2-2 Linear Equations and Inequalities 92. Petroleum Consumption.

Analyzing data from the United States Energy Department for the period between 1920 and 1960 reveals that petroleum consumption as a percentage of all energy consumed (wood, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydro, and nuclear) increased almost linearly. Percentages for this period are given in the table.

105

(A) Use regression analysis to nd a linear regression function f (x) for this data, where x is the number of years since 1900. (B) Use f (x) to estimate (to the nearest one percent) the percent of petroleum consumption in 1932. In 1956. (C) If we assume that f (x) continues to provide a good description of the percentage of petroleum consumption after 1960, when would this percentage reach 100%? Is this likely to happen? Explain.

Year
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960

Consumption (%)
11 22 29 37 44

Section 2-2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

Solving Linear Equations Solving Linear Inequalities Solving Equations and Inequalities Involving Absolute Value Application

In this section we discuss methods for solving equations and inequalities that involve linear functions. Some problems are best solved using algebraic techniques, while others benet from a graphical approach. Since graphs often give additional insight into relationships, especially in applications, we will usually emphasize graphical techniques over algebraic methods. But you must be certain to master both. There are problems in this section that can only be solved algebraically. Later we will also encounter problems that can only be solved graphically.

Solving Linear Equations

In the preceding section we found the x intercept of a linear function f (x) mx b by solving the equation f (x) 0. Now we want to apply the same ideas to some more complicated equations.

EXAMPLE

Solving an Equation Algebraically

Solve 5x 8 2x 1 and check. We use the familiar properties of equality to transform the given equation into an equivalent equation that has an obvious solution (see Section A-8). 5x 8 2x 1 5x 8 8 2x 1 8
Original equation Add 8 to both sides.

1
Solution

106

2 LINEAR AND QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

5x 2x 9 5x 2x 2x 9 2x 3x 9 3x 9 3 3 x3

Combine like terms. Subtract 2x from both sides. Combine like terms. Divide both sides by 3. Simplify.

The solution set for this last equation is obvious: Solution set: {3} It follows from the properties of equality that {3} is also the solution set of all the preceding equations in our solution. [Note: If an equation has only one element in its solution set, we generally use the last equation (in this case, x 3) rather than set notation to represent the solution.]
Check

5x 8 2x 1 5(3) 8 2(3) 1 15 8 6 1 77

Original equation Substitute x 3. Simplify each side. A true statement

MATCHED PROBLEM

Solve and check: 2x 1 4x 5

1
We can also use a graphing utility to solve equations of this type. From a graphical viewpoint, a solution to an equation of the form f (x) g(x) is an intersection point of the graphs of f and g. Figure 1 shows a graphical solution to Example 1 using a built-in intersection routine. Most graphing utilities have such a routine (consult your owners manual or the graphing utility manual for this text; see the Preface). If yours does not, then use zoom and trace to approximate intersection points.
FIGURE 1
Graphical solution of 5x 8 2x 1.
10

y 2 2x 1

10

10

10

y 1 5x 8

2-2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

107

Explore/Discuss

An equation that is true for all permissible values of the variable is called an identity. An equation that is true for some values of the variable and false for others is called a conditional equation. Use algebraic and/or graphical techniques to solve each of the following and identify any identities. (A) 2(x 4) 2x 8 (B) 2(x 4) 3x 12 (C) 2(x 4) 2x 12

EXAMPLE

Solving an Equation with a Variable in the Denominator

Solve algebraically and graphically: 7 8 15 3 2x 3 x

2
Solution

We begin with an algebraic solution. Note that 0 must be excluded from the permissible values of x because division by 0 is not permitted. To clear the fractions, we multiply both sides of the equation by 3(2x) 6x, the least common denominator (LCD) of all fractions in the equation. (For a discussion of LCDs and how to nd them, see Section A-4.) 7 8 15 3 2x 3 x 6x 6x 15 27x 3 6x 8 3 x
x 0

FIGURE 2
Graphical solution of 7 8 15 3 . 2x 3 x
y2
10

15 8 x 3

8 15 7 6x 3 6x 6x 2x 3 x 21 18x 16x 90 34x 111

Multiply by 6x, the LCD. This and the next step usually can be done mentally.

10

10

The equation is now free of fractions. The solution set is {111 34 }.

