CHAPTER 2

C3:Transformations of
graphs and the modulus function
2

Learning objectives
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
■ transform simple graphs to produce other graphs
■ understand the effect of composite transformations on equations of curves and describe them
geometrically
■ understand what is meant by a modulus function
■ sketch graphs of functions involving modulus functions
■ solve equations and inequalities involving modulus functions.

2.1 Review of simple transformations Although you may use a graphics

of graphs calculator to draw graphs, it is
important to see how the graph
Some simple transformations of graphs were introduced in of one curve can be obtained
chapter 5 of C2. The basic results are reviewed below. For from the graph of a simpler
instance, the graph of y ! x2 can be transformed into the graph curve using a sequence of
3 transformations.
of y ! (x " 3)2 # 4 by a translation of !"
4
.

a y
In general, a translation of !b" transforms the graph of
y ! f(x) into the graph of y ! f(x " a) # b. y ! 2 # x3
2
You learnt how to find the equations of new curves after a
reflection in one of the coordinate axes.
For example, the graph of y ! 2 # x3 is sketched opposite. O x
After reflection in the x-axis, the new curve will have equation
y ! "2 " x3. The general result is given below.

The graph of y ! f(x) is transformed into the graph of

y ! "f(x) by a reflection in the line y ! 0 (the x-axis).

When the curve y ! 2 # x3 is reflected in the y-axis, the new

curve has equation y ! 2 " x3.

The graph of y ! f(x) is transformed into the graph of

y ! f("x) by a reflection in the line x ! 0 (the y-axis).
24 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function

The graph of y ! sin x is transformed into the graph of y ! 3 sin x

by a stretch of scale factor 3 in the y-direction.

y y
3

x x
"1

"3

The general result is:

The graph of y ! f(x) is transformed into the graph of

y ! d f(x) by a stretch of scale factor d in the y-direction.

A stretch of scale factor 2 in the x-direction transforms the

x
graph of y ! sin x into the graph with equation y ! sin $$ .
2 #$
y y

1 1

x x
"1 "1

The graph of y ! f(x) is transformed into the graph of

x
#$
y ! f $$ by a stretch of scale factor c in the x-direction.
c

Worked example 2.1

Find the equation of the resulting curve when the curve You are transforming the original
y ! 2 # tan x is transformed by: curve in each case. Successive
transformations will be discussed
(a) a reflection in the y-axis, in the next section.

!"
%
$$
(b) a translation of 3 ,
5
(c) a stretch of scale factor 0.5 in the x-direction.
 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function 25

Solution
(a) The graph of y ! f(x) is transformed into the graph of
y ! f("x) by a reflection in the y-axis.
Hence the new curve has equation y ! 2 # tan ("x).
However, since tan("x) ! "tan x, the equation of the new
curve can be written as y ! 2 " tan x.
2
a
(b) Recall that a translation of !"
b
transforms the graph of

y ! f(x) into the graph of y ! f(x " a) # b.

!"
%
$$
After translation through the vector 3 , the curve
5
%
#
y ! 2 # tan x has equation y ! 2 # tan x " $$ # 5
3 $
%
or
#
y ! 7 # tan x " $$ .
3 $
(c) The graph of y ! f(x) is transformed into the graph of
x
#$
y ! f $$ by a stretch of scale factor c in the x-direction.
c x
Hence y ! 2 # tan x is transformed into y ! 2 # tan $$ # $
0.5
or y ! 2 # tan 2x.

Worked example 2.2

Describe geometrically how the first curve is transformed into
the second curve in each of the following cases:
(a) y ! x2, y ! (x # 3)2 # 2
(b) y ! cos x, y ! cos 3x
(c) y ! 2x, y ! 2"x

Solution
! 2"
"3
(a) The first curve has been translated through the vector
to give the second curve.
(b) A one-way stretch in the x-direction has taken place. The Notice that x has been divided by
1
scale factor is 1$3$. $$ to give 3x.
3

(c) The curve has been reflected in the y-axis (or x ! 0).

