FC311E

Intermediate Mathematics
Transformations of Graphs
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Transformations of Graphs
After studying this theme you should be able to:

• Find the x-intercept and y-intercept

• Draw the graphs of basic functions
• Find asymptotes of the rational function
• Describe simple transformations of graphs (translations,
stretches and reflections)
• Find the new coordinates of a point and new function after
transformation
• Find the transformation between two functions
 Graphs of Basic Functions
 In this session we will learn how to draw the graphs for basic
functions.
 X-intercept and Y-intercept
How to get x-intercept
Let y = 0 solve x.

How to get y-intercept

Let x = 0 solve y

Remember x-intercept and y-intercept are values not points!

 X-intercept and Y-intercept
Example: Find x-intercept and y-intercept of the function
𝑦 = (𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 7)

Step 1:
Let y = 0 get x-intercept
𝑦=0→
𝑥+6 𝑥−7 =0
𝑥1 = −6, 𝑥2 = 7
 X-intercept and Y-intercept
Example: Find x-intercept and y-intercept of the function
𝑦 = (𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 7)

Step 2: Change the function into polynomial form

𝑦 = (𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 7) →
𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 42
 X-intercept and Y-intercept
Example: Find x-intercept and y-intercept of the function
𝑦 = (𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 7)

Step 3: Let x = 0 find y-intercept

𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 42 →
𝑦 = 02 − 0 − 42 = −42
So, the x-intercepts are -6 and 7,and y intercept is -42.
 Exercise
Find x-intercept and y-intercept of the function
a) 𝑦 = 2(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 5)
b) 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 6)
 Exercise
Find x-intercept and y-intercept of the function
a) 𝑦 = 2(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 5)

Step 1:
Let y = 0 get x-intercept
𝑦=0→
2(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 5) = 0
𝑥1 = 3, 𝑥2 = −5
 Exercise
Find x-intercept and y-intercept of the function
a) 𝑦 = 2(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 5)

Step 2: Change the function into polynomial form

𝑦 = 2(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 5) →
𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 30
 Exercise
Find x-intercept and y-intercept of the function
a) 𝑦 = 2(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 5)

Step 3: Let x = 0 find y-intercept

𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 30 →
𝑦 = 2 × 02 + 4 × 0 − 30 = −30
So, the x-intercepts are 3 and -5,and y intercept is -30.
 Exercise
Find x-intercept and y-intercept of the function
b) 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 6)

Step 1:
Let y = 0 get x-intercept
𝑦=0→
2𝑥 + 1 𝑥 − 6 = 0
1
𝑥1 = − , 𝑥2 =6
2
 Exercise
Find x-intercept and y-intercept of the function
b) 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 6)

Step 2: Change the function into polynomial form

𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 6) →
𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 − 6
 Exercise
Find x-intercept and y-intercept of the function
b) 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 6)

Step 3: Let x = 0 find y-intercept

𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 − 6 →
𝑦 = 2 × 02 −11 × 0 − 6 = −6
1
So, the x-intercepts are − and 6,and y intercept is -6.
2
 Graphs of Basic Functions
To sketch a function, you need to know

• The shape of the function

• The points on the function
 Graphs of Linear Functions
Lines equations
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐

m > 0 upward-sloping
m < 0 downward-sloping

It needs (two points)

• On x-axis (x-intercept)
• On y-axis (y-intercept)
 Graphs of Quadratic Functions
Quadratic equations
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐

a > 0 upward-facing
a < 0 downward-facing

It needs (three points)

• On x-axis (x-intercept)
• On y-axis (y-intercept)
• Vertex
• Intersection with x = 1 or -1
 Graphs of Cubic Functions
Cubic equations
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑

The shape of cubic function is decided by:

1. How many stationary points
2. a>0 or a < 0
 Graphs of Cubic Functions
Cubic equations
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑

1 stationary point a>0

a > 0, increase always

a < 0, decrease always

a<0
 Graphs of Cubic Functions
Cubic equations
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑

2 stationary points a>0

a > 0, increase ,then decrease ,then increase

a < 0, decrease, then increase, then decrease
When the curve pass through the stationary,
the correlation will be changed.
a<0
 Graphs of Cubic Functions
Cubic equations
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑

