Name Class Date

6.4 Transforming Linear Functions

Essential Question: What are the ways in which you can transform the graph of a linear
function?

Resource
Locker

Explore 1 Building New Linear Functions by Translating

Investigate what happens to the graph of ƒ(x) = x + b when you change the value of b.

A Use a graphing calculator. Start with the standard viewing window, which you can obtain
by pressing Zoom and selecting ZStandard. Because the distances between consecutive tick
marks on the x-axis and on the y-axis are not equal, you can make them equal by pressing
Zoom again and selecting ZSquare.

What interval on each axis does the viewing window now show? (Press Window to
find out.)

B Graph the function ƒ(x) = x by pressing Y= and entering the

function’s rule next to Y 1 =. As shown, the graph of the function
is a line that makes a 45° angle with each axis.

What are the slope and y-intercept of the graph of ƒ(x) = x?

C Graph other functions of the form ƒ(x) = x + b by entering their rules next to Y 2 =, Y 3 =, and so on. Be
sure to choose both positive and negative values of b. For instance, graph ƒ(x) = x + 2 and ƒ(x) = x - 3.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

What do the graphs have in common? How are they different?

Reflect

1. Discussion A vertical translation moves all points on a figure the same distance either up or down. Use
the idea of a vertical translation to describe what happens to the graph of ƒ(x) = x + b when you increase
the value of b and decrease the value of b.

2. In this Explore, we replaced the linear function ƒ(x) by ƒ(x) + k. Show how replacing ƒ(x) by ƒ(x + k)
has exactly the same effect.

Module 6 269 Lesson 4

 Explore 2   Building New Linear Functions by Stretching,
Shrinking, or Reflecting
Investigate what happens to the graph of ƒ​(x)​ = mx when you change the value of m.

A Use a graphing calculator. Press Y= and clear out all but the function ƒ​(x)​ = x from the
previous Explore Activity. Then graph other functions of the form ƒ​(x)​ = mx by entering
​ 2​ ​ =, ​Y 3​ ​ =, and so on. Use only values of m that are greater than 1. For
their rules next to Y
example, graph ƒ​(x)​ = 2x and ƒ​(x)​ = 6x.

What do the graphs have in common? How are they different?

As the value of m increases from 1, does the graph become steeper or less steep?

B Again, press Y= and clear out all but the function ƒ​(x)​ = x. Then graph other functions
of the form ƒ​(x)​ = mx by entering their rules next to Y
​ 2​ ​ =, ​Y 3​ ​ =, and so on. This time use
only values of m that are less than 1 but greater than 0. For instance, graph ƒ​(x)​ = 0.5x and
ƒ​(x)​ = 0.2x.

As the value of m decreases from 1 to 0, does the graph become steeper or less steep?

C Again, press Y= and clear out all but the function ƒ​(x)​ = x. Then graph the function
ƒ​(x)​ = -x by entering its rule next to Y
​ 2​ ​ =.

What are the slope and y-intercept of the graph of ƒ​(x)​= -x?

How are the graphs of ƒ​(x)​ = x and ƒ​(x)​ = -x geometrically related?

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

D Again, press Y= and clear out all the functions. Graph ƒ​(x)​= -x by entering its rule next
to ​Y 1​ ​ =. Then graph other functions of the form ƒ​(x)​ = mx where m < 0 by entering their
rules next to Y ​ 2​ ​ =, ​Y 3​ ​ =, and so on. Be sure to choose values of m that are less than −1 as
well as values of m between −1 and 0.

Describe what happens to the graph of ƒ​(x)​ = mx as the value of m decreases from −1, and
as it increases from −1 to 0.

Module 6 270 Lesson 4

 Reflect

3. Discussion When m > 1, will the graph of ƒ​(x)​ = mx be a vertical stretch or a vertical shrink of the graph
of ƒ​(x)​ = x? When 0 < m < 1, will the graph of ƒ​(x)​ = mx be a vertical stretch or a vertical shrink of the
graph of ƒ​(x)​ = x? Explain your answers.