EXERCISE 2A
1 Find the equation of the resulting curve after each of the
2
following has been translated through
"1! ".
(a) y ! x3 (b) y ! x2 # 4x # 5
(c) y ! tan x (d) y ! 3x
26 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function

2 Find the equation of the resulting curve after each of the

following has been stretched in the x-direction by scale factor 1$2$.
(a) y ! x3 (b) y ! x2 # 4x # 5
(c) y ! tan x (d) y ! 3x

3 Describe geometrically how the curve y ! 1 # sin x is

transformed into the following curves:
(a) y ! sin x (b) y ! 1 " sin x
(c) y ! 5 # sin (x # 2) (d) y ! 4 # 4 sin x
(e) y ! "1 " sin x (f) y ! 1 # sin 5x

4 Describe geometrically how the curve y ! 2x is transformed

into the following curves:
x
(a) y ! 25x (b) y ! 2x " 3 (c) y ! 23
(d) y ! 2x # 7 (e) y ! "2x

5 Describe a geometrical transformation which maps the graph

of y ! 3x onto:
5x
(a) y ! 3"x (b) y ! 3x " 4 (c) y ! 3 2
(d) y ! 2 & 3x (e) y ! 4 # 3x (f) y ! 9x

2.2 Composite transformations

You can perform each of the transformations described above in
sequence so as to produce a composite transformation.

Worked example 2.3

Find the equation of the resulting curve when the following
transformations are performed in sequence on the curve with
equation y ! x3:
(a) a stretch by a factor 2 in the y-direction,

! "
"1
(b) a translation through ,
"3
(c) a reflection in the x-axis.

Solution
(a) After a stretch by a factor 2 in the y-direction, the curve
y ! x3 becomes the curve y !2x3.

!"3" to the curve y ! 2x

"1 3
(b) Applying a translation of gives

the new curve y ! 2(x # 1)3 " 3.

 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function 27

(c) Finally the effect of a reflection in the x-axis is to transform

y ! f(x) into the curve y ! "f(x).
The curve y ! 2(x # 1)3 " 3 therefore becomes the curve
with equation y ! 3 " 2(x # 1)3.
It is important to perform the transformations in the given
order or you will not obtain the correct final equation.
2

Worked example 2.4

Describe geometrically a sequence of transformations that
transforms y ! sin x into y ! 2 # 5 sin 3x.

Solution
The curve y ! sin x is stretched by scale factor 1$3$ in the x-direction The two stretches could have
to give the curve y ! sin 3x. been done in any order to map
y ! sin x onto y ! 5 sin 3x.
Next the curve y ! sin 3x is stretched by scale factor 5 in the
y-direction to give y ! 5 sin 3x.
Finally y ! 5 sin 3x is translated through
0
2 !"
to give the final
curve with equation y ! 2 # 5 sin 3x.

EXERCISE 2B
1 Describe a sequence of transformations that would map the
graph of y ! x3 onto the graph of y ! 3(x " 5)3.

2 Find the resulting curve when the following transformations

are applied in sequence to the curve y ! cos x.
(a) a reflection in the x-axis,
(b) a translation through
0
2!",
(c) a stretch by a scale factor 3 in the x-direction.

3 Find the equation of the resulting graph when the graph of

"1
y ! 3x is translated through ! "
5
then reflected in the y-axis.

4 Find the equation of the new curve when the y ! sin x is

transformed by the following sequence of transformations:
(a) a translation through
%
0!",
(b) a reflection in the x-axis,
(c) a stretch by a scale factor 4 in the y-direction.