It needs at least 4 points

• On x-axis (x-intercept)
• On y-axis (y-intercept)
• Stationary points
• Intersection with x = 1 or -1
 Graphs of Cubic Functions
Example:
Sketch
𝑦 = −(𝑥 + 1)2 𝑥 − 2

Step 1: Change the function into polynomial form

𝑦 = −(𝑥 + 1)2 𝑥 − 2 →
𝑦 = −𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 + 2
 Graphs of Cubic Functions
Example:
Sketch
𝑦 = −(𝑥 + 1)2 𝑥 − 2

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
Step 2: Find , then solve = 0 to get stationary points
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= −3𝑥 2 + 3
𝑑𝑥
−3𝑥 2 + 3 = 0 → 𝑥1 = 1, 𝑥2 = −1
Subsitute x-value into original function to get y
𝑦1 = − 1 + 1 2 1 − 2 = 4
𝑦2 = − −1 + 1 2 −1 − 2 = 0
So, the stationary points are (1,4) and (-1,0)
 Graphs of Cubic Functions
Example:
Sketch
𝑦 = −(𝑥 + 1)2 𝑥 − 2

Step 3: Let 𝑦 = 0 get x-intercept

𝑦=0→
−(𝑥 + 1)2 𝑥 − 2 = 0
𝑥1 = −1, 𝑥2 = 2
 Graphs of Cubic Functions
Example:
Sketch
𝑦 = −(𝑥 + 1)2 𝑥 − 2

Step 4: Let x = 0 find y-intercept

𝑦 = −𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 + 2 →
𝑦 = −03 + 3 × 0 + 2 = 2
So, the cubic must pass through (-1,0) , (1,4), (2, 0) and
(0, 2).
 Graphs of Cubic Functions
Example:
Sketch
𝑦 = −(𝑥 + 1)2 𝑥 − 2

Step 5: Use the sign of a in cubic function and the number of

stationary points to decide the shape of cubic function
𝑦 = −𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 + 2,so a < 0. There are 2 stationary points, so
the shape of the cubic function is decreasing, then increasing,
then decreasing.
 Graphs of Cubic Functions
Example:
Sketch
𝑦 = −(𝑥 + 1)2 𝑥 − 2

Step 6: Sketch the graph

The correlation should be

changed when the curve
passes through the
stationary points
 Graphs of Rational Functions
Rational function
𝑎
𝑦= +𝑑
𝑏𝑥+𝑐

Asymptote：An asymptote is a straight line that constantly approaches a

given curve but does not meet at any infinite distance.

How to find Asymptote.

Vertical asymptote: Let denominator be 0
𝑐
𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 → 𝑥 = −
𝑏
Horizontal asymptote: Let the fraction part be 0
𝑎
𝑦= +𝑑 →𝑦 =0+𝑑 →𝑦 =𝑑
𝑏𝑥+𝑐
 Graphs of Rational Functions
Example
Find the following functions’ asymptotes.
2
a) 𝑦 = + 6
𝑥+5

Vertical asymptote: Let denominator be 0

𝑥 + 5 = 0 → 𝑥 = −5
Horizontal asymptote: Let the fraction part be 0
2
𝑦= + 6→𝑦 =0+6→𝑦 =6
𝑥+5
 Exercise
Find the following functions’ asymptotes.
5
a) 𝑦 = − 6
2𝑥+5
2
b) 𝑦 =
𝑥−5
 Exercise
Find the following functions’ asymptotes.
5
a) 𝑦 = − 6
2𝑥+5

Vertical asymptote: Let denominator be 0

−5
2𝑥 + 5 = 0 → 𝑥 =
2
Horizontal asymptote: Let the fraction part be 0
5
𝑦= − 6 → 𝑦 = 0 − 6 → 𝑦 = −6
2𝑥+5
 Exercise
Find the following functions’ asymptotes.
2
b) 𝑦 =
𝑥−5

Vertical asymptote: Let denominator be 0

𝑥−5=0→𝑥 =5
Horizontal asymptote: Let the fraction part be 0
2
𝑦= →𝑦=0
𝑥−5
 Graphs of Basic Functions
You need to know how to sketch

1
This example is 𝑦 =
𝑥

It doesn’t touch the 𝑥 axis

It doesn’t touch the 𝑦 axis
It has a break (two parts)
 Summary
You need to remember the shapes of properties of the
following graphs

• Line equations 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
• Quadratics 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
• Cubics 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑
𝑎
• Rational Function 𝑦 = +𝑑
𝑏𝑥+𝑐
 Transformations
 In this session we will learn how to describe simple transformations
of graphs such as translations, stretches and reflections.
 Transformations
Transformations change the shape of a graph. It is
important to understand the following
transformations:

• Translations (moving left/right, up/down)

• Stretches
• Reflections

Other transformations include rotation but we do not

need it.
 Translation
Translation means to move the function’s graph up/down/right
left.