Explore 3   Understanding Function Families

Investigate what happens to the graph of ƒ​(x)​ = mx when you change the value of m.

A A family of functions is a set of functions whose graphs have basic characteristics in

common. What do all these variations on the original function ƒ​(x)​= x have in common?

B The most basic function of a family of functions is called the parent function. What is the
parent function of the family of functions explored in the first two Explore Activities?

C A parameter is one of the constants in a function or equation that determines

which variation of the parent function one is considering. For functions of the form
ƒ​(x)​ = mx + b, what are the two parameters?
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Module 6 271 Lesson 4

 Reflect

4. Discussion For the family of all linear functions, the parent function is ƒ(x) = x, where the parameters
are m = 1 and b = 0. Other examples of families of linear functions are shown below. The example on the
left shows a family with the same parameter m and differing parameters b. The example on the right shows
a family with the same parameter b and differing parameters m.
y y
4 4
y=x+1
2
y = 2x - 1 y = -x + 1
y = 2x + 2
x x
-4 -2 2 4 -4 0 4
-2
y = 2x
y = 2x + 1
-4 -4

Describe the parameter that is left unchanged in the equations of the lines in the first graph.

Explain 1 Interpreting Parameter Changes in Linear Models

Many real-world scenarios can be modeled by linear functions. Changes in a particular scenario can be analyzed by
making changes in the corresponding parameter of the linear function.

Example 1 A gym charges a one-time new member fee of $50 and

then a monthly membership fee of $25. The total cost C
of being a member of the gym is given by the function

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ∙ Image Credits: ©Cultura

C(t) = 25t + 50, where t is the time (in months) since
joining the gym. For each situation described below,
sketch a graph using the given graph of C(t) = 25t + 50
as a reference.

A The gym decreases its one-time fee I decreased the y-intercept but the
for new members. slope remained the same.
What change did you make to the
y
graph of C(t) = 25t + 50 to represent 200 C(t) = 25t + 50
Total cost (dollars)

a lower one-time fee?

150
Creative (RF)/Alamy

y
200 C(t) = 25t + 50
Total cost (dollars)

100
150 C(t) = 25t + 25
50
100 x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
50
x Time (months)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Time (months)

Module 6 272 Lesson 4

 B The gym increases its monthly membership fee.
200
y
What change did you make to the graph of C​(t)​ = 25t + 50 to

Total cost (dollars)

represent an increased monthly fee? 150
I increased the slope but the y-intercept remained the same.
100
C(t) = 25t + 50
50
x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Time (months)
Reflect

5. Suppose the gym increases its one-time new member fee and decreases its monthly membership fee.
Describe how you would alter the graph of C​(t)​ = 25t + 50 to illustrate the new cost function.

Your Turn

Determine what will happen to each parent function when the described changes occur.

6. Once a year the gym offers a special in which the one-time fee for joining is waived for new members.
What impact does this special offer have on the graph of the original function C​(t)​ = 25t + 50?

7. Suppose the gym increases its one-time joining fee and decreases its monthly membership fee. Does this
have any impact on the domain of the function? Does this have any impact on the range of the function?
Explain your reasoning.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Module 6 273 Lesson 4

 Elaborate
8. How do changes to m in the equation ƒ(x) = mx affect the graph of the equation?

9. How do changes to b in the equation ƒ(x) = x + b affect the graph of the equation?

10. Which parameter causes the steepness of the graph of the line to change for the family of linear functions
of the form ƒ(x) = mx + b?

