in the following order:

Reflection over the y-axis
Vertical compression
Horizontal compression
Horizontal stretch

Q: Can I apply transformations to a function in a different order?

A: Yes, you can apply transformations to a function in a different order, but you need to be careful to ensure that the transformations are applied correctly. For example, if you apply vertical compression before reflection over the y-axis, you will get a different result than if you apply the transformations in the correct order.

Conclusion

In this article, we answered some frequently asked questions about vertical compression and reflection in functions. We hope that this article has helped you to understand these transformations better and to apply them correctly to functions.

Key Takeaways

Vertical compression is a transformation that stretches a function vertically by a factor of $\frac{1}{k}$ .
Reflection over the y-axis is a transformation that flips a function about the y-axis.
You can apply both vertical compression and reflection to a function.
You need to determine the correct order of transformations when applying multiple transformations to a function.

Final Answer

The final answer is that vertical compression and reflection are important transformations in functions that can be applied in different orders to achieve different results.