To analyze the impact of the function \( g(x) = f(x) + 2 \) where \( f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x \), let’s break it down.
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Original function: The function \( f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x \) is a linear function with a slope of \( \frac{1}{2} \), which means it rises slowly. The graph of \( f(x) \) passes through the origin (0,0).
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Transformation: When you create \( g(x) = f(x) + 2 \), you are adding 2 to the output of the function \( f(x) \). This means for every input \( x \), the output of \( g(x) \) will be equal to the output of \( f(x) \) plus 2.
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Effect on the graph: Adding a constant value to a function translates (or shifts) the graph vertically. Specifically, adding 2 to \( f(x) \) translates the graph of \( f(x) \) up by 2 units.
So, the correct interpretation is:
Translates the graph of \( f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x \) up 2 units.
In conclusion, \( g(x) = f(x) + 2 \) shifts the graph of \( f(x) \) upward by 2 units.