Algebra:

Transforming Graphs
 Learning Objective
• To understand how to transform graphs using function notation.

Success Criteria
• To apply simple reflections of a function.
• To apply translations of a function.
• To apply a combination of transformations to a function.
Starter
Answers
 Investigate
In pairs, complete the table for each pair of graphs and plot them on the same axes.

What do you notice?

Can you find a general rule?

Test your rule out on a function of your choice.

 Investigate
f (x) + 2 translates the graph up 2 units.

f (x) – 1 translates the graph down 1 unit.

General Rule:
f (x) + a represents a translation by the vector .
 Investigate
f (x + 2) translates the graph left 2 units.

f (x – 1) translates the graph right 1 unit.

General Rule:
f (x + a) represents a translation by the vector .
 Investigate
General Rule:
-f (x) represents a reflection in the x-axis.

f (-x) represents a reflection in the y-axis.

 Worked Example 1
f(x) + 1
The graph of y = f(x) is shown. f(x – 2)

Sketch the graph of y = f(x) + 1.

Sketch the graph of y = f(x – 2).

Important: Although the question has asked you to ‘sketch’ the graph, you must still make
sure the coordinates of the turning points and any intercepts are clearly labelled.
 Worked Example 2
The graph of y = f (x) is shown. The point P has coordinates (3, 2)
Find the coordinates of the point P when the graph is transformed to:

(-3, 2) (1, 2)

•–f (x)

•f (x + 2)

•f (-x)

(3, -2)
 Worked Example 3
The graph of y = f(x) is shown. It has a
turning point at (5, 1).

Write down the coordinate of the turning

point when the graph is transformed to:

(5, 3)

(7.5, 1)
a)f(x) – 3

b)f(x - 2.5)

c)-f(x) + 4
(5, -2)
 Your Turn
Complete the Activity Sheet.
 Plenary
Using learning from today’s lesson, explain why:

a)The graph of y = (x + 2)² + 4 has a turning point of (-2, 4)

b)The graph of y = (x – 3)² – 1 has a turning point of (3, -1)

Hence, write down the turning point of the graph y = (x + a)² + b.