111 34

10

y1

7 3 2x

111 34

Figure 2 shows the graphical solution. Note that imal places.

3.2647059, to seven dec-

MATCHED PROBLEM

Solve algebraically and graphically:

2
Remark

1 3 7 2 3x x 5

Which solution method should you usealgebraic or graphical? In Example 1, both the algebraic solution and the graphical solution produced the exact solution,

108

2 LINEAR AND QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

x 3. In Example 2, the algebraic solution again produced the exact solution, x 111/34, while the graphical solution produced x 3.2647059, a sevendecimal-place approximation to the solution. Some like to argue that this makes the algebraic method superior to the graphical method. But exact solutions have little relevance to most applications of mathematics and decimal approximations are usually quite satisfactory. We encourage you to choose the method that seems best to you, and when possible, use the other method to conrm your answer. In a simple problem, like Example 1, choose either method. In Example 2, we would recommend the algebraic method over the graphical method because of the complexity of the graphs. We have not yet studied graphs of functions involving fractions with x in the denominator. It was a fortunate accident that the intersection point was visible in a standard viewing window. We frequently encounter equations involving more than one variable. For example, if L and W are the length and width of a rectangle, respectively, the area of the rectangle is given by (see Fig. 3): A LW
W

FIGURE 3
Area of a rectangle.

A LW

Depending on the situation, we may want to solve this equation for L or W. To solve for W, we simply consider A and L to be constants and W to be a variable. Then the equation A LW becomes a linear equation in W, which can be solved easily by dividing both sides by L: W A L L 0

EXAMPLE

Solving an Equation with More than One Variable

Solve for P in terms of the other variables: A P Prt A P Prt A P(1 rt) A P 1 rt P A 1 rt
Think of A, r, and t as constants. Factor to isolate P. Divide both sides by 1 rt. Restriction: 1 rt 0

3
Solution

MATCHED PROBLEM

Solve for r in terms of the other variables: A P Prt

3
Solving Linear Inequalities
Now we want to turn our attention to inequalities. Any inequality that can be reduced to one of the four forms in (1) is called a linear inequality in one variable.

2-2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

109

mx b 0 mx b 0 mx b 0 mx b 0 As was the case with equations, the solution set of an inequality is the set of all values of the variable that make the inequality a true statement. Each element of the solution set is called a solution. Two inequalities are said to be equivalent if they have the same solution set.
Linear inequalities

(1)

Explore/Discuss

Associated with the linear equation and inequalities 3x 12 0 is the linear function f (x) 3x 12 (A) Graph the function f. (B) From the graph of f determine the values of x for which f (x) 0 f (x) 0 f (x) 0 3x 12 0 3x 12 0

(C) How are the answers to part B related to the solutions of 3x 12 0 3x 12 0 3x 12 0

As you discovered in Explore/Discuss 2, solving inequalities graphically is both intuitive and efcient. On the other hand, algebraic methods can become quite complicated. So we will emphasize the graphical approach when solving inequalities.

EXAMPLE

Solving a Linear Inequality

Solve and graph on a number line: 0.5x 1 0 The graph of f (x) 0.5x 1 is shown in Figure 4. It is clear from the graph that f (x) is negative to the left of x 2 and positive to the right. Thus, the solution set of the inequality 0.5x 1 0 is

4
Solution FIGURE 4
f(x) 0.5x 1.
10

10

10

x 2

or

(, 2]

10

110

2 LINEAR AND QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

Figure 5 shows a graph of the solution set on a number line. A similar graph can be produced on most graphing utilities by entering y1 0.5x 1 0 (Fig. 6). The expression 0.5x 1 0 is assigned the value 1 for those values of x that make it a true statement and the value 0 for those values of x that make it a false statement.
10

10

10

x
0 5

10

FIGURE 5

FIGURE 6

MATCHED PROBLEM

Solve and graph on a number line: 2x 6 0

4
Explore/Discuss
Associated with the following equations and inequalities 1 2x 4 x 2 1 2x 4 x 2 1 2x 4 x 2 are the two linear functions f (x) 1 2 x 4 and g(x) x 2 (A) Graph both f and g in the same viewing window. (B) From the graph in part A determine the value(s) of x for which f (x) g(x) f (x) g(x) f (x) g(x)

(C) How are the answers to part B related to the solutions of 1 2x 4 x 2 1 2x 4 x 2 1 2x 4 x 2

Most inequalities can be solved graphically. If you need to algebraically manipulate an inequality, Theorem 1 lists the properties that govern operations on inequalities.

