Chapter 1: Function Transformations

Lesson One: Horizontal and Vertical Transformations

SO#2: Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of horizontal and vertical translations on the graphs of
functions and their related equations.

Key Terms: transformation, mapping, translation, image point, reflection, invariant

point, stretch, inverse of a function, horizontal line test.

1. Linear Functions: y = x (also y = mx + b)

Degree: 1st
Domain: Real
Range: Real
2. Quadratic Functions: y  x 2
Degree: 2nd
Domain: Real
Range: y ≥ 0
3. Cubic Functions: y  x3
Degree: Three
Domain: Real
Range: Real
4. Absolute Value Functions: y  x
Domain: Real
Range: y ≥ 0
1
5. Rational Functions: y 
x
Domain: x ≠ 0
Range: y ≠ 0
6. Radical Functions: y  x
Domain: x ≥ 0
Range: y ≥ 0

**Also draw the graphs….

We will investigate what happens when we transform these functions….

Investigation #1. Comparing y = f(x) and y – k = f(x):

a. Complete the table of values for each function:

Answer:

y = x² y - 3 = x² y + 3 = x²
x y x y x y
-3 9 -3 12 -3 6
-2 4 -2 7 -2 1
-1 1 -1 4 -1 -2
0 0 0 3 0 -3
1 1 1 4 1 -2
2 4 2 7 2 1
3 9 3 12 3 6

b. Graph the functions on the same set of axes.

Answer: use graphing calculator. Compare your answers for table of values with
the calculators.

c. What conclusion can you come to about the parameter k?

Answer: A vertical shift of k units up or down.

**Use your graphing calculator to graph y = |x|. See if your conclusion is also true for
this function.

The notation y – k = f(x) is often used instead of y = f(x) + k to emphasize that this is a
transformation on y.

Conclusion: y = f(x) + k is a vertical translation. If k > 0, the graph moves up; if k < 0,
the graph moves down.
Investigation #2: Comparing the Graphs of y = f(x) and y = f(x – h)

a. Complete the table of values for each function:

Answer:

y = x² y = (x-3)² y = (x+3)²
x y x y x y
-3 9 -1 16 -7 16
-2 4 0 9 -6 9
-1 1 1 4 -5 4
0 0 2 1 -4 1
1 1 3 0 -3 0
2 4 4 1 -2 1
3 9 5 4 -1 4

b. Graph the functions.

Answer: use graphing calculator. Compare your answers for table of values with
the calculators.

c. What is the effect of the parameter h on the graph of the parabola y = (x-h)²?

Answer: horizontal shift, to the right h > 0, to the left h < 0

*Use your graphing calculator to graph 𝑦 = √𝑥. See if your conclusion is also true for
this function.

Conclusion: y = f(x – h) is a horizontal translation.

x – h moves the graph h units right (h > 0)

x + h moves the graph h units left (h < 0)

Transformation: A change made to a figure or a relation such that the figure or the
graph of the relation is shifted or changed in shape. It alters the equation and any
combination of the location, shape, and orientation of the graph.

Points on the original graph correspond to points on the transformed, or image, graph.
Mapping: The relating of one set of points to another set of points so that each point in
the original set corresponds to exactly one point in the image set. So, mapping is what
you actually do to the point.

Mapping is an alternate notation for function notation. Mapping is what you actually do
to the point.

Mapping notation can be used to show a relationship between the coordinates of a set
of points, (x, y), and the coordinates of a corresponding set of points, (x, y + 1), for
example, as:

(x, y) (x, y + 1)

This tells us that the graph has been moved 1 unit up.

Translations: a slide transformation that results in a shift of a graph without changing

its shape or orientation. A translated graph is congruent (same shape) to the original
graph. A translation can move the graph up, down, left or right.

Ex. Explain a strategy you could use if you were to sketch the graph of
𝑦 = (𝑥 + 5)² − 2, without the help of graphing technology.

Answer:
1. Create a table of values for y = x²
2. Subtract 2 from each y-value
3. Subtract 5 from each x-value
Or
Move the graph 2 down and 5 left.

