Lesson 2.1.

1: Transforming Quadratic Functions

In a previous course, you developed several tools that enabled you to transform graphs of parabolas by
altering their equations. In this lesson, you will review transformations of functions and review how to
sketch graphs of quadratic functions.

1. Click on Transforming Parabolas (Desmos) to investigate the impact of, a, h, and k, in the graphing
form of a quadratic function, y=a(x−h)2 +k . Use your knowledge of the parameters to answer the
following questions.

A. Which parameter translates the graph of y=x 2horizontally (right or left)? Write an equation
that translates y=x 2 2 units to the right.

B. Which parameter stretches or compresses the graph of y=x 2vertically? Write an equation
that will stretch (make skinnier) y=x 2 vertically and reflect across the x-axis.

C. Which parameter translates the graph of y=x 2vertically (up or down)? Write an equation
that translates y=x 2 5 units down.

D. Which parameters are used to state the vertex of the quadratic? Write an equation that has
a vertex of (-1, 6).

2. For each quadratic function below, predict the coordinates of the vertex, the orientation (open or
down) , and whether the graph will be a vertical stretch (skinnier) or compression (wider) of y=x 2 .
Make a sketch of the graph based on your predictions, don’t use a graphing calculator to make
your sketch.

A . y=( x +9)2 B. y=x 2 +7

Vertex: ( , ) Vertex: ( , )

Opens: Up or Down (highlight one) Opens: Up or Down (highlight one)

Stretch or Compression (highlight one) Stretch or Compression (highlight one)

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C. y= (x−1) D. y=2(x+3)2−2
3
Vertex: ( , ) Vertex: ( , )

Opens: Up or Down (highlight one) Opens: Up or Down (highlight one)

Stretch or Compression (highlight one) Stretch or Compression (highlight one)

3. In the previous problem you figured out that having an equation for a parabola in graphing form
2
y=a(x−h) +k allows you to determine the vertex, the orientation, and the stretch factor of the
parabola. Furthermore, knowing these attributes allows you to make a graph without having to
make a table. Are you able to make a graph without a table when the equation is in standard
form y=a x2 +bx +c ?

A. What do you know about the graph when the equation is in standard form? (vertex,
orientation, stretch factor, any intercepts)

B. Do you think it is easier to graph a parabola when it is in graphing form or standard form?
Why?

C. How do you take an equation in standard form and turn it into graphing form?

D. Using your method from part C, rewrite the equation y=x 2−10 x +16 in graphing form. Enter
both graphs (graphing form and standard form) in desmos. What do you notice?
4. Use the technique from problem 3C to rewrite each function in graphing form and then sketch a
graph.

A. f (x)=x2 −4 x−2 B. g(x )=2 x 2−12 x +8