Functions

4. Transforming Functions

We can translate a graph by moving it up, down left and right.

A translation can be represented by a vector.

𝑝
 𝑞   denotes a translation of p horizontally and q vertically.

−3
For example:       represent a shift of 3 units to the left and 2 units
2
up.

In function notation the four translations above can be summarised as

follows:

𝑘   >  0  
 
𝑓 𝑥   +  𝑘   ∶    move  the  function  up  𝑘  units  
 
𝑓 𝑥   −  𝑘   ∶    move  the  function  down  𝑘  units  
 
𝑓 𝑥 + 𝑘   ∶    move  the  function  left  𝑘  units  
 
𝑓 𝑥 − 𝑘   ∶    move  the  function  right  𝑘  units
We can reflect a graph in the x-axis (turns the graph of the function
upside down) and we can reflect it in the y-axis (makes the graph look
back to front).

𝑦 = −𝑓 𝑥   ∶    reflects  the  graph  in  the  x − axis.  

 
𝑦   =  𝑓 −𝑥   ∶  reflects  the  graph  in  the  y − axis.

We can stretch or graphs horizontally and vertically.

𝑦 = 𝑘𝑓 𝑥 ∶ multiply  the  y − coordinates  by  k.          

Stretch  if  𝑘 > 1. Compress  if  0 < 𝑘 < 1.  

 
𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑘𝑥 ∶ divide  the  x − coordinates  by  k.                      

Stretch  if  0 < 𝑘 < 1. Compress  if  𝑘 > 1.