Transforming functions
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 1f. Transformations – transforming graphs – f(x) notation
Key points
• The transformation y = f(x) ± a is a
translation of y = f(x) parallel to the y-axis;
it is a vertical translation.
As shown on the graph,
o y = f(x) + a translates y = f(x) up
o y = f(x) – a translates y = f(x) down.
• The transformation y = f(x ± a) is a
translation of y = f(x) parallel to the x-axis;
it is a horizontal translation.
As shown on the graph,
o y = f(x + a) translates y = f(x) to the left
o y = f(x – a) translates y = f(x) to the right.
• The transformation y = f(ax) is a horizontal
1
stretch of y = f(x) with scale factor
a
parallel to the x-axis.
• The transformation y = f(–ax) is a
horizontal stretch of y = f(x) with scale
1
factor parallel to the x-axis and then a
a
reflection in the y-axis.
• The transformation y = af(x) is a vertical
stretch of y = f(x) with scale factor a
parallel to the y-axis.
• The transformation y = –af(x) is a vertical
stretch of y = f(x) with scale factor a
parallel to the y-axis and then a reflection
in the x-axis.
A2400 ch4o | Version 1.1 | September 2020
Practice questions
1 The graph shows the function y = f(x).
a Sketch the graph of y = f(x) + 2
b Sketch the graph of y = f(x + 2)
2 The graph shows the function y = f(x).
a Copy the graph and on the same axes
sketch and label the graph of y = 3f(x).
b Make another copy of the graph and on
the same axes sketch and label the graph
of y = f(2x).
3 The graph shows the function y = f(x).
Copy the graph and on the same axes
sketch and label the graphs of
y = –2f(x) and y = f(3x).
4 The graph shows the function y = f(x).
Copy the graph and, on the same axes,
sketch the graph of y = –f(2x).
A2400 ch4o | Version 1.1 | September 2020
Answers
1 a b
2 a b
A2400 ch4o | Version 1.1 | September 2020