Transformations

In this lesson, we will determine the different types of Transformations that can be applied to the parent function \(f(x) = x^2\) by expressing it in the Vertex Form \(f(x) = a(x-h)^2 + k\).

Reflection, Stretching and Compression

The \(a\) value will both determine whether the quadratic function will get either stretched or compressed and which direction it will open:
  • If \(|a| > 1\), the graph will get stretched by a factor of \(a\). This will make the graph appear narrower, as the x value will have a greater effect on the y value
  • If \(|a| < 1\), the graph will get compressed by a factor of \(a\). This will make the graph appear wider, as the x value won't have as greate of an effect on the y value
  • If \(a > 0\), the function will be positive, making the parabola open upward
  • If \(a < 0\), the function will be negative, reflecting the graph and making the parabola open downward

State the transformation(s) in the quadratic equation \(f(x) = -6x^2\)

Horizontal Shifts

The \(h\) value will determine which direction horizontally the graph will get shifted. This change can be represented algebraically by the equation \(f(x) = (x-h)^2\):
  • If \(h > 0\), the graph will get shifted to the right by \(h\) units

  • If \(h < 0\), the graph will get shifted to the left by \(h\) units
Identify the quadratic equation for a graph that is shifted \(5\) units left

Vertical Shifts

The \(k\) value will determine which direction vertically the graph will get shifted. This change can be represented algebraically by the equation \(f(x) = x^2 + k\):
  • If \(k > 0\), the graph will get shifted upwards \(k\) units

  • If \(k < 0\), the graph will get shifted downwards \(k\) units
Identify the quadratic equation for a graph that is shifted \(7\) units upward

Identify and graph a qudratic equation that is reflected, stretched by a factor of \(4\), shifted \(3\) units right and shifted \(2\) units downward