5 Express 2x2 " 12x # 19 in the form 2(x " a)2 # b. Hence
decribe geometrically how the graph of y ! x2 can be
transformed into the graph of y ! 2x2 " 12x # 19.
28 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function

6 Describe geometrically how the first curve can be

transformed into the second curve by a sequence of
transformations:
(a) y ! x2, y ! 4(x " 2)2 (b) y ! x2, y ! 4 # 3(x # 1)2
(c) y ! x3, y ! (2x " 1)3 (d) y ! x3, y ! "(x " 3)3
x
# $
5
(e) y ! x4, y ! (3x # 5)4 (f) y ! x5, y ! 4 $$ " 2
3
7 Describe geometrically how the curve y ! 3x2 " 5 can be
transformed into the curve y ! x2 by a sequence of
transformations.

8 Describe geometrically how the curve y ! 5 sin(x " 3) can be

transformed into the curve y ! sin(x # 1) by a sequence of
transformations.

9 Describe geometrically how the curve y ! 3 # cos 2x can be

transformed into the curve y ! 5 cos x by a sequence of
transformations.

10 Describe geometrically how the curve y ! 4x # 3 can be

2x
transformed into the curve y ! $$ by a sequence of
5
stretches.

11 (a) Describe the geometrical transformation that

transforms the graph of y ! 3x into the graph of 3y ! x.
(b) Find the equations of the new graphs after each of the
folowing has been reflected in the line y ! x:
(i) y ! 3x # 2, (ii) y ! x2, (iii) (x " 1)2 # y2 ! 4.

12 The graph of y ! f(x) is reflected in the x-axis and then the

y-axis to produce the graph with equation y ! g(x).
(a) Find g(x) in terms of f and x.
(b) Describe geometrically the single transformation that
maps the graph of y ! f(x) onto the graph of y ! g(x).

13 (a) Find the new equation resulting from reflecting the

curve y ! x2 in the line y ! 1.
(b) Describe a sequence of simple geometrical transformations
that will map y ! x2 onto your answer to (a).

14 (a) Find the new equation resulting from reflecting the

curve y ! 2x in the line x ! 5.
(b) Describe a sequence of simple geometrical transformations
that will map y ! 2x onto your answer to (a).
 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function 29

15 (a) Describe a sequence of geometrical transformations

that will transform the graph of y ! f(x) into the graph
of y ! 6 " f(x).
(b) Describe a single geometrical transformation that will
transform the graph of y ! f(x) into the graph of
y ! 6 " f(x).
2
(c) Describe a single geometrical transformation that will
transform the graph of y ! f(x) into the graph of
y ! 2p " f(x).

16 (a) Describe a sequence of geometrical transformations

that will transform the graph of y ! f(x) into the graph
of y ! f(4 " x).
(b) Describe a single geometrical transformation that will
transform the graph of y ! f(x) into the graph of
y ! f(4 " x).
(c) Describe a single geometrical transformation that will
transform the graph of y ! f(x) into the graph of
y ! f(2q " x).

2.3 Modulus function

The modulus function finds the absolute value of a number. Any Often the key on a calculator
negative sign in front of a number is disregarded and a positive which finds the modulus is
answer is returned. Consider the function box below. denoted by ABS since it finds the
absolute value of a number.
input ! Take the modulus ! output
y
When the value 3 is input then the output is 3, whereas when "7
is input the output is 7. An input of zero gives an output of zero.
The modulus of x is written as |x| and is usually read as ‘mod x’.
By taking a set of values of x it is easy to see that the graph of O x
y ! |x| would have the appearance of the V shape below.

y
3

"3 "2 "1 O 1 2 3 x

30 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function

The modulus function is actually defined as follows:

 x when x ' 0
|x| ! 
"x when x ( 0

Worked example 2.5

Sketch the graph of y ! |x " 3|.

Solution
Method 1
When x ' 3, |x " 3| ! x " 3 since x " 3 ' 0.

O 3 x
graph of
y!x"3
"3

So the graph for x ' 3 is the same as the graph of y ! x " 3.

However when x ( 3, x " 3 is negative and so |x " 3| ! "(x " 3).

