64.9k views
2 votes
Find g(x), where g(x) is the reflection across the y-axis of f(x).

User The Third
by
7.9k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

To find the function g(x), the y-axis reflection of f(x), you use the transformation g(x) = f(-x). This changes the sign of the x coordinate, creating a mirror image over the y-axis, without affecting the y values.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the function g(x), which is the reflection across the y-axis of the function f(x), you need to apply the concept of even and odd functions from the study of algebra.

A function reflected across the y-axis will have its x values negated, in other words, the reflection of f(x) across the y-axis is g(x) = f(-x). This transformation changes the sign of the x coordinate, thus mirroring the function over the y-axis.

As an example, if f(x) = x2 - 4x + 3, then the reflected function g(x) would be g(x) = f(-x) = (-x)2 - 4(-x) + 3 = x2 + 4x + 3.

Remember, even functions, which are symmetric about the y-axis, can be defined such that f(x) = f(-x), while odd functions (anti-symmetric about the origin) satisfy the property that f(x) = -f(-x).

Reflections do not apply to translations or functions concerning time (t), wave functions, gradients, or graphs of changing values that are not specifically about symmetry across axes.

User Justus Eapen
by
7.9k points