33 Function Transformations
33 Function Transformations
33 Function Transformations
Just like Transformations in Geometry, we can move and resize the graphs of functions
Let us start with a function, in this case it is
f(x) = x2
Here are some simple things we can do to move or scale it on the graph:
g(x) = x2 + C
Note: to move the line down, we use a negative value for C.
C > 0 moves it up
g(x) = (x+C)2
Adding C moves the function to the left (the negative direction).
Why? Well imagine you will inherit a fortune when your age=25. If you change that
to(age+4) = 25 then you would get it when you are 21. Adding 4 made it happen earlier.
An easy way to remember what happens to the graph when we add a constant:
add to y, go high
add to x, go left
BUT we must add C wherever x appears in the function (we are substituting x+C for x).
g(x) = 0.35(x2)
C > 1 stretches it
g(x) = (2x)2
C > 1 compresses it
Note that (unlike for the y-direction), bigger values cause more compression.
g(x) = (x2)
This is also called reflection about the x-axis (the axis where y=0)
We can combine a negative value with a scaling:
Example: multiplying by 2 will flip it upside down AND stretch it in the y-direction.
g(x) = (x)2
2
It really does flip it left and right! But you can't see it, because x is symmetrical about
the y-axis. So here is another example using (x):
g(x) = (x)
This is also called reflection about the y-axis (the axis where x=0)
Summary
y = f(x) + C
y = f(x + C)
C > 0 moves it up
y = Cf(x)
y = f(Cx)
y = f(x)
y = f(x)
Examples
Example: the function g(x) = 1/x
Here are some things we can do:
Move 2 spaces up:
h(x) = 1/x + 2
h(x) = 1/x 3
h(x) = 1/(x+5)
h(x) = 2/x
h(x) = 1/x
w(x) = x3 4x + 2
w(x) = x3 4x 3
w(x) = x3 + 4x
a is vertical stretch/compression
b is horizontal stretch/compression
c is horizontal shift
d is vertical shift
Example: 2(x+1)+1
a=2, c=1, d=1
So it takes the square root function, and then
Shifts it up 1