2-2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

111

THEOREM

INEQUALITY PROPERTIES An equivalent inequality will result and the sense will remain the same, if each side of the original inequality 1. Has the same real number added to or subtracted from it. 2. Is multiplied or divided by the same positive number. An equivalent inequality will result and the sense will reverse, if each side of the original inequality 3. Is multiplied or divided by the same negative number. Note: Multiplication by 0 and division by 0 are not permitted.

To gain some experience with these properties, we will solve the next example two ways, algebraically and graphically.

EXAMPLE

Solving a Double Inequality

Solve and graph on a number line: 3 4 7x 18 To solve algebraically, we perform operations on the double inequality until we have isolated x in the middle with a coefcient of 1. 3 4 7x 18 3 4 4 7x 4 18 4 7 7x 14 7 7x 14 7 7 7 1 x 2
5 2

5
Solution

Subtract 4 from each member.

Divide each member by 7 and reverse each inequality.

or
x
5

2 x 1

or

( 2, 1]

(2)

]
0 1

To solve graphically, enter y1 3, y2 4 7x, y3 18, graph [Fig. 7(a)], and nd the intersection points [Figs. 7(b) and 7(c)]. It is clear from the graph that y2 is between y1 and y3 for x between 2 and 1. Since y2 3 at x 1, we include 1 in the solution set, obtaining the same solution, as shown in equation (2).
FIGURE 7
y 2 4 7x
30

y 3 18

30

30

y 1 3

15

15

15

(a)

(b)

(c)

112

2 LINEAR AND QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

MATCHED PROBLEM

Solve algebraically 3 7 2x 7

and

graphically

and

graph

on

number

line:

Solving Equations and Inequalities Involving Absolute Value

Explore/Discuss

Recall the denition of the absolute value function (see Section 1-4): f (x) x

x x

if x 0 if x 0

(A) Graph the absolute value function f (x) x and the constant function g(x) 3 in the same viewing window. (B) From the graph in part A, determine the values of x for which x 3 x 3 x 3

(C) Discuss methods for using the denition of x and algebraic techniques to solve part B.

The algebraic solution of an equation or inequality involving the absolute value function usually must be broken down into two or more cases. For example, to solve the equation x 4 2 we consider two cases: x42 x6 or x 4 2 x2 (3)

We can also solve equation (3) graphically by graphing y1 x 4 and y2 2, and nding their intersection points, as shown in Figure 8.
FIGURE 8
Graphical solution of x 4 2.
10

y 1 x 4
10

y2 2
10 10 10 10

10

10

(a)

(b)

Algebraic solutions for inequalities involving absolute values can become quite involved. However, as the next example illustrates, even problems that appear to be complicated are easily solved with a graphing utility.

2-2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

113

EXAMPLE

Solving Absolute Value Problems Graphically

Solve graphically. Write solutions in both inequality and interval notation and graph on a number line. (A) 2x 5 4 (B) 0.5x 2 3x 5 (A) Graph y1 2x 5 and y2 4 in the same viewing window and nd the intersection points (Fig. 9). Examining the graphs in Figure 9, we see if x 0.5 or x 4.5, then the graph of y1 is above the graph of y2. Thus, the solution is x 0.5 or x 4.5 (, 0.5) (4.5, )*
0.5 5 4.5

6
Solutions

Inequality notation Interval notation

(
5

)
0

FIGURE 9
y 1 2 x 5
10 10

FIGURE 10
y 2 3x 5
10

y2 4
10 10 10

10

10

10

10

10

10

(a)

(b)

y 1 0.5x 2

(B) Figure 10 shows the appropriate graphs for the inequality 0.5x 2 3x 5. The graph in Figure 10 shows that y1 y2 for x 2.8. Since y1 y2 for x 2.8, we must include this value of x in the solution set: x 2.8 or (, 2.8]
5

]
0 2.8 5

MATCHED PROBLEM

Solve graphically and write solutions in both inequality and interval notation. (A) 2 3 x 1 2 (B) 2x 5 0.4x 2

Application
EXAMPLE Break-Even, Profit, and Loss
A recording company produces compact discs (CDs). One-time xed costs for a particular CD are $24,000, which include costs such as recording, album
*The symbol denotes the union operation for sets. See Section A-8 for a discussion of interval notation and set operations.