11. Essential Question Check-In What are the different types of transformations?

Evaluate: Homework and Practice

• Online Homework
In Exercises 1–4, the graph of f(x) = x + 2 is graphed. • Hints and Help
• Extra Practice
1. Graph two more functions in the same family 2. Graph two more functions in
for which the parameter being changed is the the same family for which the parameter being
y-intercept, b. changed is the slope, m, and is greater than 1.

y y
8 8

4 4
x x
-8 0 4 8 -8 0 4 8
-4 -4

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

-8 -8

3. Graph two more functions in the same family for 4. Graph two more functions in the same family
which the parameter being changed is the slope, m, for which the parameter being changed is the
and is between 0 and 1. slope, m, and is less than 0.

y y
8 8

4 4
x x
-8 0 4 8 -8 0 -4 -8
-4 -4

-8 -8

Module 6 274 Lesson 4

 5. The graph of the parent linear function ƒ​(x)​= x is shown in black on the y
coordinate grid. Write the function that represents this function with the 8 f(x)
g(x)
indicated parameter changes.
4
h(x) m(x)
a. m increased, b unchanged      x
-8 4 8
b. m decreased, b unchanged      n(x)

c. m unchanged, b increased     

-8
d. m unchanged, b decreased,     

6. For each linear function graphed on the coordinate grid, state the y
value of m and the value of b. 8
f(x) h(x)
4
a. ƒ​(x)​: m =    , b =    
x
b. g​(x)​: m =    , b =     -8 -4 8

c. h​(x)​: m =    , b =    

g(x)
-8

Describe the transformation(s) on the graph of the parent function

ƒ(​ x)​= x that results in the graph of g(x).
7. g​(x)​= -x + 9 8. g​(x)​= 3x

9. ​  1 ​x
g​(x)​= _ 10. g​(x)​= 7x - 8
4

3 ​x + 5
11. g​(x)​= -​ _
4
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Use the parent function and the description of the transformation to write the new
function.
12. Rotate the graph of ƒ​(x)​ = -x + 2 until it has the same steepness in the opposite direction.

Module 6 275 Lesson 4

13. Reflect the graph of ƒ​(x)​ = x - 1 across the y-axis, and then translate it 4 units down.

Determine how changes in parameters will affect a graph. Write the new function.
14. For large parties, a restaurant charges a reservation fee of $25, plus $15 per person. The total charge for a
party of x people is ƒ​(x)​ = 15x + 25. How will the graph of this function change if the reservation fee is
raised to $50 and if the per-person charge is lowered to $12?

15. The number of chaperones on a field trip must

include 1 teacher for every 4 students, plus a total of
2 parents. The function describing the number of
chaperones for a trip of x students is ƒ​(x)​ = __
​  14 ​x + 2.
How will the graph change if the number of parents
is reduced to 0? If the number of teachers is raised
to 1 for every 3 students?

16. A satellite dish company charges a one-time installation fee of $75 and then a monthly usage charge of $40.
The total cost C of using that satellite service is given by the function C​(t)​ = 40t + 75, where t is the time
(in months) since starting the service. For the situation given below, describe the new function using the
graph of C​(t)​ = 40t + 75 as a reference.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ∙ Image Credits:

a. The satellite dish company reduces its one-time installation fee to $60. What
change would you make to the graph of C​(t)​ = 40t + 75 to obtain the new graph?

b. The satellite dish company decreases its monthly fee to $30. What change would
you make to the graph of C​(t)​ = 40t + 75 to obtain the new graph?

c. What is the new function with both changes?

©dbimages/Alamy

Module 6 276 Lesson 4

 17. A salesperson earns a base monthly salary of $2000 plus a 10% commission on sales. The salesperson’s
monthly income I (in dollars) is given by the function I​(s)​= 0.1s + 2000, where s is the sales (in
dollars) that the salesperson makes. Sketch a graph to illustrate each situation using the graph of
I​(s)​= 0.1s + 2000 as a reference.

