Function Transformations
Just like Transformations in Geometry, we can move and resize the graphs of functions
Let us start with a function, in this case it is
f(x) = x2, but it could be anything:
f(x) = x2
Here are some simple things we can do to move or scale it on the graph:
We can move it up or down by adding a constant to the y-value:
g(x) = x2 + C
Note: to move the line down, we use a negative value for C.
C > 0 moves it up
C < 0 moves it down
We can move it left or right by adding a constant to the x-value:
g(x) = (x+C)2
Adding C moves the function to the left (the negative direction).
Why? Well imagine you will inherit a fortune when your age=25. If you change that
to(age+4) = 25 then you would get it when you are 21. Adding 4 made it happen earlier.
C > 0 moves it left
C < 0 moves it right
An easy way to remember what happens to the graph when we add a constant:
add to y, go high
add to x, go left
BUT we must add C wherever x appears in the function (we are substituting x+C for x).
Example: the function v(x) = x3 - x2 + 4x
To move C spaces to the left, add C to x wherever x appears:
w(x) = (x + C)3 - (x + C)2 + 4(x + C)
We can stretch or compress it in the y-direction by multiplying the whole
function by a constant.
g(x) = 0.35(x2)
C > 1 stretches it
0 < C < 1 compresses it
We can stretch or compress it in the x-direction by multiplying x by a constant.
g(x) = (2x)2
C > 1 compresses it
0 < C < 1 stretches it
Note that (unlike for the y-direction), bigger values cause more compression.
We can flip it upside down by multiplying the whole function by 1:
g(x) = (x2)
This is also called reflection about the x-axis (the axis where y=0)
We can combine a negative value with a scaling:
Example: multiplying by 2 will flip it upside down AND stretch it in the y-direction.
We can flip it left-right by multiplying the x-value by 1:
g(x) = (x)2
2
It really does flip it left and right! But you can't see it, because x is symmetrical about
the y-axis. So here is another example using (x):
g(x) = (x)
This is also called reflection about the y-axis (the axis where x=0)
Summary
y = f(x) + C
y = f(x + C)
C > 0 moves it up
C < 0 moves it down
C > 0 moves it left
y = Cf(x)
y = f(Cx)
C < 0 moves it right
C > 1 stretches it in the y-direction
0 < C < 1 compresses it
C > 1 compresses it in the xdirection
0 < C < 1 stretches it
y = f(x)
Reflects it about x-axis
y = f(x)
Reflects it about y-axis
Examples
Example: the function g(x) = 1/x
Here are some things we can do:
Move 2 spaces up:
h(x) = 1/x + 2
Move 3 spaces down:
h(x) = 1/x 3
Move 4 spaces to the right:
h(x) = 1/(x4) graph
Move 5 spaces to the left:
h(x) = 1/(x+5)
Stretch it by 2 in the y-direction:
h(x) = 2/x
Compress it by 3 in the x-direction: h(x) = 1/(3x)
Flip it upside down:
h(x) = 1/x
Example: the function v(x) = x3 4x
Here are some things we can do:
Move 2 spaces up:
w(x) = x3 4x + 2
Move 3 spaces down:
w(x) = x3 4x 3
Move 4 spaces to the right:
w(x) = (x4)3 4(x4)
Move 5 spaces to the left:
w(x) = (x+5)3 4(x+5) graph
Stretch it by 2 in the y-direction:
w(x) = 2(x3 4x) = 2x3 8x
Compress it by 3 in the x-direction: w(x) = (3x)3 4(3x) = 27x3 12x
Flip it upside down:
w(x) = x3 + 4x
All In One ... !
We can do all transformation in one go using this:
a is vertical stretch/compression
|a| > 1 stretches
|a| < 1 compresses
a < 0 flips the graph upside down
b is horizontal stretch/compression
|b| > 1 compresses
|b| < 1 stretches
b < 0 flips the graph left-right
c is horizontal shift
c < 0 shifts to the right
c > 0 shifts to the left
d is vertical shift
d > 0 shifts upward
d < 0 shifts downward
Example: 2(x+1)+1
a=2, c=1, d=1
So it takes the square root function, and then
Stretches it by 2 in the y-direction
Shifts it left 1, and
Shifts it up 1