114

2 LINEAR AND QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

design, and promotion. Variable costs amount to $5.50 per CD and include the manufacturing, distribution, and royalty costs for each disc actually manufactured and sold to a retailer. The CD is sold to retail outlets for $8.00 each. (A) Find the level of sales for which the company will break even. Describe verbally and graphically the sales levels that result in a prot and those that result in a loss. (B) Find the sales level that will produce a prot of $20,000.
Solutions

(A) Let x Number of CDs sold C Total cost for producing x CDs R Revenue (return) on sales of x CDs Now form the cost and revenue functions. C(x) Fixed costs Variable costs 24,000 5.5x R(x) 8x
Cost function Revenue function

The company will break even when revenue cost; that is, when R(x) C(x). The solution to this equation is often referred to as the break-even point. Graphs of both functions and their intersection point are shown in Figure 11. Examining this graph, we see that the company will break even if they sell 9,600 CDs. If they sell more than 9,600 CDs, then revenue is greater than cost, and the company will make a prot. If they sell fewer than 9,600 CDs, then cost is greater than revenue and the company will lose money. These sales levels are illustrated in Figure 12.
y y 2 8x
200,000 200,000

y R (x ) 8 x

20,000

y C (x) 24,000 5.5x

x
50,000

Loss

9,600

Profit

20,000

y 1 24,000 5.5x

Break-even point

FIGURE 11

FIGURE 12

(B) The prot function for this manufacturer is P(x) R(x) C(x) 8x (24,000 5.5x) 2.5x 24,000

2-2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

115

The sales level x that will produce a prot of $20,000 is the solution of the equation P(x) 20,000. Figure 13 shows a graphical solution of this linear equation. Thus, we see that the company will make a prot of $20,000 when they sell 17,600 CDs.
FIGURE 13
y 4 20,000
50,000

20,000

50,000

y 3 2.5x 24,000

MATCHED PROBLEM

7
Explore/Discuss

Repeat Example 7 if xed costs are $28,000, variable costs are $6.60 per CD, and the CDs are sold for $9.80 each.

(A) Find the x intercept of the prot function in Example 7 (see Fig. 13). (B) Discuss the relationship between the x intercept of the prot function and the sales levels for which the company incurs a loss, breaks even, or makes a prot. (C) In general, compare the graphical solutions of the inequalities f (x) g(x) and f(x) g(x) 0

Answers to Matched Problems

1. 2 2. 20 0.5128205 39 3. r AP Pt 4. x 3 or [3, )
5

5. 0 x 5 or [0, 5) [
x
5 5

[
0

)
5

6. (A) x 4.5 or x 1.5; (, 4.5] [1.5, )

4.5 5 1.5

y
200,000

[
0 5

x y R (x) 9.8x

(B) 1.25 x 4.375; (1.25, 4.375)

1.25 5 4.375

(
0

)
5

x y C (x) 28,000 6.6x

7. (A) The company breaks even if they sell 8,750 CDs, makes a prot if they sell more than 8,750 CDs, and loses money if they sell less than 8,750 CDs. (B) The company must sell 15,000 CDs to make a prot of $20,000.

x Loss
8,750

Profit

20,000

Break-even point

116

2 LINEAR AND QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS 4 1 29. 3t 7 t 3 2 31. 1.5x 6 0.3x 7.5 33. 2x 4 7 x3 x3 30. 2s 3 6 0.5s 32. 7 2x x 0.8 34. 2x 6 7 x4 x4

EXERCISE 2-2 A
Use the graphs of functions u and v in the gure to solve the equations and inequalities in Problems 18. (Assume the graphs continue as indicated beyond the portions shown here.) Express solutions to inequalities in interval notation.
y y u (x ) b a c y v (x ) d e f x

35. 6 x 2 x 1 12 36. x 1 x 2 0.4x In Problems 3744, solve for the indicated variable in terms of the other variables. 37. an a1 (n 1)d for d (arithmetic progressions) 38. F 9 5 C 32 for C (temperature scale) 39. 1 1 1 for f (simple lens formula) f d1 d2 1 1 1 for R1 (electric circuit) R R1 R2

1. u(x) 0 3. u(x) v(x) 5. u(x) 0 7. v(x) u(x)

2. v(x) 0 4. u(x) v(x) 0 6. v(x) 0 8. v(x) 0 40.

