Section 1.

3 Transformations of Graphs
Combining Transformations

Suppose that you want to graph the function f ( x ) = 3 x + 2 − 7 . We can quickly

identify from the function that the ‘base’ function is g ( x ) = x , and that there has been
a vertical stretch with a factor of 3, a shift left of 2 units, and a downward shift of 7 units.
If you are graphing this function, does the order matter when you perform the
transformations? For example, can you shift down, then do the vertical stretch, then shift
left? Or should you first shift left, then shift down, and then perform the vertical stretch?
We could come up with many different possibilities for the order of transformations for
this problem. In this particular example, the order does matter, and we could get an
incorrect graph if we perform certain operations out of order. (There are other cases
where the order does not matter, depending on which transformations are used.) It is
worth spending some time analyzing the order of transformations – which can be done
algebraically, without any trial-and-error in graphing.

First, remember the rules for transformations of functions.

(These are not listed in any recommended order; they are just listed for review.)

RULES FOR TRANSFORMATIONS OF FUNCTIONS

If f ( x ) is the original function, a > 0 and c > 0 :

Function Transformation of the graph of f (x)

f ( x) + c Shift f ( x ) upward c units

f ( x) − c Shift f ( x ) downward c units

f ( x + c) Shift f ( x ) to the left c units

f ( x − c) Shift f ( x ) to the right c units

− f ( x) Reflect f ( x ) in the x-axis

f (−x) Reflect f ( x ) in the y-axis

a ⋅ f ( x), a > 1 Stretch f ( x ) vertically by a factor of a.

a ⋅ f ( x), 0 < a < 1 Shrink f ( x ) vertically by a factor of a.

f ( ax ) , a > 1 Shrink f ( x ) horizontally by a factor of 1a .

f ( ax ) , 0 < a < 1 Stretch f ( x ) horizontally by a factor of 1a .

Let us look at Examples 1 through 6 below, and we will then look for a pattern as to
when the order of transformations matters.

Example Problem 1: Start with the function f ( x ) = x , and write the function which
results from the given transformations. Then decide if the results from parts (a) and (b)
are equivalent.

(a) Shift upward 7 units, then right 2 units.

(b) Shift right 2 units, then upward 7 units.
(c) Do parts (a) and (b) yield the same function? (You should be able to tell without
graphing.)

SOLUTION

(a) f ( x ) = x → g ( x) = x + 7 → h ( x) = x − 2 + 7
Up 7 Right 2

(b) f ( x ) = x → g ( x) = x−2 → h ( x) = x − 2 + 7
Right 2 Up 7

(c) Yes, parts (a) and (b) yield the same function.

Example Problem 2: Start with the function f ( x ) = x , and write the function which
results from the given transformations. Then decide if the results from parts (a) and (b)
are equivalent.

(a) Stretch vertically by a factor of 2, then shift downward 5 units.

(b) Shift downward 5 units, then stretch vertically by a factor of 2.
(c) Do parts (a) and (b) yield the same function? (You should be able to tell without
graphing.)

SOLUTION

(a) f ( x ) = x → g ( x) = 2 x → h ( x) = 2 x − 5
Stretch vertically Down 5
by a factor of 2
(b) f ( x ) = x → g ( x) = x −5 → h ( x) = 2 ( x −5 )
Down 5 Stretch vertically
by a factor of 2

Note: In part (b), h ( x ) can also be written as h ( x ) = 2 x − 10 .

(c) No, parts (a) and (b) do not yield the same function, since 2 x − 5 ≠ 2 x − 10 .

Both graphs are shown below to emphasize the difference in the final results (but we
can see that the above functions are different without graphing the functions).

y y
x x

2 4 6 8 10 2 4 6 8 10
−2 −2

−4 h ( x) = 2 x − 5 −4

−6 −6

−8 −8

−10 −10
h ( x) = 2 ( )
x − 5 = 2 x − 10

Example Problem 3: Start with the function f ( x ) = x , and write the function which
results from the given transformations. Then decide if the results from parts (a) and (b)
are equivalent.

(a) Reflect in the y-axis, then shift upward 6 units.

(b) Shift upward 6 units, then reflect in the y-axis.
(c) Do parts (a) and (b) yield the same function? (You should be able to tell without
graphing.)

SOLUTION

(a) f ( x ) = x → g ( x) = −x → h ( x) = −x + 6
Reflect in the y -axis Up 6
(b) f ( x ) = x → g ( x) = x + 6 → h ( x) = −x + 6
Up 6 Reflect in the y -axis

(c) Yes, parts (a) and (b) yield the same function.

