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Graph y = -√(x + 2) + 1 from y = √x

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

Step by step

The question

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

y = −√x + 2 + 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 minus in front changes the sign of every y.

Up becomes down.

So the graph flips over the x-axis.

− in front → flip over the x-axis

Inside, next to x, we have + 2.

x = −2 makes the inside 0.

So the start point moves to x = −2: left 2.

x + 2 inside → left 2

Outside, at the end, + 1 adds 1 to every y.

So the graph moves up 1.

+ 1 outside → up 1

Careful!

A minus inside flips left and right.

A minus outside flips up and down.

Careful: inside → left-right, outside → up-down

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 left 2.

Then up 1.

(0, 0) goes to (−2, 1).

(1, 1) goes to (−1, 0).

(4, 2) goes to (2, −1).

4 Draw the new graph

Join the new points with the same shape, flipped.

This is y = −√(x + 2) + 1.

5 Check

Let's check.

Put x = −2 in the new rule.

We get y = 1: the point (−2, 1) we drew.

x = −2: y = −√−2 + 2 + 1 = −√0 + 1 = 0 + 1
= 1

And x = 2 gives y = −1: the point (2, −1).

x = 2: y = −√2 + 2 + 1 = −√4 + 1 = −2 + 1
= −1

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
+ 1 outside → up 1

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

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

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