3 graph of
y!3"x

O 3 x

This means that when x ( 3, the graph of y ! |x " 3| is the same

as the graph of y ! "(x " 3) ! 3 " x.
The graph of y ! |x " 3| is therefore as drawn below.
y
4
3
2
1

"3 "2 "1 O 1 2 3 4 5 x

 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function 31

Method 2
An alternative approach is to draw the graph of y ! x " 3 and
then to reflect the section of the graph that lies below the x-axis
in the x-axis.
y
2
4
3
2
1

"3 "2 "1 O 1 2 3 4 5 x

"1
"2
"3
"4

Worked example 2.6

Sketch the graphs of y
2
(a) y ! |x " 4| for "3 ) x ) 3, 8

(b) y ! |sin x| for 0 ) x ) 2%.

4

Solution
(a) Draw the graph of y ! x2 " 4. "2 O 2 x

Now reflect in the x-axis all the parts of the graph which lie "4
below the x-axis.
The resulting graph is that of y ! |x2 " 4|.
y

There are now some ‘sharp’

corners on the graph called
4
cusps. Do not be tempted to
smooth these out.
"2 O 2 x

(b) Draw the graph of y ! sin x for 0 ) x ) 2%. y

Reflect in the x-axis the portion of the graph 1
where y is negative so as to produce the
graph of y ! |sin x|. O π 2π x
32 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function

Worked example 2.7

Sketch the graphs of:
(a) y ! 3 " |x|, (b) y ! |x " 1| # |x " 2|.

Solution
(a) For x * 0 , the graph is identical to that of y ! 3 " x. Alternatively, the graph of
y ! 3 " | x | can be obtained from
When x ! 0, y ! 3. the graph of y ! | x | by a
For x ( 0 , the graph is identical to that of y ! 3 " ("x) ! 3 # x. reflection in the x-axis followed

Hence we can sketch the graph of y ! 3 " |x|. by a translation of!" 0

3
.
y

"3 O 3 x

(b) It is necessary to consider three separate intervals in order

to sketch y ! |x " 1| # |x " 2|.
Firstly, when x ( 1, |x " 1| ! "(x " 1) ! "x # 1 and also
|x " 2| ! "(x " 2) ! "x # 2.
Therefore y ! |x " 1| # |x " 2| ! "x # 1 # ("x # 2) ! 3 " 2x.
The graph is identical to y ! 3 " 2x for x ( 1.
Next, when 1 ( x ( 2, |x " 1| ! x " 1.
But |x " 2| ! "(x " 2) ! "x # 2.
Therefore y ! |x " 1| # |x " 2| ! x " 1 # ("x # 2) ! 1.
The graph is identical to y ! 1 for 1 ( x ( 2.
Finally, when x * 2 |x " 1| ! x " 1 and also
|x " 2| ! x " 2.
Therefore y ! |x " 1| # |x " 2| ! x " 1 # x " 2 ! 2x " 3.
The graph is identical to y ! 2x " 3 for x * 2.
The graph of y ! |x " 1| # |x " 2| can now be sketched.
y The end points of these intervals
were not included but serve as
3 useful check points.
When x ! 1, y ! 0 # 1 ! 1.
2 When x ! 2, y ! 1 # 0 ! 1.

"1 O 1 2 3 x
 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function 33

EXERCISE 2C
Sketch the graph of each of the following, showing the values of
any intercepts on the axes.
1 y ! |3x| 2 y ! |x # 4| 3 y ! |3x " 5|
4 y ! |5 " 2x| 5 y ! |x| " 5 6 y ! 4 " |x| 2
2
7 y ! |x " 1| 8 y ! |(x " 5)(x # 2)|
9 y ! |x| # |x " 3| 10 y ! |x| " |x " 3|
11 y ! |(x " 1)(x " 2)(x " 3)| 12 y ! |x2 " 5| # 4
13 y ! |x| # |x " 1| # |x " 2| 14 y ! sin|x|, "2% ) x ) 2%
15 y ! |cos x|, "2% ) x ) 2% 16 y ! |tan x|, 0 ( x ( %
17 y ! |cos 3x|, "% ) x ) % 18 y ! 1 # |sin 2x|, "% ) x ) %

2.4 Equations involving modulus

functions
Often the graphical approach is best since you can see the
approximate solutions and how many solutions to expect.

