Study Notes
In algebra, transformations involve changing the position or size of a graph. These include translation, dilation, reflection, and rotation.
- Translation — moves the graph up, down, and side to side. Example: Moving the graph of y = x^2 up by 3 units results in y = x^2 + 3.
- Dilation — makes the function skinnier or larger. Example: Multiplying y = x by 2 results in y = 2x, which is a dilation.
- Reflection — is a mirror image that flips the function over the x or y axes. Example: Reflecting y = x over the x-axis results in y = -x.
- Rotation — involves rotating the function about some axis by some degree. Example: Rotating y = x by 90 degrees around the origin results in y = -x.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Translation: Moves the graph up, down, and side to side.
- Dilation: Makes the function skinnier or larger.
- Reflection: A mirror image that flips the function over the x or y axes.
- Rotation: Rotates the function about some axis by some degree.
Common Confusions
- Mixing up translation and dilation.
- Confusing reflection over x-axis with y-axis.
Typical Exam Questions
- What is a translation? A translation moves the graph up, down, and side to side.
- How does dilation affect a function? Dilation makes the function skinnier or larger.
- What happens when a function is reflected over the x-axis? The function becomes a mirror image over the x-axis.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of how each transformation affects a graph.
- Ability to apply transformations to different types of functions.