A. The salesperson’s base salary is increased. B. The salesperson’s commission rate is decreased.

y y
2400 2400
Monthly income ($)

Monthly income ($)

2200 2200

2000 2000

1800 1800
x x
0 1000 3000 0 1000 3000
Sales ($) Sales ($)

18. Mr. Resnick is driving at a speed of 40 miles per hour to visit relatives who live 100 miles away from his
home. His distance d (in miles) from his destination is given by the function d​(t)​= 100 - 40t, where t
is the time (in hours) since his trip began. Sketch a graph to illustrate each situation. The graphs shown
already represent the function d​(t)​.

a. H
 e increases his speed to get to the b. H
 is starting distance from the destination is
destination sooner. (Hint: His distance increased because a detour forces him to take
from the destination decreases faster.) a longer route.

y y
150 150
Distance (mi)

Distance (mi)

100 100
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

50 50
x x
0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3
Time (h) Time (h)

 ive an example of another linear function within the same family of functions as d​(t)​= 100 - 40t.
c. G
Explain the meaning of each parameter in your example.

Module 6 277 Lesson 4

19. A book club charges a membership fee of $20 and then $12 for each book purchased.
Write a function to represent the cost y of membership in the club based on the
a. 
number of books purchased x.

b. 
Write a second function to represent the cost of membership if the club raises its
membership fee to $30.

c. 
Describe the relationship between the functions from parts A and B.

20. Match each effect on a graph with the appropriate change in m. The steepness of a line refers to the absolute
value of its slope. The greater the absolute value of the slope, the steeper the line. Complete the table to
summarize, in terms of steepness, the effect of changing the value of m on the graph of ƒ​(x)​= mx.

How the Value of m Changes Effect on the Graph of f​(x)​= mx

A. Increase m when m > 1.     Graph becomes steeper.
B. Decrease m when 0 < m < 1.     Graph becomes less steep.
C. Decrease m when m < -1.     Graph becomes steeper.
D. Increase m when 0 > m > -1.     Graph becomes less steep.

H.O.T. Focus on Higher Order Thinking

21. Explain the Error A student is asked to explain what happens with each of the parameters for the
following situation.
It costs a player $20 up front to join a basketball league and then $5 a week to play. If
the cost to join the league is reduced to $19 and the weekly fee increases to $6 a week,
what will happen to the function of the graph?

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

The student says that the graph will shift up because the value of b has increased and
then the graph will become less steep because the value of m has decreased.
Explain what the student has done incorrectly.

Module 6 278 Lesson 4

 22. Critique Reasoning Geoff says that changing the value of m while leaving b unchanged in
ƒ​(x)​= mx + b has no impact on the intercepts of the graph. Marcus disagrees with this statement.
Who is correct? Explain your reasoning.

23. Multiple Representations The graph of y = x + 3 is a vertical translation of the graph of y = x + 1,

2 units upward. Examine the intercepts of both lines and state another way that the geometric relationship
between the two graphs can be described.

24. Critique Reasoning Stephanie says that the graphs of y = 3x + 2 and y = 3x - 2 are parallel. Isabella
says that the graphs are perpendicular. Who is correct? Explain your reasoning.

25. Critical Thinking It has been shown that the graph of g​(x)​= x + 3 is the result of translating the graph
of ƒ​(x)​= x three units up. However, this can also be thought of as a horizontal translation—that is, a
translation left or right. Describe the horizontal translation of ƒ​(x)​= x to get the graph of g​(x)​= x + 3.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Module 6 279 Lesson 4

Lesson Performance Task
High-demand cars that are also in low supply tend to retain their value better than other cars.
The data in the table is for a car that won a resale value award.

Year 1 3 5

Value (​ %)​ 84 64 44

a. Write a function to represent the change in the percentage of

the car’s value over time. Assume that the function is linear for
the first 5 years.

b. According to the model, by what percent did the car’s value

drop the day it was purchased and driven off the lot?

c. Would the linear model be useful after 10 years? Explain why

or why not.

d. Suppose months were used instead of years to write the

function. How would the model change? What is the
relationship of the new function to the original function?

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Module 6 280 Lesson 4