Worked example 2.8

Solve the equation |3 " 2x| ! x " 1.

Solution y
Method 1 5
Firstly, sketch the graph of y ! |3 " 2x|. This is the
V-shaped graph. The sections have gradients +2. 4

Now add the straight line y ! x " 1, which has 3

gradient 1. Hence there are two points of intersection.
2
This means the equation |3 " 2x| ! x " 1 will have
two solutions, and from the graph one of these is less 1
than 1.5 and the other is greater than 1.5.
"1 O 1 2 3 4 5 6 x
3
When x ( $$, |3 " 2x| ! 3 " 2x. "1
2
One solution is given by 3 " 2x ! x " 1
3
4 This solution is valid since x ( $$.
⇒ 3 # 1 ! 2x # x ⇒ x ! $$. 2
3
3
Similarly, when x * $$, |3 " 2x| ! "(3 " 2x).
2
The second solution is given by "(3 " 2x) ! x " 1
3
⇒ "3 # 2x ! x " 1 ⇒ 2x " x ! 3 " 1 ⇒ x ! 2. This solution is valid since x * $$.
2
4
The two solutions are x ! 2, $$.
3
34 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function

Method 2 It is always a little dangerous

Square both sides of the equation |3 " 2x| ! x " 1. when you square both sides of
(|3 " 2x|)2 ! (x " 1)2 ⇒ 9 " 12x # 4x2 ! x2 " 2x # 1. an equation, since you may
⇒ 3x2 " 10x # 8 ! 0 ⇒ (3x " 4)(x " 2) ! 0. produce spurious answers. You
4 should therefore check that
The two solutions are x ! 2, $$. these solutions satisfy the
3
original equation. In this case the
solutions are valid.

Worked example 2.9

Solve the equation |x " 2| ! "3.

Solution
An approach involving squaring both sides yields
(|x " 2|)2 ! ("3)2 ⇒ x2 " 4x # 4 ! 9 ⇒ x2 " 4x " 5 ! 0.
⇒ (x " 5)(x # 1) ! 0 ⇒ x ! 5, x ! "1.
Checking each of these values in the original equation shows
that neither of the answers are correct solutions.
When x ! 5, |x " 2| ! |5 " 2| ! 3.
When x ! "1, |x " 2| ! |("1)"2| ! |"3| ! 3.

y
4

2
A sketch can easily reveal when
1 no solutions actually exist since
the graphs of y ! | x " 2| and
"2 "1 O 1 2 3 4 5 x y ! "3 do not intersect.
"1

"2

"3

The graph of y ! |x " 2| is never negative and so the equation

|x " 2| ! "3 has no solutions.

Can you spot the flaw in the following argument?

For solutions to |x " 2| ! "3, solve x " 2 ! "3 ⇒ x ! 2 " 3 ! "1.

Also solve "(x " 2) ! "3 ⇒ "x # 2 ! "3 ⇒ x ! 5.

Hence the solutions are x ! "1 and x ! 5.
 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function 35

Worked example 2.10 y

2
Solve the equation |x " 1| ! 6x.

Solution 2
A sketch showing the graphs of y ! |x2 " 1| and y ! 6x enables 1
you to see that there are two solutions, one in the interval
0 ( x ( 1 and the other satisfying x * 1. "1 O 1 2 x