Example Problem 4: Start with the function f ( x ) = x , and write the function which
results from the given transformations. Then decide if the results from parts (a) and (b)
are equivalent.

(a) Reflect in the y-axis, then shift left 2 units.

(b) Shift left 2 units, then reflect in the y-axis.
(c) Do parts (a) and (b) yield the same function? (You should be able to tell without
graphing.)

SOLUTION

(a) f ( x ) = x → g ( x) = −x → h ( x ) = − ( x + 2)
Reflect in the y -axis Left 2
Note: In part (a), h ( x ) can also be written as h ( x ) = − x − 2 .

(b) f ( x ) = x → g ( x) = x + 2 → h ( x) = −x + 2
Left 2 Reflect in the y -axis
(c) No, parts (a) and (b) do not yield the same function, since −x − 2 ≠ −x + 2 .

Both graphs are shown below to emphasize the difference in the final results (but we
can see that the above functions are different without graphing the functions).

Part (a): h ( x ) = − ( x + 2 ) = − x − 2 Part (b): h ( x ) = − x + 2

y y

6 6

4 4

2 2
x x

−8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 −8 −6 −4 −2 2 4
−2 −2

−4 −4
Example Problem 5: Start with the function f ( x ) = x , and write the function which
results from the given transformations. Then decide if the results from parts (a) and (b)
are equivalent.

(a) Reflect in the x-axis, then shift upward 4 units.

(b) Shift upward 4 units, then reflect in the x-axis.
(c) Do parts (a) and (b) yield the same function? (You should be able to tell without
graphing.)

SOLUTION

(a) f ( x ) = x → g ( x) = − x → h ( x) = − x + 4
Reflect in the x-axis Up 4

(b) f ( x ) = x → g ( x) = x + 4 → h ( x) = − ( x +4 )
Up 4 Reflect in the x-axis

Note: In part (b), h ( x ) can also be written as h ( x ) = − x − 4 .

(c) No, parts (a) and (b) do not yield the same function, since − x + 4 ≠ − x − 4 .

Both graphs are shown below to emphasize the difference in the final results (but we
can see that the above functions are different without graphing the functions).

Part (a): Part (b):

h ( x) = − x + 4 h ( x) = − ( )
x +4 = − x −4
y y
6 6

4 4

2 2
x x

−2 2 4 6 8 −2 2 4 6 8
−2 −2

−4 −4

−6 −6

8 8
Example Problem 6: Start with the function f ( x ) = x , and write the function which
results from the given transformations. Then decide if the results from parts (a) and (b)
are equivalent.

(a) Shrink horizontally by a factor of 1 , then shift right 6 units.

3

(b) Shift right 6 units, then shrink horizontally by a factor of 1 .

3

(c) Do parts (a) and (b) yield the same function? (You should be able to tell without
graphing.)

SOLUTION

(a) f ( x ) = x → g ( x ) = 3x → h ( x ) = 3( x − 6)
Shrink horizontally Right 6
by a factor of 13

Note: In part (a), h ( x ) can also be written as h ( x ) = 3 x − 18 .

(b) f ( x ) = x → g ( x) = x−6 → h ( x ) = 3x − 6
Right 6 Shrink horizontally
by a factor of 13

(c) No, parts (a) and (b) do not yield the same function, since 3 x − 18 ≠ 3x − 6 .

Both graphs are shown below to emphasize the difference in the final results (but we
can see that the above functions are different without graphing the functions).

Part (a): h ( x ) = 3 ( x − 6 ) = 3x − 18 Part (b): h ( x ) = 3x − 6

y y

6 6

4 4

2 2
x x

−2 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 −2 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
−2 −2

−4 −4
Looking for a Pattern – When Does the Order of Transformations Matter?

When deciding whether the order of the transformations matters, it helps to think about
whether a transformation affects the graph vertically (i.e. changes the y-values) or
horizontally (i.e. changes the x-values).

Transformation Vertical or Horizontal Effect?

Shifting up or down Vertical
Shifting left or right Horizontal
Reflecting in the y-axis Horizontal
Reflecting in the x-axis Vertical
Vertical stretching/shrinking Vertical
Horizontal stretching/shrinking Horizontal

A summary of the results from Examples 1 through 6 are below, along with whether or
not each transformation had a vertical or horizontal effect on the graph.

