e P ar e n t

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Tran
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Func
What is a Parent Function

A parent function is the most

basic version of an algebraic
function.
Types of Parent Functions
Linear f(x) = mx + b

Quadratic f(x) = x2

Square Root f(x) = √x

Exponential f(x) = bx

Rational f(x) = 1/x

Logarithmic f(x) = logbx

Absolute Value f(x) = |x|

Types of Transformations
Vertical Translations

Vertical

Stretc h

Vertical Compression

Reflections

Over the
x-axis
….More Transformations
Horizontal Translations

Horizontal S t r e t c h

Horizontal Compression

Reflections
Over the y-axis
FAMILIES TRAVEL
TOGETHER……
Families of Functions

If a, h, and k are real numbers with a≠0, then the graph of

y = a f(x–h)+k is a transformation of the graph of y = f ( x).

All of the transformations of a function form a family of

functions.

F(x) = (a - h)+ k – Transformations should be applied from

the “inside – out” order.
Horizontal Translations
If h > 0, then the graph of y = f (x – h) is a translation of h units to
the RIGHT of the graph of the parent function.

Example: f(x) = ( x – 3)

If h<0,then the graph of y=f(x–h) is a translation of |h| units to the

LEFT of the graph of parent function.

Example: f(x) = (x + 4)
*Remember the actual transformation is (x-h), and subtracting a
negative is the same as addition.
Vertical Translations
If k>0, then the graph of y=f(x)+k is a translation of k
units UP of the graph of y = f (x).

Example: f(x) = x2 + 3

If k<0, then the graph of y=f(x)+k is a translation of |k|

units DOWN of the graph of y = f ( x).

Example: f(x) = x2 - 4
Vertical Stretch or Compression
The graph of y = a f( x) is obtained from the graph of the
parent function by:

stretching the graph of y = f ( x) by a when a > 1.

Example: f(x) = 3x2

compressing the graph of y=f(x) by a when 0<a<1.

Example: f(x) = 1/2x2

Reflections
The graph of y = -a f(x) is reflected over the y-axis.

The graph of y = f(-x) is reflected over the x-axis.

Transformations - Summarized

Y = a f( x-h) + k
Vertical
Stretch Horizontal Horizontal Vertic
Stretch Translation al
or or compression
Trans
compressio
lation
n
Multiple Transformations
Graph a function involving more than one transformation
in the following order:
Horizontal translation
Stretching or compressing
Reflecting
Vertical translation
Are we there yet?
Parent Functions

Function Families
Transformations
Multiple Transformations
Inverses

Asymptotes
Where do we go from here?
Inverses of functions
Inverse functions are reflected over the y = x line.
When given a table of values, interchange the x and y values
to find the coordinates of an inverse function.
When given an equation, interchange the x and y variables,
and solve for y.
Asymptotes
Boundary line that a graph will not cross.

Vertical Asymptotes

Horizontal Asymptotes

Asymptotes adjust with the transformations of the parent

functions.