F. Translations and Reflections of Functions
F. Translations and Reflections of Functions
NOTES SOLUTIONS
This worksheet will show you how to work out different types of translations
and reflections questions. Each section contains a worked example, a
question with hints and then questions for you to work through on your own.
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Section A
Worked Example
Since the translation number +3 is outside the bracket, this is a translation in the vertical
direction. The curve will be shifted upwards by 3 units.
Each coordinate is moved up 3 units. In particular, the 𝑦𝑦-intercept moves from position
(0,0) to position (0,3).
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Guided Example
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Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.
a) 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥 + 2)
b) 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥 ) − 1
c) 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥 − 2) + 4
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2. A curve is described by the function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥 ) = 𝑥𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑥 + 1.
Sketch the following translations:
a) 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥 + 3)
b) 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥 ) − 2
c) 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥 − 1) + 5
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Section B
Worked Example
Step 1: Reflection involves introducing a negative sign to the equation for the function. Identify
where the negative sign needs to be put in the function equation for the required reflection.
As this is a reflection in the x-axis, the negative sign will be put outside the bracket.
Sketch the new curve by reflecting the given graph in the x-axis.
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Guided Example
A curve is given by the function 𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) = 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 . The curve is reflected in the y-axis.
Write the reflection and sketch the new curve.
Step 1: Reflection involves introducing a negative sign to the equation for the function. Identify
where the negative sign needs to be put in the function equation for the required reflection.
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Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.
3. A curve is described by the equation 𝑓𝑓 (𝑥𝑥 ) = (𝑥𝑥 − 4)3 . Sketch the curve and write the
equation of the new function if the curve is reflected in:
a) the 𝑥𝑥-axis
b) the 𝑦𝑦-axis
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