You are definitely allowed to use your graphing calculator. However, it is faster if you
understand how the transformations work. In the diploma exam, they will often ask
questions about: which statement is true, or use unknowns so that it is more difficult to
use the calculator. If you know your transformations, the questions go much faster.
Ex. Describe the translation that has been applied to the graph of f(x) to obtain the
graph of g(x). Determine the equation of the translated function in the form
y – k = f(x – h).

g(x)

f(x)
=
|
x
|

Answer: (bad drawing)….the graph has been shifted 4 units to the right (that’s
what it should have been)  and 6 units up.
y = |x-4| + 6

Assignment: p. 12 #1 – 5 (last letter), 6 – 10, 11b, 13, 17, 18d, 19a, C1 – C4

Lesson Two: Reflections

SO #5: Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of reflections on the graphs of functions and their related
equations, including reflections through the:
• x-axis
• y-axis
• line y = x.

Investigation #1: Consider the following graph of the function y = f(x)

a) Explain how you could graph the mirror image of the function in the x-axis.
Answer: y values change their sign

b) Make a conjecture about how the equation of f(x) changes to graph the mirror image.
Answer: y = -f(x)
Negating the function (like piecewise functions in 20-1)

c) Was there any point(s) that remained unaffected by the reflection? If so, where did it
occur?
Answer: (2, 0),and (-5, 0) occurred on the x-axis (invariant point)
d) Use graphing technology to graph the function 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 for −6 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 6, and its
mirror image in the x-axis. What equation would you enter to graph the mirror image?
Answer: 𝑦 = −(𝑥 2 − 4𝑥) = −𝑥 2 + 4𝑥
Investigation #2: Consider the original graph.

e) Explain how you could graph the mirror image of the original function in the y-axis.
Answer: (the x values change their sign)

f) Make a conjecture about how the equation of f(x) changes to graph the mirror
image.
Answer: y = f(-x)

g) Was there any point that remained unaffected by the reflection? If so, where did it
occur?
Answer: (0, 2), occurred on the y-axis (invariant point)

h) Use graphing technology to graph the function 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 for −6 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 6, and its

mirror image in the y-axis. What equation did you enter to graph the mirror image?
𝑦 = (−𝑥)2 + 4𝑥 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥

Reflection: a transformation where each point of the original graph has an image point
resulting from a reflection in a line.

A reflection of a graph creates a mirror image in a line called the line of reflection.
Reflections, like translations, do not change the shape of the graph. However the
orientation of the graph may change. (show an example of a semi-circle with vertical
and horizontal….one changes, one doesn’t)

 When the output of a function y = f(x) is multiplied by -1, the result,

y = -f(x), is a reflection of the graph in the x-axis.
 When the input of a function y = f(x) is multiplied by -1, the result
y = f(-x), is a reflection of the graph in the y-axis.

Invariant points: Points that remain unchanged by a transformation(s). Any point on a

curve that lies on the line of reflection is an invariant point**** (very important).

Conclusions:

1. y = -f(x) is a reflection in the x-axis.

All the y-values change their sign since it is a vertical reflection.
 The x-intercepts are invariant.
Mapping: (x, y) : (x, -y)

2. y = f(-x) is a reflection in the y-axis.

All the x-values change their sign since it is a horizontal reflection.
The y-intercepts are invariant.
Mapping: (x, y) (-x, y)

Ex. Reflecting a Cubic Function:

f ( x)  x3  1 : What are the equations of y=-f(x), and y=f(-x)

y=-f(x) y=f(-x)
𝑦 = −(𝑥 3 − 1) 𝑦 = (−𝑥)3 − 1
y   x3  1 y   x3  1
Reflection in x-axis reflection in y-axis

Ex. Reflecting a Quadratic Function:

f ( x)  x 2  1 : What are the equations of y=-f(x), and y=f(-x)

y=-f(x) y=f(-x)
y  x 1
2

y  x 1
2

y  x2  1
Reflection in x-axis Reflection in y-axis

Ex. The graph of the function y = f(x) has been transformed by a reflection. Write the
equation of the transformed graph, g(x). (good to know the equation of the original
graph)

f(x) =
|x
|

g(x)
 g(x) = -|x|
Assignment: pg. 28-31 #1, 3, 4, 5cd, 14b, 15ab, 16, C2
Lesson 3: Horizontal and Vertical Stretches

SO#3: Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of horizontal and vertical stretches on the graphs of functions
and their related equations.

