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Expert: - 7/21/2009


Question
I have tried this problem and achieved multiple answers which are not correct.

Given the Function f(x)= absolute value of x, write the equation of the function g whose graph is the graph of f translated 3 units to the left and 4 units down.

Answer

Absolute Value
Questioner:   drew
Country:  United States
Category:  Advanced Math
 
Subject:  functions
Question:  I have tried this problem and achieved multiple answers which are not correct.

Given the Function f(x)= absolute value of x, write the equation of the function g whose graph is the graph of f translated 3 units to the left and 4 units down.
................................
Hi, Drew,

To translate  3 to the left,  write  f(x + 3)  << yes, PLUS 3.

To translate  4 down,  write  f(x + 3) - 4.

Since f(x) = |x| you want

f(x + 3) - 4 =  |x + 3| - 4

(see picture)

Paul Klarreich

Expertise

I can answer questions in basic to advanced algebra (theory of equations, complex numbers), precalculus (functions, graphs, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and identities), basic probability, and finite mathematics, including mathematical induction. I can also try (but not guarantee) to answer questions on Abstract Algebra -- groups, rings, etc. and Analysis -- sequences, limits, continuity. I won't understand specialized engineering or business jargon.

Experience

I taught at a two-year college for 25 years, including all subjects from algebra to third-semester calculus.

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