𝑎
First, we can use column vector . 𝑎 represents the change
𝑏
on x-direction, and 𝑏 represents the change on y-direction.
 Translation
I have a function y = 𝑓(𝑥) and
𝑎
translate it by , and the new
0
function is y = 𝑓(𝑥 − 𝑎)
If a > 0, it means the graph of f(x)
is translated by 𝑎 units in the
positive x-direction (right).
 Translation
I have a function y = 𝑓(𝑥) and
𝑎
translate it by , and the new
0
function is y = 𝑓(𝑥 + 𝑎)
If a > 0, it means the graph of f(x)
is translated by 𝑎 units in the
negative x-direction (left).
 Translation
I have a function y = 𝑓(𝑥) and
0
translate it by , and the new
𝑏
function is y = 𝑓 𝑥 + b
If b > 0, it means the graph of f(x)
is translated by 𝑏 units in the
positive y-direction (up).
 Translation
I have a function y = 𝑓(𝑥) and
0
translate it by , and the new
𝑏
function is y = 𝑓 𝑥 − b
If b > 0, it means the graph of f(x)
is translated by 𝑏 units in the
negative y-direction (down).
 Translation
𝑎
If I have a function y = 𝑓(𝑥) and translate it by the new
𝑏
function is given by y = 𝑓 𝑥 − 𝑎 + 𝑏

3
Example: y = 𝑓 𝑥 translate by .
5

𝑦 =𝑓 𝑥−3 +5
 Find New Coordinates of a Point after
Translation
The original coordinates of Translation The New Function The new coordinates of the
the point on the original point after translation on
function the new function
(x, y) 𝑎 f(x - a)+b (x + a, y + b)
𝑏

Example: There is a point A (1,5) on y = 𝑓 𝑥 , and 𝑓 𝑥 is

3
translated by . What is the new coordinates of point A after
5
translation.

(1+3,5+5) = (4, 10)

 Exercise
Find the new coordinates of the point (5, 6) which is on f(x)
after the following translation
−2
a)
−4
b) f(x - 5) + 6
−6
c)
5
d) f(x + 3) -4
 Exercise
Find the new coordinates of the point (5, 6) which is on f(x) after
the following translation
−2
a) (5-2, 6-4) = (3, 2)
−4
5
b) f(x - 5) + 6 = (5+5, 6+6) = (10, 12)
6
−6
c) (5-6, 6+5) = (-1, 11)
5
−3
d) f(x + 3) -4 = (5-3, 6-4) = (2, 2)
−4
 Translation
You will need to also write transformed functions.

2 4
If I translate 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 3 by what is the new function?
7
 Translation
An easier way to do this is the following:
𝑎
• Translation by : replace all the 𝑥 with (𝑥 − 𝑎)
0
0
• Translation by : replace all the 𝑦 with (𝑦 − 𝑏)
𝑏

2 4
Example: Translate the function 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 3 by
7
𝑦 − 7 = (𝑥 − 4)2 +3
𝑦 = (𝑥 − 4)2 +10
𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 26
 Questions
Write down the equations of the transformed graphs:
20
• If I translate 𝑦 = sin(𝑥) by
4
3 −2
• If I translate 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 3 by
−1
3
• If I translate 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) by
−2

• Describe the transformation of 𝑓 𝑥 to 𝑓 𝑥 + 8 − 2

 Solutions
Write down the equations of the transformed graphs:
20
• If I translate 𝑦 = sin(𝑥) by y = sin 𝑥 − 20 + 4
4
3 −2
• If I translate 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 3 by 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 2)3 +2
−1
3
• If I translate 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) by 𝑦 =𝑓 𝑥−3 −2
−2

Describe the transformation of 𝑓 𝑥 to 𝑓 𝑥 + 8 − 2

−8
Translation by
−2
 Quadratics Translations
Translations are the transformation that moves a graph.

