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