1.

2 Reflections
In the last section we looked at translations – in which the position of a graph is altered. Think – picking up a
graph and moving it left / right or up / down …. and then dropping it.
We’ll next consider reflections, which affects a graphs orientation. Think of – lifting the top or bottom (or left
side or right side) of a graph and flipping it over. (Vertically or horizontally)

Warm-up
Exploration #1 Vertical Reflections %

1 The graph on the function ( # # 3 2

is on the right. Sketch the mirror image of the
graph, reflected in the #-axis. Be sure to
indicate the placement of the 7 indicated points.
Label the new graph $ < # .
2 Describe how the coordinates change from the graph
of $ ( # to $ < # .

3 State the equation of < # , in terms of ( # .

4 Explain how to change the equation of a function,

such as $ # 3 2, so that the graph is reflected
about the #-axis. Determine an equation of the
reflected graph, in terms of #.

Exploration #2
1 The graph of $ ( # is on the right. Sketch the mirror
image graph, again reflected in the #-axis.
Label the new graph $ < # , and label the new
coordinates of the five indicated points.

2 State the mapping rule that describes the change in

all coordinates from $ ( # to $ < # .

3 State the coordinates of the two points that are on %

both the graph of $ ( # and $ < # . What do
they have in common?

Exploration #3
1 Sketch function $9 #2 4# 5 in your graphing calculator. State the coordinates of the vertex.

2 Sketch function $2 # 2 4# 5 in your graphing calculator and state the coordinates of the
vertex. How do the two graphs compare?

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1.2 Reflections

A function % , transformed to % , is vertically reflected in the -axis. We can

alternatively say “vertically reflected about the line $ 0”
All points are transformed #, $ → #, $ . Points on the #-axis are invariant. (they don’t change)
To obtain the new equation of a graph vertically reflected about the #-axis, replace with .

Let’s dive in on that last note, to obtain the equation - replace “$” with “ $”.
We saw this in action in Warm-Up #3 where we graphed $9 #2 4# 5
and $2 # 2 4# 5 . Vertex is at 2, 1

Start with: $ #2 4# 5
After vertical
Replace with : $ #2 4# 5 reflection it’s at
2, 1
Isolate : $ #2 4# 5
Now simplify: $ #2 4# 5

To obtain the equation of a graph that’s been vertically reflected about the line $ 0, either
replace in the original equation with … OR (equivalently) make the entire original equation negative.
Same result – both simplify
to $ # 2 4# 5
$ #2 4# 5 $ #2 4# 5

Exploration #4 Horizontal Reflections

1 The graph on the function ( # # 2 is on the right.
Sketch the mirror image of the graph, reflected in the $-axis.
Be sure to indicate the placement of the 4 indicated points.
Label the new graph $ < # .
2 Describe how the coordinates change from the graph
of $ ( # to $ < # .

3 State the equation, in terms of #, of $ < # .

Explore using your graphing calculator!
Explain how to change the equation of a function so that the graph is reflected about the $-axis.

Exploration #5
1 The graph of $ ( # is on the right. Sketch the mirror
image graph, this time reflected in the $-axis.
Label the new graph $ ℎ # , and label the new
coordinates of the five indicated points.
2 State the mapping rule that describes the change in
all coordinates from $ ( # to $ ℎ # .

3 State the coordinates of the point that is on both the

graph of $ ( # and $ ℎ # . %

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 Chapter 1 – Transformations

Exploration #6

1 Sketch function $9 #2 4# 5 in your graphing calculator. State the coordinates of the vertex.

2 Sketch function $2 # 2 4 # 5 in your graphing calculator and state the coordinates of the
vertex. How do the two graphs compare?

A function % , transformed to % , is horizontally reflected in the -axis. We can

alternatively say “horizontally reflected about the line # 0”
All points are transformed #, $ → #, $ . Points on the $-axis are invariant.
To obtain the new equation of a graph horizontally reflected about the $-axis, replace with .

Let’s dive in on that last note, to obtain the equation - replace “#” with “ #”.
In Warm-Up #6 above we graphed $9 #2 4# 5 and
$2 # 2 4 # 5

Which simplifies to: $ #2 4# 5 After horizontal Vertex is at 2, 1

reflection it’s at
2, 1

Exploration #7 Summary of Reflection Types

1 For each reflected graph below, where indicated (), state the function equation in terms of ( # , then
indicate the mapping rule and invariant points.
2 For each reflected graph where indicated (), state the function equation in terms of #.

