Answer
To graph the function \( y = -2|x + 3| - 2 \), plot the following points:
- (-5, -6)
- (-4, -4)
- (-3, -2)
- (-2, -4)
- (-1, -6)
Connect these points with a V-shaped curve opening downward.
Solution
Sure! Let's graph the function \( y = -2|x + 3| - 2 \) by following these steps:
### 1. Understand the Function
The function \( y = -2|x + 3| - 2 \) is a **V-shaped** absolute value function that has been transformed in the following ways:
- **Horizontal Shift:** The graph is shifted **3 units to the left** because of the \( +3 \) inside the absolute value.
- **Vertical Stretch and Reflection:** The graph is **vertically stretched by a factor of 2** and **reflected over the x-axis** due to the coefficient \( -2 \).
- **Vertical Shift:** The entire graph is shifted **2 units downward** because of the \( -2 \) at the end.
### 2. Create a Table of Points
To accurately plot the graph, let's calculate the value of \( y \) for various \( x \)-values. We'll choose \( x \)-values around the vertex to ensure we capture the shape of the graph.
| \( x \) | Calculation | \( y \) |
|--------|---------------------------------------------|---------|
| -5 | \( y = -2|{-5} + 3| - 2 = -2|{-2}| - 2 = -4 - 2 \) | -6 |
| -4 | \( y = -2|{-4} + 3| - 2 = -2|{-1}| - 2 = -2 - 2 \) | -4 |
| -3 | \( y = -2|{-3} + 3| - 2 = -2|{0}| - 2 = 0 - 2 \) | -2 |
| -2 | \( y = -2|{-2} + 3| - 2 = -2|{1}| - 2 = -2 - 2 \) | -4 |
| -1 | \( y = -2|{-1} + 3| - 2 = -2|{2}| - 2 = -4 - 2 \) | -6 |
### 3. Plot the Points
Using the table above, plot the following points on your coordinate plane:
1. **(-5, -6)**
2. **(-4, -4)**
3. **(-3, -2)** *(This is the vertex of the graph)*
4. **(-2, -4)**
5. **(-1, -6)**
### 4. Draw the Graph
1. **Mark the Vertex:** Start by plotting the vertex at **(-3, -2)**.
2. **Plot the Other Points:** Add the points **(-5, -6)**, **(-4, -4)**, **(-2, -4)**, and **(-1, -6)**.
3. **Connect the Points:** Draw straight lines connecting the points to form a "V" shape. Since the coefficient is negative (\(-2\)), the graph opens downward.
### 5. Interactive Features
If you're using graphing software or an online tool (like Desmos or GeoGebra), you can:
- **Plot the Points:** Enter the points to see them on the graph.
- **Click to Delete Points:** Most interactive graphing tools allow you to click on a plotted point to remove it. Simply click on any point you wish to delete.
### 6. Visual Representation
Here's a rough sketch of how the graph should look:
```
y
|
| *
| * *
| * *
| * *
| * *
|------------------------- x
```
*(The vertex is at the lowest point of the "V.")*
### 7. Verification
To ensure accuracy, you can plug additional \( x \)-values into the function and verify that they lie on the graph you've drawn.
### 8. Using Technology
For a more precise graph, consider using online graphing tools:
- **[Desmos](https://www.desmos.com/calculator):** A user-friendly graphing calculator.
- **[GeoGebra](https://www.geogebra.org/graphing):** Offers dynamic graphing features.
These tools allow you to input the function directly, visualize it instantly, and interact with the graph by adding or removing points as needed.
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Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance with graphing or understanding the function!
Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team
Explain
Simplify this solution