For 0 ( x ( 1, you can write |x2 " 1| ! "(x2 " 1) ! "x2 # 1

Hence, solving
"6 + %& 36 #4
"x2 # 1 ! 6x ⇒ 0 ! x2 # 6x " 1 ⇒ x ! $$ Using the quadratic equation
2
%40
& "b + %&ac
b2 " 4 &
⇒ x ! "3 + $$ ! "3 + %10 &. formula x ! $$.
2 2a
But the only valid solution in the interval 0 ( x ( 1 is
x ! "3 # %10
& ' 0.162… . You must reject the solution that is
negative.
For x * 1, you can write |x2 " 1| ! x2 " 1
6 + %36
& #4
Hence, solving x2 "1 ! 6x ⇒ 0 ! x2 " 6x " 1 ⇒ x ! $$
2
%40
&
⇒ x ! 3 + $$ ! 3 + %10 &. Once again, rejecting the negative
2
solution gives the solution x ! 3 # %10
& ' 6.162… .
The two solutions are x ! "3 # %10
& ' 0.162…
x ! 3 # %10
& ' 6.162… .

EXERCISE 2D
Solve the following equations. In some cases there are no solutions.
1 |x " 3| ! 2 2 |4 " x| ! 5 3 |x # 2| ! 7
4 |x " 1| ! x 5 |2 " x| ! x # 1 6 |2x # 3| ! x " 1
7 |2x " 3| ! "2 8 |4 " 3x| ! x 9 |x2 # 2| ! 3x
10 |2x2 " 3x| ! "1 11 |4 " 3x2| ! x
12 |x2 # 2x| ! 3x # 2 13 |x2 # x| # 2 ! 0
14 |4x2 " x| ! "3 15 |4x2 " 3| ! x

2.5 Inequalities involving modulus

functions
It is advisable to draw a sketch and then to find the critical points
when trying to solve inequalities involving modulus functions.
36 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function

Worked example 2.11

Solve the inequality |x " 2| ( 2x # 3.

y
Solution
The graphs y ! |x " 2| and y ! 2x # 3 are drawn opposite and 3
there is a single point of intersection when x is negative.
2
Since x ( 2 for this point of intersection, you can write 1
|x " 2| ! "(x " 2) ! 2 " x.
"2 "1 O 1 2 x
Solving 2 " x ! 2x # 3 gives "1 ! 3x. Hence x ! "$13$.
This is the critical point and by looking at the graph, the y-value You can check this solution
for the graph of y ! |x " 2| is less than the y-value on the graph by taking a test value. For
of y ! 2x # 3 whenever you are to the right-hand side of this example when x ! 0, | x " 2 | ! 2
critical point. and 2x # 3 ! 3. Since 2 ( 3, it
gives a check on the solution.
The solution is therefore x * "1$3$.

Worked example 2.12

Solve the inequality |x2 " 3x| * 2.

Solution
The graph of y ! x2 " 3x ! x(x " 3) is a parabola cutting y
the x-axis at (0, 0) and (3, 0). The graph of y ! |x2 " 3x| is 4
sketched opposite together with the straight line y ! 2.
3
There are four points of intersection and hence four 2
critical points.

Two of these are given by solving 1

x2 " 3x ! 2 ⇒ x2 " 3x " 2 ! 0.
This equation must be solved using the formula "1 O 1 2 3 4 5 x

"b + %&ac
b 2 " 4& 3 + %&9#8
x ! $$. Hence x ! $$.
2a 2
The approximate values of x are 3.56 … and "0.56… . The four critical points in
ascending order are
The other two critical points are given by solving
"(x2 " 3x) ! 2 ⇒ x2 " 3x # 2 ! 0 ⇒ (x " 1)(x " 2) ! 0. 3 " %17
& 3 # %17
&
$$, 1, 2, $$.
Therefore x ! 1, x ! 2. 2 2

By considering the graph, the intervals satisfying |x2 " 3x| * 2 are
3 " %17
& 3 # %17
&
x ( $$, 1 ( x ( 2, x * $$.
2 2
 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function 37