Investigation #1: Comparing the graphs of y = f(x) and y = af(x), where a > 0:

The graph of y = f(x) = √4 − 𝑥 2 is shown:

a) Write an equation which represents y = 3f(x). Answer: 𝑦 = 3√4 − 𝑥 2

b) Use a graphing calculator to sketch y = 3f(x).

c) Describe how the number 3 in y = 3f(x) affects:

 The general sketch Answer: Expands vertically by factor of 3 (taller)
 The x-intercepts of the graph of y= f(x) Answer: No change
 The y-intercepts of the graph of y = f(x) Answer: Multiplied by 3
1 1
d) Write an equation which represents 𝑦 = 2 𝑓(𝑥) Answer: 𝑦 = √4 − 𝑥 2
2
1
e) Use a graphing calculator to sketch 𝑦 = 2 𝑓(𝑥).
1 1
f) Describe how the number 2 in 𝑦 = 2 𝑓(𝑥) affects:
 The general sketch of y = f(x) Answer: Compresses vertically by a factor of 0.5
 The x-intercepts of the graph of y = f(x) Answer: No change
 The y-intercepts of the graph of y = f(x) Answer: Multiplied by 0.5
Conclusions: y = af(x)

1. A vertical stretch by a factor of a about the x-axis.

2. All the y values are multiplied by a factor of a.
3. Invariant points are the x-intercepts (stretch line is x-axis)
4. (x, y) maps to (x, ay)

Investigation #2: Comparing the graphs of y = f(x) and y = f(bx), where b>0.

Take the same graph from investigation #1.

a) Write an equation which represents y = f(4x.)

answer: 𝑦 = √4 − (4𝑥)² = √4 − 16𝑥²

b) Use a graphing calculator to sketch y = f(4x) on the grid

c) Describe how the number 4 in y = f(4x) affects:

1
 The general sketch of y = f(x) Answer: Compressed by factor 4
1
 The x-intercepts of the graph of y = f(x) Answer: Multiplied by 4
 The y-intercept of the graph of y =f(x) Answer: No change
1
d) Write an equation which represents 𝑦 = 𝑓 (3 𝑥).
1 1
Answer: 𝑦 = √4 − (3 𝑥) ² = 𝑦 = √4 − 9 𝑥²

1
e) Use a graphing calculator to sketch 𝑦 = 𝑓 (3 𝑥)

1 1
f) Describe how the number 3 in 𝑦 = 𝑓 (3 𝑥) affects:
 The general sketch of y = f(x) Answer: Expands horizontally
 The x-intercepts of the graph of y = f(x) Answer: Multiplied by 3
 The y-intercept of the graph of y = f(x) Answer: No change

Conclusions: y = f(bx)

1. A horizontal stretch by a factor of 1/b about the y-axis.

2. All the x values are multiplied by a factor of a/b.
3. Invariant points are the y-intercepts (stretch line is y-axis)
𝑥
4. (x, y) maps to (𝑏, y)
Stretch: a transformation in which the distance of each x-coordinate or y-coordinate
from the line of reflection is multiplied by some scale factor

A stretch, unlike a translation or reflection, changes the shape of the graph.

 When the output of a function y = f(x) is multiplied by a non-zero constant, a, the

𝑦
result, y = af(x) or 𝑎 = 𝑓(𝑥), is a vertical stretch of the graph about the x-axis by a
factor of |a|. If a < 0, then the graph is also reflected in the x-axis.
 When the input of a function y = f(x) is multiplied by a non-zero constant, b, the
result, y = f(bx), is a horizontal stretch of the graph about the y-axis by a factor of
1
|𝑏|
. If b < 0, then the graph is also reflected in the y-axis.

