“Teach A Level Maths”

Vol. 1: AS Core Modules

20: Stretches
 Stretches

Module C1 Module C2

Edexcel AQA
OCR MEI/OCR

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 Stretches
We have seen that graphs can be translated.
3
e.g. The translation of the function y  x by
 2
 
the vector y 
gives the function ( x  2 ) 3
1
1 
The graph becomes
.

yx 3 y  ( x  2) 3  1

We will now look at other transformations.

 Stretches
e.g.1 Consider the following functions:
yx2 and y 4 x 2
2
For 
yx
,x
2
y4
2
For 
y4
x 
,x
2
y16
2 2
In transforming from yx to y4x
the y-value has been multiplied by 4
 Stretches
e.g.1 Consider the following functions:
yx2 and y 4 x 2
2
For 
yx
,x
2
y4
2
For 
y4
x 
,x
2
y16
2 2
In transforming from yx to y4x
the y-value has been multiplied by 4

Similarly, for every value of x, the y-value on

y4x2 is 4 times the y-value on yx2

2 2is a stretch of scale factor


yx
y4
x
4 parallel to the y-axis
 Stretches
The graphs of the functions are as follows:

y4x2 (1, 4)

yx2

(1, 1)

y4x2 is a stretch of yx2

by scale factor 4, parallel to the y-axis

BUT, you may look at the graph and see the

transformation differently.
 Stretches

y4x2 (1, 4) ( 2, 4 )

yx2

yx2 has been squashed in the x-direction

We say there is a stretch of scale factor 12
parallel to the x-axis.
 Stretches

y4x2 is a transformation of yx2 given by

either a stretch of scale factor 4 parallel to

the y-axis
1
or a stretch of scale factor 2 parallel to the x-
axis

y4x2 y4x2
2 4 2  12
yx yx
 Stretches
It is easier to see the value of the stretch in
the y direction.
2 2
To obtain y4x from yx we multiply
every value of y by 4.
The reason for the size of the 2nd stretch can
be seen more easily if we write y4x2as
y  (2 x ) 2
2

Now, for yx
,x
2 

y4
2
and for 
y
(2
x
) 
,x1 

y4
The x-value must be halved to give the same value
of y.
 Stretches
It is easier to see the value of the stretch in
the y direction.
2 2
To obtain y4x from yx we multiply
every value of y by 4.
The reason for the size of the 2nd stretch can
be seen more easily if we write y4x2as
y  (2 x ) 2
2

Now, for yx
,x
2 

y4
2
and for 
y
(2
x
) 
,x1 

y4
The x-value must be halved to give the same value
of y.
 Stretches
SUMMARY
2 2
The transformation of yx to y4x

2 2 is a stretch of scale factor


yx
y4
x
4 parallel to the y-axis

or

2 2is a stretch of scale factor


yx
y(
2x
)1
parallel to the x-axis
2
 Stretches
SUMMARY
 The function
y  kf ( x ) is obtained from y  f ( x )
by a stretch of scale factor ( s.f. ) k,
parallel to the y-axis.

 The function
y  f (kx ) is obtained from y  f ( x )
1
by a stretch of scale factor ( s.f. ) ,
k
parallel to the x-axis.
 Stretches
1
e.g. 2 Describe the transformation of y  that
3 x
gives y  .
x
Using the same axes, sketch both functions.
3 1
Solution: y  can be written as y 3
x x
( y  3  f ( x) )
so it is a stretch of s.f. 3, parallel to the y-axis

3
y
3 x
1
y
x
We always stretch
from an axis.
 Stretches
Exercises
2
1. (a) Describe a transformation of y  x that
2
gives y  9x .
(b) Sketch the graphs of both functions to
illustrate your answer.
Solution:
(a) A stretch of s.f. 9 parallel to the y-axis.
1
OR A stretch of s.f. 3 parallel to the x-axis.
( The 1st of these is easier, especially if we have,
2
for example y 8x )
y  9x 2
(b) y  x2
 Stretches
Exercises
2. The sketch below shows a function y  f ( x ) .
Copy the sketch and, using a new set of axes for
each, sketch the following, labelling the axes clearly:

(a) y  f ( 2 x ) (b) y  2 f ( x )

y  f ( x)

Describe each transformation in words.

 Stretches

Solution:
y  f ( x)

(a) (b)

y  2 f ( x)
y  f (2 x )

Stretch, s.f. 12 Stretch, s.f. 2

parallel to the x-axis parallel to the y-axis
Stretches
 Stretches

The following slides contain repeats of

information on earlier slides, shown without
colour, so that they can be printed and
photocopied.
For most purposes the slides can be printed
as “Handouts” with up to 6 slides per sheet.
 Stretches
SUMMARY
 The function
y  kf ( x ) is obtained from y  f ( x )
by a stretch of scale factor ( s.f. ) k,
parallel to the y-axis.

 The function
y  f (kx ) is obtained from y  f ( x )
1
by a stretch of scale factor ( s.f. ) ,
k
parallel to the x-axis.
 Stretches
e.g. 1
y4x2 is a transformation of yx2 given by

either a stretch of scale factor 4 parallel to the

y-axis
1
or a stretch of scale factor 2 parallel to the x-
axis

y4x2 y4x2
2 4 2  12
yx yx
 Stretches
1
e.g. 2 Describe the transformation of y  that
3 x
gives y  .
x
Using the same axes, sketch both functions.
3 1
Solution: y  can be written as y 3
x x
( y  3  f ( x) )
so it is a stretch of s.f. 3, parallel to the y-axis

3
y
3 x
1
y
x
We always stretch
from an axis.