We will look at 𝑥 2 and see how it can be translated.

 Quadratics Translations
The graph 𝑥 2 looks like this.

We can translate the graph along the x and y

direction.
 Quadratics Translations
The graph 𝑥 2 looks like this.

We can translate the graph along the x and y

direction.

If I have moved it a in the positive x direction and b in

the positive y direction, 𝑥 2 becomes
(𝑥 − 𝑎)2 + 𝑏, 𝑎 > 0, 𝑏 > 0
 Quadratics Translations
The graph 𝑥 2 looks like this.

We can translate the graph along the x and y

direction.

If I have moved it a in the positive x direction and b in

the positive y direction, 𝑥 2 becomes
(𝑥 − 𝑎)2 + 𝑏, 𝑎 > 0, 𝑏 > 0
 Quadratics Translations
The graph 𝑥 2 looks like this.

𝑥 2 has a vertex at (0,0).

If I translate by 4 in the x direction and 1 in the y

direction, the new vertex is at (4,1)

(𝑥 − 4)2 + 1 has a vertex of (4,1)

 Quadratics Translations
We describe the transformation of 𝑥 2 to (𝑥 − 4)2 + 1
4
as translation by .
1

You could be asked to describe the transformation of

𝑥 2 to 𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 − 15.

You need to complete the square to find the vertex

and the changes of the vertex after translation.
 Questions
If the old vertex is ( 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and the new vertex is ( 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ), so the
𝑎
translation where 𝑎 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1 and 𝑏 = 𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑏

Describe the transformation of the following:

• 𝑥 2 to (𝑥 + 2)2 −8
• 𝑥 2 to 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 5
• (𝑥 − 2)2 −3 to (𝑥 + 2)2 −8
• 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 9 to 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 7
 Solutions
Describe the transformation of the following:

2 2 −2
• 𝑥 to (𝑥 + 2) −8 Translation by
−8
2 2 −2
• 𝑥 to 𝑥 + 4𝑥 − 5 Translation by
−9
2 2 −4
• (𝑥 − 2) −3 to (𝑥 + 2) −8 Translation by
−5
2 2 −4
• 𝑥 − 6𝑥 − 9 to 𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 7 Translation by
10
 Stretches
Looking at 𝑥 2 , we can stretch it in the y direction by
multiplying it by a constant.

If I stretched it by a factor of 2 in the 𝑦

direction, then it is 2 × 𝑥 2 = 2𝑥 2 .
 Stretches
Looking at 𝑥 2 , we can stretch it in the y direction by
multiplying it by a constant.

I can also stretch it along the x direction by a

𝑥 2 𝑥2
factor of 2. Then the new function is ( ) =
2 4
 Stretches
Stretches follow these rules:
• Stretch in the y direction by scale factor 𝑘:
𝑦
replace all the 𝑦 with
𝑘
• Stretch in the x direction by scale factor 𝑘:
𝑥
replace all the 𝑥 with
𝑘

Example: stretch the function 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 3 along the x direction by scale factor 4.

𝑥 2
𝑦= +3
4
𝑥2 𝑥2
𝑦 = 2+3= +3
4 16
 Questions
Find and simplify an equation when:

• 𝑦 = sin(𝑥) is stretched along the y direction by a scale factor 4.

• 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 is stretched along the y direction by a scale factor
2.
• 𝑦 = sin(𝑥) is stretched along the x direction by a scale factor 3.
• 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 is stretched along the x direction by a scale factor
5.
 Solutions
Find and simplify an equation when:

• 𝑦 = sin(𝑥) is stretched along the y direction by a scale factor 4.

𝒚 = 𝟒𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝒙)
• 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 is stretched along the y direction by a scale factor 2.
𝒚 = 𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟖𝒙
• 𝑦 = sin(𝑥) is stretched along the x direction by a scale factor 3.
𝒙
𝒚 = 𝐬𝐢𝐧
𝟑
• 𝑦 = 𝑥𝟐2 − 5𝑥 is stretched along the x direction by a scale factor 5.
𝒙
𝒚= −𝒙
𝟐𝟓
 Find New Coordinates of a Point after
Stretching
The original coordinates of Stretch The New Function The new coordinates of the
the point on the original point after translation on
function the new function
𝑥
(x, y) Horizontal stretch by scale y = f(𝑘) (kx, y)
factor k
(x, y) Vertical stretch by scale y = k f(x) (x, ky)
factor 𝑘