Ex. Given the function f(x) = x²

 Transform the graph of f(x) to sketch the graph of g(x). Make the equation.
 Describe the transformation
 State any invariant points
 State the domain and range of the functions

a) g(x) = 4f(x)
 all the y values get multiplied by 4
 vertical stretch by a factor of 4 about the x-axis
 invariant points are on the x-axis, so (0, 0)
 Domain: x ε R, Range: y ≥ 0

**domain can also be done in interval notation. Round brackets mean not equal to,
and square brackets mean equal to)
So the above range could be written as [0, ∞)

b) g(x) = f(3x)
 all the x values get multiplied by 1/3
 horizontal stretch by a factor of 1/3 about the y-axis
 invariant points are on the y-axis, so (0, 0)
 Domain: x ε R, Range: y ≥ 0
Ex. The graph of the function y = f(x) has been transformed. Write the equation of the
transformed graph, g(x).

Point (2, 4) and (1, 1) are on f(x), they are transformed to (2, 16) and (1, 4), the y-values
have been multiplied by 4. The equation is 𝑦 = 4𝑥². (for a vertical stretch, find two x-
values that are the same, and then compare how the y-values have changed)

1
The graph could also be seen as a horizontal stretch by factor of 2 (y = (2x)²) which
would also yield an equation of 𝑦 = 4𝑥². Point (2, 4) and (1, 1) are on f(x), they are
transformed to (1, 4) and (0.5, 1)(for a horizontal stretch, find two y-values that are the
same, and then compare how the x-values have changed)

Note: Why is the horizontal stretch 1/b instead of b? See answer to C1 on page 31 or
think of it this way…..stretches are always thought of in terms of multiplying. Since the
x values end up dividing, we have to change it to multiplying. So for example, instead of
dividing by 2, we are multiplying by ½.

When the input values for g(x) are b times the input values for f(x), the scale factor must be 1/b
(for b > 0) to maintain the same output values.

Assignment: pg 28-31 #2, 5ab, 6-8, 9ef, 10-11, 14acd, 15cd, C3, C4
Lesson 4: Combining Transformations

SO #3: Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of horizontal and vertical stretches on the graphs of functions
and their related equations.

SO # 4: Apply translations and stretches to the graphs and equations of functions.

A: Stretches

Given the graph of y = f(x)

a) Sketch the transformed graph after the following two stretches are performed in
order. Write the resulting function equation after each transformation:
 Stretch vertically about the x-axis by factor of 2.
 Stretch horizontally about the y-axis by a factor of 3

b) Sketch the transformed graph after the following two stretches are performed in
order. Write the resulting function equation after each transformation:
 Stretch horizontally about the y-axis by a factor of 3
 Stretch vertically about the x-axis by a factor of 2

1
c) Write the equation of the function f(x): 𝑦 = 2𝑓 (3 𝑥)

d) Comparing the two graphs, did reversing the order of the stretches change the final
result? Answer: No.
B: Combining Reflections and Translations

Continue to use the original graph of y = f(x)

a) Sketch the transformed graph after the following two transformations are performed
in order. Write the resulting function equation after each transformation:
 Reflect in the x-axis
 Translate vertically 4 units up

y = -f(x)+4

b) Sketch the transformed graph after the following two transformations are performed
in order. Write the resulting function equation after each transformation:
 Translate vertically 4 units up
 Reflect in the x-axis

y = f(x) + 4, then y = -(f(x) + 4) so, y = -f(x) – 4

c) Compare the two graphs, did reversing the order of the stretches change the final
result? Answer: Yes

Continue to use the original graph of y = f(x)

a) Sketch the transformed graph after the following two transformations are performed
in order. Write the resulting function equation after each transformation:
 Reflect in the y-axis
 Translate horizontally 4 units to the right

*x –values change to opposite, add 4 to each x value y = f(-x), then y = f(-(x – 4)).

b) Sketch the transformed graph after the following two transformations are performed
in order. Write the resulting function equation after each transformation:
 Translate horizontally 4 units to the right
 Reflect in the y-axis

y = f(x – 4), then y = f(-x – 4)

c) Compare the two graphs, did reversing the order of the stretches change the final
result? Answer: Yes.
In which order do you think transformations should be performed to produce the correct
graph? Explain.

