How does the graph of the transformed function g(x)=log5(4x-16) compare to the graph of its parent function f(x)=log5x

1 answer

To understand how the graph of the transformed function g(x)=log5(4x16) compares to the graph of its parent function f(x)=log5(x), we can analyze the transformations applied to the parent function.

  1. Horizontal Scaling: The term 4x indicates a horizontal scaling. Specifically, because x is multiplied by 4, the graph will be compressed horizontally by a factor of 14. This means points on the graph of f(x) will move closer to the y-axis.

  2. Horizontal Shift: The expression 4x16 can be rearranged to 4(x4), suggesting a horizontal shift. Setting 4x16=0 gives x=4 as the value where g(x)=0 (the x-intercept). Therefore, the graph of g(x) is shifted to the right by 4 units. This means that the vertical asymptote, initially at x=0 for f(x), is now at x=4.

  3. Reflection: There are no reflections or vertical shifts since we haven't added any negative signs or constants outside the logarithmic function.

Summary of the transformations:

  • Horizontal Compression: Compression by a factor of 14.
  • Horizontal Shift: Shifted right by 4 units.

Key features:

  • The vertical asymptote of the graph g(x) is now at x=4 instead of x=0.
  • The graph will still approach y= as x approaches 4 from the right, similar to how f(x) approaches y= as x approaches 0 from the right.
  • The point (1,0) for the parent function f(x) becomes (4.5,0) in g(x) after the horizontal transformations.

In conclusion, the transformed function g(x)=log5(4x16) is derived from the parent function f(x)=log5(x) by horizontally compressing and shifting right, resulting in a similar logarithmic shape but with its key characteristics (asymptote and intercept) changed accordingly.