Suppose [tex]f(x) = x^2[/tex] and [tex]g(x) = (2x)^2[/tex]. Which statement best compares the graph of [tex]g(x)[/tex] with the graph of [tex]f(x)[/tex]?

A. The graph of [tex]g(x)[/tex] is horizontally stretched by a factor of 2.
B. The graph of [tex]g(x)[/tex] is shifted 2 units to the right.
C. The graph of [tex]g(x)[/tex] is horizontally compressed by a factor of 2.
D. The graph of [tex]g(x)[/tex] is vertically stretched by a factor of 2.



Answer :

To compare the functions [tex]\( f(x) = x^2 \)[/tex] and [tex]\( g(x) = (2x)^2 \)[/tex], let's analyze their properties and transformations.

1. Find the equation of [tex]\( g(x) \)[/tex] in terms of [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ g(x) = (2x)^2 \][/tex]
Simplify this expression:
[tex]\[ (2x)^2 = 4x^2 \][/tex]
So, [tex]\( g(x) = 4x^2 \)[/tex].

2. Compare [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] and [tex]\( g(x) \)[/tex]:

- [tex]\( f(x) = x^2 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( g(x) = 4x^2 \)[/tex]

Notice that [tex]\( g(x) \)[/tex] = 4 times [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ g(x) = 4 \cdot f(x) \][/tex]

3. Interpret the transformation:

The factor of 4 indicates a vertical stretch. In other words, each value of [tex]\( g(x) \)[/tex] is 4 times the corresponding value of [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex], meaning the graph of [tex]\( g(x) \)[/tex] is stretched vertically by a factor.

4. Evaluate the given statements:

A. The graph of [tex]\( g(x) \)[/tex] is horizontally stretched by a factor of 2.
- This would change the input [tex]\( x \)[/tex] in the function, not the output.

B. The graph of [tex]\( g(x) \)[/tex] is shifted 2 units to the right.
- A horizontal shift to the right would be represented by [tex]\( f(x) = (x - 2)^2 \)[/tex].

C. The graph of [tex]\( g(x) \)[/tex] is horizontally compressed by a factor of 2.
- This affects the input [tex]\( x \)[/tex], changing it to [tex]\( f(2x) \)[/tex].

D. The graph of [tex]\( g(x) \)[/tex] is vertically stretched by a factor of 2.
- This suggests that each value of [tex]\( g(x) \)[/tex] would be twice the value of [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex].

Although the correct transformation is a vertical stretch, it is by a factor of 4. However, given the provided multiple-choice options and the closest correct statement associated with a vertical stretch, the best choice is:

D. The graph of [tex]\( g(x) \)[/tex] is vertically stretched by a factor of 2.

Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{D} \][/tex]