Summary of Results from Examples 1 – 6

with notations about the vertical or horizontal effect on the graph, where
V = Vertical effect on graph H = Horizontal effect on graph
First Set of Second Set of Did (a) and (b)
Transformations Transformations yield the same
(with notations about (with notations about
horizontal/vertical effect) horizontal/vertical effect)
function?

Ex 1 (a) Up 7 (V) (b) Right 2 (H) The functions were

Right 2 (H) Up 7 (V) the same.
Ex 2 (a) Vertical stretch, (b) Down 5 (V) The functions were
factor of 2 (V) Vertical stretch, NOT the same.
Down 5 (V) factor of 2 (V)
Ex 3 (a) Reflect in y-axis (H) (b) Up 6 (V) The functions were
Up 6 (V) Reflect in y-axis (H) the same.
Ex 4 (a) Reflect in y-axis (H) (b) Left 2 (H) The functions were
Left 2 (H) Reflect in y-axis (H) NOT the same.
Ex 5 (a) Reflect in x-axis (V) (b) Up 4 (V) The functions were
Up 4 (V) Reflect in x-axis (V) NOT the same.
Ex 6 (a) Horizontal shrink, (b) Right 6 (H) The functions were
factor of 13 (H) Horizontal shrink, NOT the same
Right 6 (H) factor of 13 (H)
Notice that in examples 1 and 3, the order of the transformations did not matter. In both
of those examples, one of the transformations had a vertical effect on the graph, and the
other transformation had a horizontal effect on the graph.

In examples 2, 4, 5 and 6, the order of the transformations did matter. Notice that
example 2 had two vertically-oriented transformations, example 4 had two horizontally-
oriented transformations, example 5 had two vertically-oriented transformations, and
example 6 had two horizontally-oriented transformations.

When you perform two or more transformations that have a vertical effect on the
graph, the order of those transformations may affect the final results. Similarly,
when you perform two or more transformations that have a horizontal effect on the
graph, the order of those transformations may affect the final results. The
vertically-oriented transformations do not affect the horizontally-oriented
transformations, and vice versa.

Let us now return to the function used at the start of this discussion:

Example Problem 7: Suppose that you want to graph f ( x ) = 3 x + 2 − 7 . In what

order can you perform the transformations to obtain the correct graph?

SOLUTION:
First, decide on the transformations that need to be performed on f ( x ) = 3 x + 2 − 7
(without consideration of correct order). Make a note of whether each transformation has
a horizontal or vertical effect on the graph.

f ( x) = 3 x + 2 − 7 f ( x) = 3 x + 2− 7 f ( x ) = 3 x + 2 −7
↑ ↑ ↑
Vertical Stretch, factor of 3 Shift left 2 Shift down 7
(Vertical Effect) (Horizontal Effect) (Vertical Effect)

Notice that the shift to the left is the only transformation that has a horizontal effect on
the graph. This transformation can be performed at any point in the graphing process.

We need to be more careful about the order in which we perform the vertical stretch and
the downward shift, since they both have a vertical effect on the graph. Perform the
following transformations algebraically on g ( x ) = x to see which one gives the desired
function, f ( x ) = 3 x + 2 − 7 . (The shift left is written first, but we could put that
transformation at any point in the process and get the same result.)
Choice 1:
Shift left 2 units, then stretch vertically by a factor of 3, then shift downward 7 units:

g ( x) = x → h ( x) = x + 2 → k ( x) = 3 x + 2 → f ( x) = 3 x + 2 − 7
Left 2 Vertical stretch, Down 7
factor of 3

Choice 2:
Shift left 2 units, then shift downward 7 units, then stretch vertically by a factor of 3:

g ( x) = x → h ( x) = x + 2 → k ( x) = x + 2 − 7 → f ( x) = 3 ( x+2 −7 )
Left 2 Down 7
Vertical stretch,
factor of 3
Notice that our final result for Choice 2 can be written as f ( x ) = 3 x + 2 − 21 , which is
not the desired function.

We can see from the analysis above that Choice 1 yields the desired function for Example
Problem 7, which means that in this particular example, the vertical stretch needs to be
performed before the downward shift. Since the left shift can be performed at any point in
the process, any of the following order of transformations would yield the correct graph:

Shift left 2 units, then stretch vertically by a factor of 3, then shift downward 7 units.
Stretch vertically by a factor of 3, then shift left 2 units, then shift downward 7 units.
Stretch vertically by a factor of 3, then shift downward 7 units, then shift left 2 units.

