Transformation of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) parallel to the 𝑦-axis

Transformation Description Effect

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) Translation of 𝑎 units in the Add 𝑎 units to all the 𝑦-coordinates

Replace 𝑦 by 𝑦 − 𝑎 positive 𝑦 direction on graph
𝑦 − 𝑎 = 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) Scaling of factor 𝑎 parallel to Multiply 𝑎 to all the 𝑦-coordinates

Replace 𝑦 by
𝑦 the 𝑦-axis on graph
𝑎
𝑦
𝑎
= 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) Reflection in the 𝑥-axis Multiply − 1 to all the 𝑦-coordinates

Replace 𝑦 by − 𝑦 on graph
− 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)
Transformation of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) parallel to the 𝑥-axis
Transformation Description Effect

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) Translation of 𝑎 units in the Add 𝑎 units to all the 𝑥-coordinates

Replace 𝑥 by 𝑥 − 𝑎 positive 𝑥 direction on graph
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 − 𝑎)

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) Scaling of factor 𝑎 parallel to Multiply 𝑎 to all the 𝑥-coordinates on

Replace 𝑥 by
𝑥 the 𝑥-axis graph
𝑎
𝑥
𝑦 = 𝑓( 𝑎 )

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) Reflection in the 𝑦-axis Multiply − 1 to all the 𝑥-coordinates

Replace 𝑥 by − 𝑥 on graph
𝑦 = 𝑓(− 𝑥)
Modulus Graphs, 𝑦 = |𝑓(𝑥)| and 𝑦 = 𝑓(|𝑥|)
𝑦 = |𝑓(𝑥)| The graph of 𝑦 = |𝑓(𝑥)| is obtained from that of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) by
|𝑓(𝑥)| = 𝑓(𝑥), 𝑓(𝑥) ≥ 0 ● Reflecting the portion where 𝑦 < 0 about the 𝑥-axis
− 𝑓(𝑥), 𝑓(𝑥) < 0 ● Removing the portion where 𝑦 < 0
● Retaining the portion where 𝑦 ≥ 0
Take note of turning point at the origin

𝑦 = 𝑓(|𝑥|) The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(|𝑥|) is obtained from that of 𝑦 = 𝑓(|𝑥|) by

𝑓(|𝑥|) = 𝑓(𝑥), 𝑥 ≥ 0 ● Removing the portion where 𝑥 < 0
𝑓(− 𝑥), 𝑥 < 0 ● Reflecting the portion where 𝑥 ≥ 0 about the 𝑦-axis
● Retaining the portion where 𝑥 ≥ 0
The graph is always symmetrical about the 𝑦-axis. Take note of
turning point at the origin.
 1
Reciprocal Graph, 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)

Nature Axial Stationary Asymptotes

Intercepts Points

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) Increasing Decreasing 𝑥-intercept, Max point, Vertical asymptote,

↓ ↓ (𝑎, 0) (𝑎, 𝑏) 𝑥=𝑎
𝑦-intercept, Min point, Horizontal asymptote,
(0, 𝑏) (𝑐, 𝑑) 𝑦=𝑏

𝑦=
1 Decreasing Increasing Vertical Max point, 𝑥-intercept, (𝑎, 0)
𝑓(𝑥)
asymptote, 1
(𝑎, 𝑏 ) Horizontal asymptote,
𝑥=𝑎 1
Min point, 𝑦= 𝑏
Known point, 1
1 (𝑐, 𝑑 )
(0, 𝑏 )

Work systemically from left to right

1. Consider the sign of 𝑓(𝑥) for the different intervals and create imaginary boxes where
the reciprocal graph will be. (Remember that the sign of the 𝑦-values are preserved
after the transformation)
2. Label all the 𝑥 related values, such as new 𝑥-intercepts, vertical asymptotes
3. Label all the 𝑦 related values by finding all the horizontal asymptotes, 𝑦-intercepts
and coordinates of turning points
4. Use the boxes and asymptotes to sketch the reciprocal graph