We have seen that when two transformations are applied to a graph, the order in which
the transformations are performed may or may not make a difference to the final graph.

In general, the order does not matter when:

 Two translations are combined
 Two stretches are combined
 A translation and a stretch at right angles to one another are combined
 Reflections and stretches are combined

The order does matter when:

 A translation and a stretch in the same direction are combined
 Most reflections and translations are combined

Unless otherwise indicated, use the following order to describe how to transform from
one graph to another.
1. Stretches
2. Reflections
3. Translations

**know this order and you also might want to use logic**

Or in other words, if you are looking at the equation, go from left to right. (since order
doesn’t matter when reflections and stretches are combined). The equation of a
transformed graph looks like:

𝑦 = 𝑎𝑓(𝑏(𝑥 − ℎ)) + 𝑘

Make sure you know what each parameter in the equation does.
 Ex. Describe the combination of transformations that must be applied to the function
y=f(x) to obtain the transformed function. Sketch the graph, showing each step
of the transformation.

a) y = 2f(x) – 3
**usually a good idea to take the main points and
draw those.

1. Multiply the y-values by 2

2. subtract 3 from all y-values

(0, 0) goes to (0, -3)

(2, 6) goes to (2, 9)
(6, 7) goes to (6, 11)
(8, 2) goes to (8, 1)

1
b. 𝑦 = 𝑓 (2 𝑥 − 2)

**Need to rewrite the equation to separate transformations. The b value always needs
to be factored out if there is a horizontal translations
1
𝑦 = 𝑓( (𝑥 − 4))
2

1. Multiply all x-values by 2

2. Add 4 to all x-values

(0, 0) goes to (4, 0)

(2, 6) goes to (8, 6)
(6, 7) goes to (16, 7)
(8, 2) goes to (20, 2)
Ex. Describe the combination of transformations that should be applied to the function
f(x) = x² in order to obtain the transformed function
1
𝑔(𝑥) = −2𝑓 (2 (𝑥 + 8)) − 3. Write the corresponding equation and sketch the graph of
g(x).

The transformation language would be:

 A reflection in the x-axis
 A vertical stretch by a factor of 2 about the x-axis
 A horizontal stretch by a factor of 2 about the y-axis
 A horizontal translation of 8 units to the left
 A vertical translation of 3 units down

1. Multiply x-values by 2 (horizontal stretch) and y-values by 2 (vertical stretch) (OR

multiply all the y-values by -2)
2. change y-values to their opposite (reflection in x-axis)
3. Subtract 8 from all x-values (horizontal translation) and 3 from all y-values (vertical
translation)
2
1
𝑔(𝑥) = −2 ( (𝑥 + 8)) − 3
2
Ex. The graph of the function y = g(x) represents a transformation of the graph y = f(x).
State the equation of the transformed function. Explain your answer.

It’s a good idea to look at the points and how they change.

(1, 1) goes to (1, -8)

(0, 0) goes to (3, -4)
(-1, 1) goes to (5, -8)

Reflection in the x-axis (y-values change to opposite), vertical translation of 4 units

down and a horizontal translation of 3 to the right. Notice the shape of the graph does
now change, so there is no stretch.

g(x) = -f(x -3) - 4

Assignment: pg. 38-43 #1a, 2, 4, 5b, 6e,7f, 8b, 9f, 10a, 11b, 12 -15, 17, C3
Lesson 5: Inverse of a Relation

SO#5: Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of reflections on the graphs of functions and their related
equations, including reflections through the:
• x-axis
• y-axis
• line y=x

SO#6: Demonstrate an understanding of inverses of relations.

Investigation:

1
Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 𝑥 − 5

a) Copy the table. In the first column, enter the ordered pairs of five points on the
graph of f(x). To complete the second column of the table, interchange the x-coordinate
and y-coordinate of the points in the first column.