In this course, you would only need to give one of the answers from the above list (not all
three). This explanation is given to help you understand that there can be multiple
solutions for a given problem – and how to determine an acceptable order of
transformations for the given problem.

Example Problem 8: Suppose that you want to graph f ( x ) = − x + 2 − 7 . In what

order can you perform the transformations to obtain the correct graph?

SOLUTION:
First, decide on the transformations that need to be performed on f ( x ) = − x + 2 − 7
(without consideration of correct order). Make a note of whether each transformation has
a horizontal or vertical effect on the graph.
 f ( x) = −x + 2− 7 f ( x) = −x + 2− 7 f ( x ) = − x + 2 −7
↑ ↑
Reflect in the y -axis Shift left 2 Shift down 7
(Horizontal Effect) (Horizontal Effect) (Vertical Effect)

Notice that the downward shift is the only transformation that has a vertical effect on the
graph. This transformation can be performed at any point in the graphing process.

We need to be more careful about the order in which we perform the reflection in the y-
axis and the shift to the left, since they both have a horizontal effect on the graph.
Perform the following transformations algebraically on g ( x ) = x to see which one
gives the desired function, f ( x ) = − x + 2 − 7 . (The downward shift is written first, but
we could put that transformation at any point in the process and get the same result.)

Choice 1:
Downward shift of 7 units, then reflect in the y-axis, then shift left 2 units.

g ( x) = x → h ( x) = x −7 → k ( x) = −x − 7 → f ( x ) = − ( x + 2) − 7
Down 7 Reflect in the Shift left 2 units
y -axis
Notice that our final result for Choice 1 can be written as f ( x ) = − x − 2 − 7 , which is
not the desired function.

Choice 2:
Downward shift of 7 units, then shift left 2 units, then reflect in the y-axis.

g ( x) = x → h ( x) = x −7 → k ( x) = x + 2 − 7 → f ( x) = −x + 2 − 7
Down 7 Shift left 2 units Reflect in the
y -axis

We can see from the analysis above that Choice 2 yields the desired function for Example
Problem 8, which means that in this particular example, the shift to the left needs to be
performed before the reflection in the y-axis. Since the downward shift can be performed
at any point in the process, any of the following order of transformations would yield the
correct graph:

Shift downward 7 units, then shift left 2 units, then reflect in the y-axis.
Shift left 2 units, then shift downward 7 units, then reflect in the y-axis.
Shift left 2 units, then reflect in the y-axis, then shift downward 7 units.
As mentioned in Example Problem 7, you would only need to give one of the answers
from the above list (not all three). This explanation is given to help you understand that
there can be multiple solutions for a given problem – and how to determine an acceptable
order of transformations for the given problem.

Alternate Analysis of Example Problem 8:

It is possible to use a different set of transformations to yield the same result in Example
Problem 8. Remember that the desired function is f ( x ) = − x + 2 − 7 . You may notice
that f ( x ) = − x + 2 − 7 = − ( x − 2 ) − 7 .

Looking at f ( x ) = − ( x − 2 ) − 7 , notice that the x + 2 from the original function is now

( x − 2 ) , which indicates a shift right of 2 units (rather than a shift left of 2 units).
The order of the downward shift again does not matter, but we need to decide if we
should reflect in the y-axis and then shift right, or shift right and then reflect in the y-axis.

Choice 1:
Shift downward 7 units (can be done at any time), reflect in the y-axis, then shift right 2
units:
g ( x ) = x → h ( x ) = x − 7 → k ( x ) = − x − 7 → f ( x ) = − ( x − 2) − 7
Down 7 Reflect in the Shift right 2 units
y -axis
Notice that our final result for Choice 1 can be written as f ( x ) = − x + 2 − 7 , which is
the desired function.

Choice 2:
Shift downward 7 units (can be done at any time), shift right 2 units, then reflect in the y-
axis.

g ( x) = x → h ( x) = x −7 → k ( x) = x − 2 − 7 → f ( x) = −x − 2 − 7
Down 7 Shift right 2 units Reflect in the
y -axis
Notice that Choice 2 does not yield the desired function.

We can see from the alternate analysis above that Choice 1 yields the desired function for
Example Problem 8, which means that in this particular example, the reflection in the y-
axis needs to be performed before the shift to the right. Since the downward shift can be
performed at any point in the process, any of the following order of transformations
would yield the correct graph:
 Shift downward 7 units, then reflect in the y-axis, then shift right 2 units.
Reflect in the y-axis, then shift downward 7 units, then shift right 2 units.
Reflect in the y-axis, then shift right 2 units, then shift downward 7 units.