Vertical Reflection Horizontal Reflection

% %

Mapping Rule:
, All pts #, $ →
Mapping Rule:
All pts #, $ →
, ,
Any invariant point(s)
,
Any invariant point(s) are on the
are on the
 

 

$ ( #
Math foreshadowing time: There’s actually a third type of reflection we consider
in this course – a reflection about the line $ #. # ( $
Here, for all points on the graph and the equation, ,
we switch and .
We’ll revisit this type of reflection at the end of the unit! ,

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1.2 Reflections
Visit math30-1edge.com for solutions
Class Example 1.21 Sketching a Reflected Graph to all warm-ups and class examples

Given the graph of $ ( # below, i – describe the type of reflection, ii - sketch each indicated graph,
iii - provide a corresponding mapping rule, and iv - describe the location of any invariant point(s).
(a) Sketch the graph of $ ( # (b) Sketch the graph of $ ( #
i - Type of Reflection: i - Type of Reflection:
ii ii

% %

iii - Mapping Rule: iii - Mapping Rule:

iv – Invariant Point(s): iv – Invariant Point(s):

Worked The graph of % is transformed by a vertical and horizontal reflection, as

Example described below. For each scenario, sketch the resulting graph and:
(i) State an equation for the reflected function in terms of ( # and in terms of #
(ii) Determine the new coordinates for the point B 5, 2 after the transformation
(iii) State the location of an coordinates of any invariant point(s)
(iv) State the domain and range of each transformed function
(a) The graph of $ ( # is vertically (b) The graph of y ( # is horizontally
reflected about the line $ 0. reflected about the line # 0.
Sol: (a) Vertical reflection involves making “$”, (b) Horizontal reflection involves making only
that is the entire expression, negative. “#” negative.
i - Equation in terms of (: % i - Equation in terms of (: %
Equation in terms of #: $ # 4 1 Equation in terms of #: $ # 4 1
Simplifies to…. OPTION - Simplifies to….

ii – New coordinates of B 5, 2 : &, ii – New coordinates of B 5, 2 : &,

iii – Invariant pts are on the #-axis: ,! iii – Invariant pts are on the $-axis: !,
iv – Domain of ( # is No change in the domain iv – Domain of $ ( # is | ≤ , ∈ℝ
#|# 4, # ∈ ℝ after vertical reflection
No change to the Range of $ ( # , it is
Range of ( # is Range after vertical reflection still $|$ 1, $ ∈ ℝ
$|$ 1, $ ∈ ℝ is | ≤ , ∈ ℝ

$ ( # $ # 4 1 $ ( #
4, 1

, 4, 1 4, 1
$ # 4 1

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 Chapter 1 – Transformations

Class Example 1.22 Applying Reflections to a Function and Graph

The graph of % G is transformed by a vertical and horizontal reflection, as described below.

Answer all questions as prompted.
(a) The graph of $ ( # is vertically (b) The graph of $ ( # is horizontally
reflected about the line $ 0. reflected about the line # 0.

i Equation of transformed function, i Equation of transformed function,

in terms of ( # : in terms of ( # :

Equation, in Equation, in
terms of #: terms of #:

ii Given the graph of $ ( # , sketch the ii Given the graph of $ ( # , sketch the
transformed function on the same grid: (Be sure transformed function on the same grid: (Be sure
to plot the new location of any indicated points) to plot the new location of any indicated points)

iii Coordinates of invariant point(s): iii Coordinates of invariant point(s):

iv Domain of iv Domain of
transformed function: transformed function:

Range of Range of
transformed function: transformed function:

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1.2 Reflections

When considering reflections of different types of functions,

we encounter some interesting cases!

 First, consider % . %
We can reflect this graph vertically, with the resulting equation .
What if we tried to reflect the graph of % horizontally?
Would this change the graph? How about the equation?
2
$ #
simplifies to… (same function!)
$ ( #

 Next, consider the graphs of ' and . .

1 For both of these graphs - notice either a vertical

< # 
# or horizontal reflection gives the same graph!
 ℎ # #?

1, 1 Vertical reflection: … & Horizontal:

1 1
$ $
1, 1 # same! #

$ #? $ # ?
same!

Can you see visualize how the graphs would also be the same?

$ # ?
Also note that applying both reflections
returns the original function: Vert. reflection Horizontal

Class Example 1.23 Applying two types of Reflections

The graph of % 1, as shown on the right, is transformed

to ' by applying both a vertical and horizontal reflection.

(a) Sketch the graph of $ < # on the same grid.

Does the order in which the reflections are applied matter? %
(b) State an equation for $ < # , both in terms of
( # and in terms of #.

(c) State the domain and range for $ < # .

Page |22
 Chapter 1 – Transformations

1.2 Practice Questions

1. Each graph below, sketch the indicated function on the same grid, and provide the indicated characteristics.
(a) $ ( # (b) $ < # (c) $ ℎ #

% .

