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Decomposing Functions for Graph Analysis

The document discusses the decomposition of complicated functions into simpler components: an inner function, a parent function, and an outer function. It explains how each component affects the graph of the overall function h(x), including horizontal shifts, stretches, squeezes, and vertical shifts. Three examples illustrate this decomposition process with specific functions.

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2 views2 pages

Decomposing Functions for Graph Analysis

The document discusses the decomposition of complicated functions into simpler components: an inner function, a parent function, and an outer function. It explains how each component affects the graph of the overall function h(x), including horizontal shifts, stretches, squeezes, and vertical shifts. Three examples illustrate this decomposition process with specific functions.

Uploaded by

kaczetoww
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Decomposing Functions

Walter Kaczetow

Complicated functions can often be decomposed into multiple simple functions.


In these examples we will decompose in order to examine the effect each sub
function has on the graph of h(x)

Each of these functions can be decomposed into three functions: an inner func-
tion n(x) = cx + b, a parent function f (x), and an outer function t(x) = zx + k.
The parent function establishes the general shape of h(x). The inner function
controls the horizontal shift, the horizontal stretch or squeeze. If |c| < 1, it’s
a squeeze, but if |c| > 1, it’s a stretch. You can find the horizontal shift by
solving n(x) = 0. The outer function does three things. First, if z is negative,
f (n(x)) will be reflected over the x-axis. Second, if , |z| < 1, it’s a squeeze, but
if |z| > 1, it’s a stretch. Lastly, k is the vertical shift.

1.
h(x) = −2(x + 1)2 + 3
Let n(x) = x + 1, f (x) = x2 , and t(x) = −2x + 3.

f (n(x)) = (n(x))2 = (x + 1)2


t(f (n(x))) = −2(f (n(x))) + 3 = −2(x + 1)2 + 3

2. √
h(x) = x − 3 + 1
√
Let n(x) = x − 3, f (x) = x, and t(x) = x + 1.
p √
f (n(x)) = n(x) = x − 3
√
t(f (n(x))) = f (n(x)) + 1 = x − 3 + 1

1
3.
1
h(x) = |2x − 3| − 4
2
Let n(x) = 2x − 3, f (x) = |x|, t(x) = 21 x − 4.

f (n(x)) = |n(x)| = |2x − 3|

1 1
t(f (n(x))) = f (n(x)) − 4 = |2x − 3| − 4
2 2

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