EXERCISE 2E
Solve the following inequalities:
1 |x " 5| * 2 2 |4 " x| ) 1 3 |x # 3| ( 7
4 |x " 2| ) x 5 |3 " x| * x # 4 6 |2x # 3| ) x " 2
2
7 |2x " 5| ' 2 " x 8 |2 " 5x| ( x 9 |x2 # 4| ' 5x
10 |2x2 " x| * 1 11 |7 " 3x2| ) 2x # 1
12 |x2 # 2x| ' 7x # 6

Worked examination question

The function f is defined for all real values of x by
f(x) ! |x| # |x " 3|.
(a) For values of x such that x ( 0 , show that f(x) ! 3 " 2x.
(b) Write down expressions for f(x) in a form not involving
modulus signs for each of the intervals:
(i) x * 3; (ii) 0 ) x ) 3.
(c) Sketch the graph of f and write down the equation of its
line of symmetry.
(d) State the range of f.
(e) Solve the equation f(x) ! 4.
(f) Explain whether it is possible to find an inverse of the
function f. [A]

Solution
(a) When x ( 0 , |x| ! "x and |x " 3| ! "(x " 3) ! 3 " x.
Hence f(x) ! " x # 3 " x ! 3 " 2x.
(b) (i) When x * 3, |x| ! x and |x " 3| ! x " 3.
Hence f(x) ! x # x " 3 ! 2x " 3.
(ii) When 0 ) x ) 3, |x| ! x and |x " 3| ! "(x " 3) ! 3 " x.
Hence f(x) ! x # 3 " x ! 3.
(c) The graph consists of the three sections defined above y
and is sketched opposite.
5
3
The line of symmetry has equation x ! $$.
2 4
(d) Since the function has least value equal to 3, the range
3
is given by f(x) ' 3.
2
(e) From the graph, the equation f(x) ! 4 has two solutions.
One of these is when x ( 0 ⇒ 3 " 2x ! 4 ⇒ x ! "12$$. 1
The other is when x * 3 ⇒ 2x " 3 ! 4 ⇒ x ! 31$2$.
(f) Since the graph of f is many-one, it does NOT have an "1 O 1 2 3 4 5 x
inverse.
38 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function

MIXED EXERCISE
1 The function f is defined for all real values of x by
f(x) ! |2x " 3| " 1.
(a) Sketch the graph of y ! f(x). Indicate the coordinates of
the points where the graph crosses the coordinate axes.
(b) State the range of y ! f(x).
(c) Find the values of x for which f(x) ! x. [A]

2 Sketch the graphs of y ! |2x # 3|and y ! |2x " 5| on the

same axes. Hence solve the inequality |2x # 3| ' |2x " 5|.

3 The function f is defined by f(x) ! |x " 3|, x ! !.

(a) Sketch the graph of y ! f(x).
(b) Solve the inequality |x " 3| ( $12$x. [A]

4 The functions f and g are defined for all real values of x by

f(x) ! x2 " 10 and g(x) ! |x " 2|:
(a) Show that ff(x) ! x4 " 20x2 # 90.
Find all the values of x for which ff(x) ! 26.
(b) Show that gf(x) ! |x2 " 12|. Sketch the graph of
y ! gf(x). Hence or otherwise, solve the equation
gf(x) ! x. [A]

5 (a) Determine the two values of x for which y

|2x " 3| ! |5 " x|.
(b) The function f is defined for all real values of x. The graph
of y ! |f(x)| is sketched opposite. Sketch two possible
graphs of y ! f(x) on separate axes. [A] O x

6 (a) Sketch the graphs of

(i)i y ! x2 " 6x # 5;
(ii) y ! |x2 " 6x # 5|.
(b) Calculate the four roots of the equation |x2 " 6x # 5| ! 3,
expressing the irrational solutions in surd form.
(c) Using this result and the sketch to (a) (ii), or otherwise,
solve the inequality
|x2 " 6x # 5| ) 3. [A]
 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function 39