41. A 2ab 2ac for a (surface area of a rectangular solid) 42. A 2ab 2ac 2bc for c 43. y 2x 3 for x 3x 5 44. x 3y 2 for y y3

Solve Problems 914 algebraically and check graphically. 9. 3(x 2) 5(x 6) 10. 5x 10(x 2) 40

11. 5 4(t 2) 2(t 7) 1 12. 5w (7w 4) 2 5 (3w 2) 13. 5 2x 1 x 2 4 3 14. x3 x4 3 4 2 8

45. Discuss the relationship between the graphs of y1 x and y2 x2. 46. Discuss the relationship between the graphs of y1 x and y2 x2. 47. Discuss the possible signs of the numbers a and b given that (A) ab 0 (C) a 0 b (B) ab 0 (D) a 0 b

Solve Problems 1520 algebraically and check graphically. Represent each solution using inequality notation, interval notation, and a graph on a real number line. 15. 7x 8 4x 7 17. 5t 10 19. 4 5t 6 21 16. 4x 8 x 1 18. 7n 21 20. 2 3m 7 14

48. Discuss the possible signs of the numbers a, b, and c given that (A) abc 0 (C) a 0 bc (B) (D) ab 0 c a2 0 bc

B
In Problems 2136, solve each equation or inequality. When applicable, write answers using both inequality notation and interval notation. 21. y 5 3 23. 5t 3 7 25. 1 1 4 2 m 9 9 3m 3 (2 x) 24 4 22. x 1 5 24. 2w 9 6 26. 2 1 4 4 3x 2 x 3 2 (x 5) 36 3

In Problems 4952, replace each question mark with or and explain why your choice makes the statement true. 49. If a b 1, then a ? b. 50. If u v 2, then u ? v. 51. If a 0, b 0, and 52. If a 0, b 0, and b 1, then a ? b. a b 1, then a ? b. a

27. 12

28. 24

2-2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

117

C
Problems 5356 are calculus-related. Solve and graph. Write each solution using interval notation. 53. 0 x 3 0.1 55. 0 x c d 54. 0 x 5 0.01 56. 0 x 4 d x ? x

64. Break-Even Analysis. A video game manufacturer is planning to market a 64-bit version of its game machine. The xed costs are $550,000 and the variable costs are $120 per machine. The wholesale price of the machine will be $140. (A) How many game machines must be sold for the company to make a prot? (B) How many game machines must be sold for the company to break even? (C) Discuss the relationship between the results in parts A and B. 65. Break-Even Analysis. The electronics rm in Problem 63 nds that rising prices for parts increases the variable costs to $50.5 per calculator. (A) Discuss possible strategies the company might use to deal with this increase in costs. (B) If the company continues to sell the calculators for $63, how many must they sell now to make a prot? (C) If the company wants to start making a prot at the same production level as before the cost increase, how much should they increase the wholesale price? 66. Break-Even Analysis. The video game manufacturer in Problem 64 nds that unexpected programming problems increases the xed costs to $660,000. (A) Discuss possible strategies the company might use to deal with this increase in costs. (B) If the company continues to sell the game machines for $140, how many must they sell now to make a prot? (C) If the company wants to start making a prot at the same production level as before the cost increase, how much should they increase the wholesale price?
#

57. What are the possible values of 58.

x 1 What are the possible values of ?

