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2.5 Transformations of Functions
Horizontal Shifts:
Operations inside of the function affect the x values and do OPPOSITE of what you expect. If a number is
added inside the function, you subtract that number from each x-value. If a number is subtracted inside
the function, you add that number to each x-value.
Horizontal Stretching and Shrinking:
When multiplication is inside of the function, it changes the x value opposite of the way you expect. If
you are multiplying by a number INSIDE the function, you will divide each x-value by that number.
Reflection about the y-Axis
The graph of y = f(–x) is the graph of y = f(x) reflected about the y-axis. Since the negative is inside the
function it changes the x-values. Since multiplying by -1 gives the same result as dividing by -1, you do
not have to worry about “doing the opposite”.
Vertical Stretching and Shrinking:
When multiplication is outside of the function, it changes the y-value in the way you expect. If you are
multiplying by a number OUTSIDE of the function, you will multiply each y-value by that number.
Reflection about the x-Axis
The graph of y = – f(x) is the graph of y = f(x) reflected about the x-axis. Since the negative is outside the
function it changes the sign of the y-values.
Vertical Shifts:
Operations outside of the function affect the y values and do what you normally expect. If a number is
added outside the function, you add that number to each y-value. If a number is subtracted outside the
function, you subtract that number from each y-value.
Addition outside makes the y value larger (shift up), subtraction outside makes it smaller (shift down).
ORDER OFTEN MATTERS!
Start inside the function or inside the parentheses. Things inside affect the x-values and you do the
opposite of everything, including order of operations. Think about it like you are trying to solve for x.
Then work with the numbers outside of the function Things outside affect the y-values and you do
everything in the usual order, including order of operations.
OR memorize the following order:
1. Horizontal shifts 2. Stretching or shrinking 3. Reflections 4. Vertical shifting
Although these 2 methods will have you do things in slightly different orders, either way (if done
correctly) will always result in the correct answer.
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Graphing Using a Sequence of Transformations:
Examples:
1. Describe, in words, the transformations you would use to graph 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥 + 2) − 3 from the graph of
𝑓(𝑥).
2. Describe, in words, the transformations you would use to graph 𝑔(𝑥) = −(3𝑥 − 1)2 + 2 from the graph
of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 .
3. If the point P given below is on the graph of a function f, find the corresponding point on the
graph of g.
a. P = (0, 5) 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑓(𝑥 + 5) − 3
b. P = (6, 8) 𝑔(𝑥) = −𝑓(3𝑥) + 1
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4. Use transformations of the given graph, 𝑓(𝑥), to graph 𝑓 (− 2 𝑥 − 1) + 2. Label 3 points on your graph.
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5. Graph the function 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥, then use
transformations to graph 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 1 + 3. Label 3
points on the graph of 𝑔(𝑥),
6. Use transformations of the given graph, 𝑓(𝑥), to
graph 𝑓(−𝑥 + 2) − 3. Label 3 points on your graph.
7. Graph the function 𝑦 = |𝑥|, then use transformations to
graph 𝑦 = −3|𝑥 + 2| + 5. Label 3 points on your graph.
