Lesson 14: Effects of Changing the Values of a, h and k
Learning Competency
The learner will be able to analyze the effects of changing the values of a, h, and k in the
equation 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘 of a quadratic equation on it graph.
Prepare Yourself
All functions have a parent function. For all quadratic functions, the parent function is 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 .
The Parent Function of Quadratic Functions
The graph of a quadratic function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 is related to the graph of its
parent functions. If 𝑎 > 0, then its parent function is 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 . Otherwise, if 𝑎 < 0,the
parent function is 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 .
This means that the graph of the parent function is copied and translated on the same
Cartesian plane but with different vertex, axis of symmetry, y-intercept, and zeros (if the
real zeroes exist).
These are the graphs of the parent function.
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝒙𝟐
It is likewise interesting to note how a quadratic function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘 is affected by the
changes in a, h, and k.
Effects of Changing a in the Parent Function
Quadratic Function Changing in the Graph
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 where |𝒂| > 𝟏 As the |𝑎| increases, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 becomes narrower.
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 where |𝒂| < 𝟏 As the |𝑎| decreases, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 becomes wider.
Example 1. In one Cartesian coordinate plane, draw the graph of each quadratic function.
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a. 𝑦1 = 3𝑥 2 c. 𝑦3 = 2 𝑥 2
b. 𝑦2 = 2𝑥 2 d. 𝑦4 = 0.2𝑥 2
Using Desmos graphing calculator, enter each of the four (4) quadratic functions
above.
Effects of Changing h in the Parent Function
Quadratic Function Changing in the Graph
𝑦 = (𝑥 − ℎ)2 The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 shifts h units to the right.
𝑦 = (𝑥 + ℎ)2 The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 shifts h units to the left.
Example 2. In one Cartesian coordinate plane, draw the graph of each quadratic function.
a. 𝑦1 = (𝑥 − 1)2 c. 𝑦3 = (𝑥 + 2)2
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b. 𝑦2 = (𝑥 − 3) d. 𝑦4 = (𝑥 + 4)2
Using Desmos graphing calculator, enter each of the four (4) quadratic functions above.
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Effects of Changing k in the Parent Function
Quadratic Function Changing in the Graph
𝑦 = 𝑥2 + 𝑘 The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 shifts k units upward.
𝑦 = 𝑥2 − 𝑘 The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 shifts k units downward.
Example 3. In one Cartesian coordinate plane, draw the graph of each quadratic function.
a. 𝑦1 = 𝑥 2 + 1 c. 𝑦3 = 𝑥 2 − 1
b. 𝑦2 = 𝑥 2 + 3 d. 𝑦4 = 𝑥 2 − 2
Using Desmos graphing calculator, enter each of the four (4) quadratic functions above.
Learn More
Here’s a short tutorial video from YouTube discussing the effects of changing the values
of a, h, and k:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1nAWKxKloc
Expand your Knowledge
Summing up:
1) What is the effect of changing a in the parent function? Specifically, when:
a. |𝑎| > 1?
b. |𝑎| < 1?
2) What is the effect of changing h in the parent function? Specifically, when:
a. 𝑦 = (𝑥 − ℎ)2 ?
b. 𝑦 = (𝑥 + ℎ)2 ?
3) What is the effect of changing k in the parent function? Specifically, when:
a. 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒌?
b. 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝒌?
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Test Yourself
A. Describe the shifts of the graphs of each quadratic function with respect to their
parent function. Write the answers on the blanks provided for each number.
Examples:
𝑦 = 𝑥2 − 5 5 units downward
𝑦 = (𝑥 − 4)2 4 units to the right
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𝑦 = 0.5𝑥 graph becomes wider
1) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2 ______________________________
2) 𝑦 = 4𝑥 2 ______________________________
3) 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 5)2 ______________________________
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4) 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 3 ______________________________
5) 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 1)2 ______________________________
B. Using a graphing paper, graph each of the QFs in Part A by applying the effects of a, h, and
k.
References:
Diaz, Zenaida et al. (2014). Next Century Mathematics (The New Grade 9). Phoenix
Publishing House, Inc., 927 Quezon Ave., Quezon City.
Rivera, J.M. and Lim, C. (2019). The World of Mathematics and Beyond. Brilliant
Creations Publishing, Inc., Novaliches, Quezon City.
www.youtube.com
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