Remember that when we used a shift to the left instead, we obtained the following
solutions as well:

Shift downward 7 units, then shift left 2 units, then reflect in the y-axis.
Shift left 2 units, then shift downward 7 units, then reflect in the y-axis.
Shift left 2 units, then reflect in the y-axis, then shift downward 7 units.

In all of the examples above, we have discussed problems where there were two or three
transformations. What if there are four or more transformations? In that case, look at
the vertically-oriented transformations and decide the order in which they need to be
done. Look at the horizontally-oriented transformations and decide the order in which
they need to be done. Then remember that the vertically-oriented transformations have no
effect on the horizontally-oriented transformations, and vice versa.

Example Problem 9: Suppose that you want to graph f ( x ) = 3 − x + 2 − 7 .

(a) In what order can you perform the transformations to obtain the correct graph?
(b) Graph the function.

SOLUTION:
(a) In order to save time, we have chosen an example that is similar to Example Problems
7 and 8.

We have the following transformations, not necessarily to be performed in this order:

Stretch vertically, factor of 3 Vertically-oriented transformation

Reflection in the y-axis Horizontally-oriented transformation
Shift left 2 units* Horizontally-oriented transformation
Shift downward 7 units Vertically-oriented transformation

*For simplicity, we are choosing to focus on a left shift for this problem, instead of
factoring out a negative under the radical, where f ( x ) = 3 − ( x − 2 ) − 7 , and
focusing on a right shift instead. As seen in Example Problem 8, we would obtain
additional solutions if we considered a right shift as an alternate means of solving this
problem. (The point of these detailed explanations is not for the student to be able to
list all possible orders of transformations, but to be able to determine one order of
transformations for any given problem which would yield a correct graph.)

Let us look first at the vertically-oriented transformations. (Temporarily put aside the
horizontally-oriented transformations, and just look at what is happening ‘outside’ the
radical sign.) As in Example Problem 7, the vertical stretch needs to be performed
before the downward shift.

Next look at the horizontally-oriented transformations. (Temporarily put aside the

vertically-oriented transformations, and just look at what is happening under the
radical sign.) As in Example Problem 8, the shift to the left needs to be performed
before the reflection in the y-axis.

Remember that the vertically-oriented transformations do not affect the horizontally-

oriented transformations, and vice versa. There are many correct solutions to this
problem. Just be sure that in your answer, the vertical stretch is performed before the
downward shift, and the shift to the left is performed before the reflection in the y-
axis.

All the solutions involving a left shift are shown below. You do not need to find all
of the answers below; any one of the solutions below would be acceptable. (Note:
If we looked at all the possibilities involving a right shift, we would add six more
solutions which would yield the same graph.)

Stretch vertically by a factor of 3, then shift downward 7 units, then shift left 2
units, then reflect in the y-axis.
Shift left 2 units, then reflect in the y-axis, then stretch vertically by a factor of 3,
then shift downward 7 units.
Stretch vertically by a factor of 3, then shift left 2 units, then shift downward 7
units, then reflect in the y-axis.
Stretch vertically by a factor of 3, then shift left 2 units, then reflect in the y-axis,
then shift downward 7 units,.
Shift left 2 units, then stretch vertically by a factor of 3, then reflect in the y-axis,
then shift downward 7 units.
Shift left 2 units, then stretch vertically by a factor of 3, then shift downward 7
units, then reflect in the y-axis.

(b) To graph the function, we can choose any one of the solutions shown above (and
obtain the same result). We will perform the transformations in the order listed for
the first solution listed above:

Starting with the base graph y = x :

Stretch vertically by a factor of 3, then shift downward 7 units, then shift left 2
units, then reflect in the y-axis. All steps are shown consecutively below.
 Step 1: y = x Step 2: y = 3 x
(Stretch vertically by a factor of 3)
y y
8 8

6 6

4 4

2 2
x x

−8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 10 −8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 10
−2 −2

−4 −4

−6 −6

−8 −8

10 10

Step 3: y = 3 x − 7 Step 4: y = 3 x + 2 − 7
(Shift downward 7 units) (Shift left 2 units)
y y
8 8

6 6

4 4

2 2
x x

−8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 10 −8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 10
−2 −2

−4 −4

−6 −6

−8 −8

10 10

Step 5: y = f ( x ) = 3 − x + 2 − 7
(Reflect in the y-axis)
y
8

6
Step 5 represents
4
the final result.
2
x

−8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 10
−2

−4

−6

−8

10