Example: There is a point A (4,5) on y = 𝑓 𝑥 , and 𝑓 𝑥 is stretch

by a factor of 2 in the x-direction. What are the new coordinates of
point A after transformaion?
(4,5) = (4*2, 5) = (8, 5)
 Exercise
Find the new coordinates of the point (5, 6) which is on f(x)
after the following transformation
a) Horizontal stretch by scale a factor of 5
b) Vertical stretch by scale a factor of 2
 Exercise
Find the new coordinates of the point (5, 6) which is on f(x)
after the following transformation
a) 5 × 5,6 = (25,6)
b) 6, 6 × 2 = (6, 12)
 Reflections
We can reflect a graph about the x-axis or the y-axis.

If we reflect 𝑥 2 about the y-axis, it will be the

same as it is symmetrical about the y-axis.

If we reflect about the x-axis, it will give us a

different graph which is −𝑥 2
 Reflections
We can reflect a graph about the x-axis or the y-axis.

If we reflect 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 about the x-axis, it will

be the same as it is symmetrical about the x-
axis.

If we reflect about the y-axis, it will give us a

different graph which is (−𝑥)2 −2 −𝑥 + 1 =
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1
 Reflections
Reflections follow these rules:
• Reflection around the y-axis: replace all the 𝑥 with −𝑥
• Reflection around the x-axis: replace all the 𝑦 with −𝑦

Example: reflect the function 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 3 about the y-axis.

𝑦 = −𝑥 2 + 3
𝑦 = 𝑥2 + 3
(No change because it’s symmetrical)
Describe the following transformations.

a) 𝑓 𝑥 → 𝑓(−𝑥)

b) 𝑓 𝑥 → 𝑓(3𝑥)

c) 𝑓 𝑥 → 𝑓 𝑥 + 5

d) sin 𝑥 → sin(𝑥 + 1)
Describe the following transformations.

a) 𝑓 𝑥 → 𝑓(−𝑥) Reflection around 𝑦-axis.

1
b) 𝑓 𝑥 → 𝑓(3𝑥) Stretch in the 𝑥 direction by scale factor
3

0
c) 𝑓 𝑥 → 𝑓 𝑥 + 5 Translation in the 𝑦 direction / up by 5 or
5

−1
d) sin 𝑥 → sin(𝑥 + 1) Translation in the 𝑥 direction / left by 1 or
0
When describing translations and stretches, we can use the following words
instead of 𝑥 and 𝑦 direction

Horizontal = 𝒙 direction Vertical = 𝒚 direction

1
b) 𝑓 𝑥 → 𝑓(3𝑥) Horizonal stretch by scale factor
3

0
c) 𝑓 𝑥 → 𝑓 𝑥 + 5 Vertical translation by 5 or
5

−1
d) sin 𝑥 → sin(𝑥 + 1) Horizontal translation by – 1 or
0
Function
How to get new
Transformat Rule Description Result How to get new function
coordinates
ion

Horizontal Moves right if a > 0 replace all the 𝑥 with

Horizontal: y = f(x - a) 𝑎
Moves left if a < 0
(x+a,y) (𝑥 − 𝑎)
translation by
0
Translation
Vertical translation Moves up if b > 0 replace all the 𝑦 with
Vertical: y = f(x) + b 0 Moves down if b < 0
(x,y+b) (𝑦 − 𝑏)
by
𝑏
Stretches if k > 1 or k
𝑥 Horizontal stretch 𝑥
Horizontal: y = f( )
𝑘 by scale factor 𝑘
< -1 (kx,y) replace all the 𝑥 with
𝑘
Shrinks if -1 < k < 1
Stretch/Shri
nk
Stretches if k > 1 or k
Vertical stretch by 𝑦
Vertical: y = k f(x)
scale factor 𝑘
< -1 (x, ky) replace all the 𝑦 with
𝑘
Shrinks if -1 < k < 1

Reflects the graph

Reflection around
About x-axis: y = - f(x)
the x-axis:
where x-axis acts as a (x, -y) replace all the 𝑦 with −𝑦
mirror.
Reflection
Reflects the graph
Reflection around
About y-axis: y = f(-x)
the y-axis:
where y-axis acts as a (-x, y) replace all the 𝑥 with −𝑥
mirror.
Questions
Questions