7 The diagram shows a sketch of the curve with equation

% %
y ! sin 2x for "$$ ) x ) $$.
2 2
y
1 2

" π2 O π
2 x

"1

(a) Draw on the same diagram sketches of the graphs with

% %
equations y ! |x| and y ! |sin 2x| for "$$ ) x ) $$.
2 2
(b) Hence state the number of times the graph of the curve
with equation y ! |sin 2x| " |x| intersects the x-axis in
% %
the interval "$$ ) x ) $$. [A]
2 2

8 (a) Sketch the graph of y ! |2x " 4|. Indicate the

coordinates of the points where the graph meets the
coordinate axes.
(b) (i) The line y ! x intersects the graph of y ! |2x " 4| at
two points P and Q. Find the x-coordinates of the
points P and Q.
(ii) Hence solve the inequality |2x " 4| * x.
(c) The graph of y ! |2x " 4| # k touches the line y ! x at
only one point. Find the value of the constant k. [A]

9 A function f is defined for all real values of x by

f(x) ! 3 " |2x " 1|.
(a) (i) Sketch the graph of y ! f(x). Indicate the
coordinates of the points where the graph crosses
the coordinate axes.
(ii) Hence show that the equation f(x) ! 4 has no real
roots.
(b) State the range of f.
(c) By finding the values of x for which f(x) ! x, solve the
inequality f(x) ( x. [A]
40 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function

Key point summary

a
1 A translation of !b" transforms the graph of y ! f(x) p23
into the graph of y ! f(x " a) # b.
2 The graph of y ! f(x) is transformed into the graph of p23
y ! "f(x) by a reflection in the line y ! 0 (the x-axis).
3 The graph of y ! f(x) is transformed into the graph of p23
y ! f("x) by a reflection in the line x ! 0 (the y-axis).
4 The graph of y ! f(x) is transformed into the graph of p24
y ! d f(x) by a stretch of scale factor d in the y-direction.
5 The graph of y ! f(x) is transformed into the graph of p24
x
#$
y ! f $$ by a stretch of scale factor c in the x-direction.
c
6 The modulus function |x| is defined by

|x| (
x when x ' 0.
"x when x ) 0. p30

Test yourself What to review

1 Describe geometrically how the curve: Section 2.1
(a) y ! x5 is transformed into y ! (x # 1)5 # 3,
(b) y ! tan x is transformed into y ! tan 4x.
2 Describe geometrically a sequence of transformations that Section 2.2
transforms y ! x2 into y ! 3(x " 1)2 # 4.
3 Describe geometrically a sequence of transformations that Section 2.2
transforms y ! sin x into y ! 3 # 2 sin 4x.
4 The function f is defined for all values of x by Section 2.3
f(x) ! |x " 5|.
(a) Express f(x) in a form not involving modulus signs
when x ( 5.
(b) Sketch the graph of y ! f(x), indicating any values where
the graph meets the axes.
5 (a) Sketch the graph of y ! 4 " x2. Section 2.3
(b) Hence sketch the graph of y ! |4 " x2|.
(c) State the number of roots of the equation |4 " x2| ! 1.
6 Solve the equation |3x " 5| ! 2 " x. Section 2.4
7 Solve the inequality|2x " 7| ( 3 # x. Section 2.5
 1 (a) Translation through !"13";
(b) Stretch in x-direction with scale factor 4$1$.
2 Translation of !01", followed by stretch in y-direction with scale factor 3,
followed by translation of !40".
3 Stretch in x-direction with scale factor 4$1$ and stretch in y-direction with
scale factor 2, followed by translation of !30".
4 (a) f(x) ! 5 " x, when x ( 5;
(b) y
5
O 5 x
5 (a) y (b) y
4 4
"2 O 2 x "2 O 2 x
2 (c) 4 roots.
6 x ! 12$1$, 14$3$.
7 13$1$ ( x ( 10.
ANSWERS Test yourself
41 C3: Transformations of graphs and the modulus function