So I have to find the x and y intercepts of f(x)=ln(x+1) from my understanding this means that the graph shifts on place to the left. In order to solve I set x+1 to equal 0 which is obviously x=-1. I get a little confused as to where I go next. Am I even on the right track?
You are very close to being on the right track.
First, g(x) = f(x + a). If a is greater than zero, then the graph of g(x) is identical to the graph of f(x) except shifted a units to the left. If a is negative, then the shift is to the right. Let's see why. Suppose a is plus 1 so g(x) = f(x + 1). Further suppose that f(10) = 4.
So g(9) = f(9 + 1) = f(10) = 4. So do you understand this horizontal shift? You seem to, but perhaps this has dispelled any uncertainty you may have had. If you still do not understand, lett us know and we can give you some examples.
As lookagain said, finding x and y intercepts is a basic skill you learned long ago. At an x-intercept of f(x), f(x) = 0: f(x) touches the x-axis. If x is defined at 0, the y-intercept = f(0): f(x) touches the y-axis only where x = 0.
What is tricky about this problem is that ln(x) has no y-intercept because ln(x) is defined for only positive numbers. So ln(x + 1) is not defined at x = - 1. However, ln(x + 1) is defined at x = 0 because 0 + 1 = 1, which is a positive number.
Can you do the problem now?
If not either show us what you were able to do or explain where you are stuck.