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Graph y = 2√(x - 1) from y = √x

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Graph stretches · Algebra 2

Step by step

The question

Question: graph y = 2√(x − 1) from y = √x.

y = 2√x − 1

We know the graph of y = √x.

It is half a U, lying on its side.

we know: y = √x

1 Read the changes

The 2 in front makes every y 2 times as big.

The graph gets steeper.

2 in front → every y × 2

Inside, next to x, we have − 1.

x = 1 makes the inside 0.

So the start point moves to x = 1: right 1.

x − 1 inside → right 1

Careful!

Inside, it goes the opposite way to the sign.

Careful: − 1 inside goes right, not left

2 Start from y = √x

Draw the grid.

Draw y = √x first.

It goes through (0, 0), (1, 1) and (4, 2).

3 Move the points

The start point (0, 0) moves right 1.

(0, 0) goes to (1, 0).

(1, 1) goes to (2, 2).

(4, 2) goes to (5, 4).

4 Draw the new graph

Join the new points with the same shape.

This is y = 2√(x − 1).

5 Check

Let's check.

Put x = 1 in the new rule.

We get y = 0: the point (1, 0) we drew.

x = 1: y = 2√1 − 1 = 2√0 = 2 × 0 = 0

And x = 5 gives y = 4: the point (5, 4).

x = 5: y = 2√5 − 1 = 2√4 = 2 × 2 = 4

Let's look back.

First: read the changes.

Then: start from y = √x.

Then: move the points.

Then: draw the new graph.

Last: check.

Answer
x − 1 inside → right 1

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

graph y = 3√x − 1 from y = √x
Show the answer
start point (1, 0), through (5, 6)

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