Understanding the Original Function

Oct 13, 2025 by pynkocean.com 15 views

Introduction

In mathematics, function translation is a fundamental concept that helps us understand how a function's graph changes when it undergoes a transformation. One of the most common types of function translations is the vertical shift, where the graph of a function is shifted up or down by a certain number of units. In this article, we will explore the concept of vertical shifts in exponential functions, specifically the function $f(x)=\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x$ . We will learn how to translate this function up 4 units and find the equation that represents the translated function.

Understanding the Original Function

Before we dive into the translation problem, let's take a closer look at the original function $f(x)=\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x$ . This is an exponential function with a base of $\frac{1}{5}$ and an exponent of $x$ . The graph of this function is a decreasing exponential curve that passes through the point $(0, 1)$ .

Vertical Shifts in Exponential Functions

A vertical shift in an exponential function occurs when the graph of the function is shifted up or down by a certain number of units. In the case of the function $f(x)=\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x$ , a vertical shift up 4 units means that the graph of the function will be shifted 4 units upwards.

Translating the Function Up 4 Units

To translate the function $f(x)=\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x$ up 4 units, we need to add 4 to the function. This can be represented as:

g(x) = f(x) + 4

Substituting the original function $f(x)=\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x$ into the equation above, we get:

g(x) = \left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x + 4

Simplifying the Translated Function

However, the equation above is not in the simplest form. We can simplify it by combining the two terms:

g(x) = \left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x + 4

g(x) = 4 + \left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x

Comparing with the Options

Now that we have the equation for the translated function, let's compare it with the options provided:

A. $g(x)=\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^{x-4}$ B. $g(x)=\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^{x+4}$ C. $g(x)=\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x + 4$

Conclusion

Based on our analysis, the correct equation that represents the translated function is:

g(x) = \left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x + 4

This equation is option C. The other options are incorrect because they do not represent the translated function.

Final Answer

The final answer is option C: $g(x)=\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x + 4$ .

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the concept of vertical shifts in exponential functions, specifically the function $f(x)=\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x$ . We learned how to translate this function up 4 units and found the equation that represents the translated function. In this article, we will answer some common questions related to function translation and vertical shifts in exponential functions.

Q&A

Q: What is a vertical shift in an exponential function?

A: A vertical shift in an exponential function occurs when the graph of the function is shifted up or down by a certain number of units.

Q: How do you translate an exponential function up or down?

A: To translate an exponential function up or down, you need to add or subtract a constant value from the function.

Q: What is the equation for the translated function $f(x)=\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x$ translated up 4 units?

A: The equation for the translated function is $g(x) = \left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x + 4$ .

Q: How do you simplify the translated function?

A: You can simplify the translated function by combining the two terms: $g(x) = 4 + \left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x$ .

Q: What is the difference between a vertical shift and a horizontal shift in an exponential function?

A: A vertical shift occurs when the graph of the function is shifted up or down, while a horizontal shift occurs when the graph of the function is shifted left or right.

Q: How do you translate an exponential function horizontally?

A: To translate an exponential function horizontally, you need to multiply the exponent by a constant value.

Q: What is the equation for the translated function $f(x)=\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x$ translated horizontally by 2 units?

A: The equation for the translated function is $g(x) = \left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^{2x}$ .

Q: Can you give an example of a function that is translated both vertically and horizontally?

A: Yes, the function $g(x) = 2 + \left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^{2x}$ is an example of a function that is translated both vertically and horizontally.

Conclusion

In this article, we answered some common questions related to function translation and vertical shifts in exponential functions. We hope that this article has helped you understand the concept of vertical shifts in exponential functions and how to translate them.

Final Answer

The final answer is that the equation for the translated function $f(x)=\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x$ translated up 4 units is $g(x) = \left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^x + 4$ .