Key points on the graph of f(x) Image points on the graph of g(x)
(-8, -7) (-7, -8)
(-4, -6) (-6, -4)
(0, -5) (-5, 0)
(4, -4) (-4, 4)
(8, -3) (-3, 8)

b) Plot the points for the function f(x) and draw a line through them.
 y=x

g(x)

f(x)

c) Plot the points for the relation g(x) on the same set of axes and draw a line through
them.

d) Draw the graph of y = x on the same set of axes as in step 1.

e) How do the distances from the line y = x for key points and corresponding image
points compare? Answer: Same distance

f) What type of transformation occurs in order for f(x) to become g(x)? (hint: think of
reflection line) Answer: Reflection in the line y = x

g) What observation can you make about the relationship of the coordinates of your
ordered pairs between the graphs of f(x) and g(x)?

Answer: They are inverses of each other.

h) Determine the equation of g(x). How is this equation related to

1
𝑓(𝑥) = 4 𝑥 − 5?

Answer: Find slope of g(x), use two points: m = 4, find y-int or use point slope formula:
y = 4x + 20

i) The relation g(x) is considered to be the inverse of f(x). Is the inverse of f(x) a
function? How do you know? Answer: Yes, it passes the vertical line test.
j) Describe a way to draw the graph of the inverse of a function using reflections. (hint:
think of reflection lines) Answer: Reflection in the line y = x

k) Do you think all inverses of functions are functions? Can you think of any functions
whose inverse may not be a function?

Answer: No; y = x² has the inverse of 𝑦 = ±√𝑥 (which is not an inverse)

Inverse of a function: If f is a function with domain A and range B, the inverse function,
if it exists, is denoted by 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) and has domain B and range A. The inverse of a
function may also be written in the form x = f(y). When the inverse of f is itself a function
we read “f inverse.” When the inverse of a function is not a function, it may be possible
to restrict the domain to obtain an inverse function for a portion of the original function.

1
Note: 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) ≠ 𝑓(𝑥)

An inverse can be found in multiple ways:

1. Interchange the x-coordinates and y-coordinates
**Remember mapping notation? (x, y) goes to (y, x)
2. Reflect in the line y = x
3. Algebraically: interchange x and y, then solve for y

Ex. Find the inverse of y = 2x +1

Answer: Interchange x and y: x = 2y + 1

𝑥−1
Solve for y: =𝑦
2
𝑥−1
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) =
2
Ex. Consider the graph of the relation shown:

a) Sketch the graph of the inverse relation.

 f(x) inverse
(-6, 0) (0, -6)
(-4, 4) (4, -4)
(0, 40 (4, 0)
(2, 2) (2, 2)
(6, 2) (2, 6)

b) Determine whether the relation and its inverse are functions.

Answer: The inverse is not a function because it doesn’t pass the vertical line
test. Also, look at the points and you will see that the x values are repeated.

c) State the domain, range, and intercepts for the relation and the inverse relation.

f(x): D: −6 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 6, R: 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 4, OR D[-6, 6] and R[0,4]

x-int: (-6, 0), y-int: (0, 4)
Inverse: D: 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 4, R: −6 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 6, OR D[0, 4] and R[-6,6]
x-int: (4, 0), y-int: (0, -6)

d) State any invariant points. (2, 2)

Ex. Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 2)²

a) Graph the function f(x). Is the inverse of f(x) a function?

It will not be a function.

b) Graph the inverse on the same set of

coordinate axes.
c) Describe how the domain of f(x) could be restricted so that the inverse of f(x) is a
function

Make 𝑥 ≥ −2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≤ −2 (take only one half of the parabola…can be either to the right
or to the left of the vertex)

𝑥+8
Ex. Write the equation for the inverse of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 3
Verify your answer graphically.

𝑦+8
𝑥=
3

3𝑥 = 𝑦 + 8

𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 8

Ex. Find the equation of the inverse algebraically of:

y  x2  3

Answer:
x  y2  3
x  3  y2
 x 3  y
Assignment: pg. 51-55 #1b, 3c, 4c, 5ef, 7b, 8b, 9de, 10b, 11, 12ef, 13a, 14d, 15c, 16,
19a, 20a, 21b, C2