'

i Mapping Rule: i Mapping Rule: i Mapping Rule:

ii Invariant point(s): ii Invariant point(s):

2. For each function below, sketch the function as described, and provide the equations and invariant points.
(a) Sketch $ < # , obtained by reflecting the (b) Sketch $ 5 # , obtained by reflecting the
graph of $ ( # in the line $ 0 graph of $ ℎ # about the $-axis

i Equation of < # i Equation of 5 #

in terms of ( # : in terms of ℎ # :

ii Equation of < # ii Equation of 5 #

in terms of #: in terms of #:

iii Coordinates of iii Coordinates of

Invariant point(s): Invariant point(s):

3. Determine the equation of each transformed function, obtained by reflecting the graph of :

(a) About the line $ 0 (b) About the line # 0

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1.2 Reflections

4. For each of the following, the thicker graph of is obtained by transforming the thinner graph. For (a)
and (b) a reflection is applied, (c) enjoys both a reflection and a translation.
Determine an equation representing each thicker graph, as prompted.
(a) (b) (c)
$ ( #

$ ℎ #
$ H #
' /

5. Each graph of $ < # below is obtained by reflecting the corresponding graph of $ ( # . Determine an
equation representing $ < # , in terms of #, for each.
(c) ( # # 3 2 1
(a) ( # # ? 6# 2 12# 8 (b) ( # # 3 2

% ' ' ' %

Step-by-step solutions, along with videos and additional practice exams, can be found at math30-1edge.com
1. (a) %
(b) (c)

i #, $ → #, $ '
ii 0 , 3
.
on $-axis
i #, $ → #, $
2. (a) i #, $ → #, $
' ii 5, 0 and 2, 0 , on #-axis

(b) i 5 # ℎ #

,, ii 5 # # 9 1
,
i < # ( # optional - simplify:
ii < # # 1 2 1 / ,
iii 2, 0 and 0, 0 ' iii 0, 2
on #-axis on $-axis
2 2
3. (a) $ 2# # 1 (b) $ 2# # 1

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 Chapter 1 – Transformations

6. Each graph of $ 5 # below is obtained by reflecting the corresponding graph of $ ℎ # . Determine an

equation representing $ 5 # , in terms of #, for each case.
(a) ℎ # # 4 3 (b) ℎ # # 3 4

/
. /

(c) ℎ # #? 2# 2 11# 12 (d) ℎ # #? 2# 2 11# 12

. / .

7. Each of $ < # below is obtained by reflecting the corresponding graph of $ ( # and applying a
translation. Determine an equation representing $ < # , in terms of ( # , for each case.
(a) (b) (c)

% '

%
' % '

8. $ ( # has a domain #|# 7 , # ∈ ℝ , a range $|$ ≤ 1 , $ ∈ ℝ , and a graph that passes through B 6, 2 .
Determine the new domain and range, as well as the new coordinates of B when the graph of $ ( # is:
(a) Reflected about the (b) Reflected about (c) Reflected about the line $ 0 and
line $ 0 the $-axis vertically translated 5 units down.

i D: i D: i D:
ii R: ii R: ii R:

iii P iii P iii P

Answers from previous page
4. (a) < # ( # (b) 5 # ℎ # (c) 1 # H # 2
? 2
5. (a) < # # 6# 12# 8
Pretty neat how that
(b) < # # 3 2 Optional – simplify to…. worked out, no?
2 2 2 2
(c) < # # 3 1 < # 1 # 3 1 < # 1 # 3 1 '

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1.2 Reflections
2
9. A function ( # # 6 2 is reflected about the line # 0.
 Exam
Style
Use the codes below to complete the following statement.

0 Horizontally 2 18 6 left
1 Vertically 3 12 7 right NR This provides the same affect as ______ translating
4 6 8 up first digit of answer
the graph _____ units _____.
5 4 9 down
second digit third digit

10.
 Exam
Style
The point B 8, 2 lies on the graph of a function $ ( # . Listed below are all possible
coordinates of the new point corresponding to B after ( # undergoes a transformation.
Point 1 8, 2 Point 2 8, 2 Point 3 24, 6
Point 4 2 8 Point 5 8, 2 Point 6 8, 6

NR The corresponding point when the graph of $ ( # is

Reflected in the line # 0 is _____. First digit of your answer
Reflected in the line $ 0 is _____. First digit of your answer
Transformed to $ 4 ( # 16 is ____. Third digit of your answer

11. The graph of a function 1 # # 2 10# 33 is horizontally reflected in the line # 0.

 Exam
Style An equation for the resulting function is:
A. $ #2 10# 33
B. $ #2 10# 33
C. $ #2 10# 33
D. $ #2 10# 33

12. A function $ ( # has a range of ∞ , 11 . When the function is transformed

 Exam
Style to $ 3 ( # , the resulting function has a range of:
A. ∞, 14
B. 14, ∞
C. ∞, 8
D. 8, ∞

Answers from previous page as well as this page

6. (a) 5 # # 4 3 optionally simplify to / (b) 5 # # 3 4
(c) 5 # #? 2# 2 11# 12 (d) 5 # # ? 2# 2 11# 12
7. (a) < # ( # 3 (b) < # ( # 1 (c) < # ( # 3
Vertically reflect, Shift 3 up Horizontally reflect, Shift 1 unit left Horizontally reflect, Shift 3 units right
8. (a) i #|# 7,# ∈ ℝ ii $|$ 1 , $ ∈ ℝ iii 6, 2 (b) i #|# ≤ 7 , # ∈ ℝ ii $|$ ≤ 1 , $ ∈ ℝ iii 6, 2
(c) i #|# 7, # ∈ ℝ ii $|$ 6,$ ∈ ℝ iii 6, 3

9. 037 10. 521 11. A 12. B

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