x1

APPLICATIONS
59. Sales Commissions. One employee of a computer store is paid a base salary of $2,150 a month plus an 8% commission on all sales over $7,000 during the month. How much must the employee sell in 1 month to earn a total of $3,170 for the month? 60. Sales Commissions. A second employee of the computer store in Problem 59 is paid a base salary of $1,175 a month plus a 5% commission on all sales during the month. (A) How much must this employee sell in 1 month to earn a total of $3,170 for the month? (B) Determine the sales level where both employees receive the same monthly income. If employees can select either of these payment methods, how would you advise an employee to make this selection? 61. Approximation. The area A of a region is approximately equal to 12.436. The error in this approximation is less than 0.001. Describe the possible values of this area both with an absolute value inequality and with interval notation. 62. Approximation. The volume V of a solid is approximately equal to 6.94. The error in this approximation is less than 0.02. Describe the possible values of this volume both with an absolute value inequality and with interval notation. 63. Break-Even Analysis. An electronics rm is planning to market a new graphing calculator. The xed costs are $650,000 and the variable costs are $47 per calculator. The wholesale price of the calculator will be $63. For the company to make a prot, it is clear that revenues must be greater than costs. (A) How many calculators must be sold for the company to make a prot? (B) How many calculators must be sold for the company to break even? (C) Discuss the relationship between the results in parts A and B.

67. Signicant Digits. If N 2.37 represents a measurement, then we assume an accuracy of 2.37 0.005. Express the accuracy assumption using an absolute value inequality. 68. Signicant Digits. If N 3.65 103 is a number from a measurement, then we assume an accuracy of 3.65 103 5 106. Express the accuracy assumption using an absolute value inequality. 69. Finance. If an individual aged 6569 continues to work after Social Security benets start, benets will be reduced when earnings exceed an earnings limitation. In 1989, benets were reduced by $1 for every $2 earned in excess of $8,880. Find the range of benet reductions for individuals earning between $13,000 and $16,000. 70. Finance. Refer to Problem 69. In 1990 the law was changed so that benets were reduced by $1 for every $3 earned in excess of $8,880. Find the range of benet reductions for individuals earning between $13,000 and $16,000.

118

2 LINEAR AND QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS (C) At what interval of depths will the temperature be between 200C and 300C, inclusive?
#

71. Celsius/Fahrenheit. A formula for converting Celsius degrees to Fahrenheit degrees is given by the linear function 9 F C 32 5 Determine to the nearest degree the Celsius range in temperature that corresponds to the Fahrenheit range of 60F to 80F. 72. Celsius/Fahrenheit. A formula for converting Fahrenheit degrees to Celsius degrees is given by the linear function 5 C (F 32) 9 Determine to the nearest degree the Fahrenheit range in temperature that corresponds to a Celsius range of 20C to 30C.
#

74. Aeronautics. Because air is not as dense at high altitudes, planes require a higher ground speed to become airborne. A rule of thumb is 3% more ground speed per 1,000 feet of elevation, assuming no wind and no change in air temperature. (Compute numerical answers to 3 signicant digits.) (A) Let Vs Takeoff ground speed at sea level for a particular plane (in miles per hour) A Altitude above sea level (in thousands of feet) V Takeoff ground speed at altitude A for the same plane (in miles per hour) Write a formula relating these three quantities. (B) What takeoff ground speed would be required at Lake Tahoe airport (6,400 feet), if takeoff ground speed at San Francisco airport (sea level) is 120 miles per hour? (C) If a landing strip at a Colorado Rockies hunting lodge (8,500 feet) requires a takeoff ground speed of 125 miles per hour, what would be the takeoff ground speed in Los Angeles (sea level)? (D) If the takeoff ground speed at sea level is 135 miles per hour and the takeoff ground speed at a mountain resort is 155 miles per hour, what is the altitude of the mountain resort in thousands of feet?

73. Earth Science. In 1984, the Soviets led the world in drilling the deepest hole in the Earths crustmore than 12 kilometers deep. They found that below 3 kilometers the temperature T increased 2.5C for each additional 100 meters of depth. (A) If the temperature at 3 kilometers is 30C and x is the depth of the hole in kilometers, write an equation using x that will give the temperature T in the hole at any depth beyond 3 kilometers. (B) What would the temperature be at 15 kilometers? [The temperature limit for their drilling equipment was about 300C.]

Section 2-3 Quadratic Functions

Quadratic Functions Completing the Square Properties of Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs Applications

Quadratic Functions
FIGURE 1
Square function h(x) x .
2

h (x )

The graph of the square function, h(x) x2, is shown in Figure 1. Notice that the graph is symmetric with respect to the y axis and that (0, 0) is the lowest point on the graph. Lets explore the effect of applying a sequence of basic transformations to the graph of h. (A brief review of Section 1-5 might prove helpful at this point.)