A-level · Algebra & functions

Transformations of graphsExam-style questions

Moving, stretching and reflecting a graph by changing its equation. Why a change outside the bracket acts on y as written; why a change inside acts on x and works backwards; stretches parallel to the x-axis and their scale factor; the two reflections; tracking a point through a combined transformation; and writing the equation of a transformed curve.

13 questions · A-level level · mark scheme and worked solution on each · no sign-up to try

DifficultyAllLevel 2Level 3Level 4Level 5
  1. 1
    Describe a sequence of two geometrical transformations that maps the curve y=xy = \sqrt{x} onto the curve y=2x+5y = 2\sqrt{x + 5}.

    (3 marks)
    Level 2 · 3 marksTry it
  2. 2
    The curve with equation y=f(x)y = \text{f}(x), x∈Rx \in \mathbb{R}, passes through the point P(5, −2)P(5,\ -2)

    Find the coordinates of the point to which PP is mapped on each of the following curves.
    (a) y=f(x)−5y = \text{f}(x) - 5

    (1 mark)
    (b) y=∣f(x)∣y = |\text{f}(x)|

    (1 mark)
    (c) y=3f(x+1)−4y = 3\text{f}(x + 1) - 4

    (2 marks)
    Level 2 · 4 marksTry it
  3. 3
    The point R(−3, 4)R(-3,\ 4) lies on the curve with equation y=f(x)y = \text{f}(x), x∈Rx \in \mathbb{R}

    Find the coordinates of the point to which RR is mapped when the curve with equation y=f(x)y = \text{f}(x) is transformed to the curve with equation
    (a) y=f(x)+7y = \text{f}(x) + 7

    (1 mark)
    (b) y=f(x−6)y = \text{f}(x - 6)

    (1 mark)
    (c) y=4f(−x+1)−9y = 4\text{f}(-x + 1) - 9

    (2 marks)
    Level 2 · 4 marksTry it
  4. 4
    The point Q(−8, 6)Q(-8,\ 6) is on the curve y=f(x)y = \text{f}(x), x∈Rx \in \mathbb{R}

    For each of the transformed curves below, find the coordinates of the image of QQ.
    (a) y=f(x+4)y = \text{f}(x + 4)

    (1 mark)
    (b) y=f(4x)y = \text{f}(4x)

    (1 mark)
    (c) y=5f(−x)−3y = 5\text{f}(-x) - 3

    (2 marks)
    Level 2 · 4 marksTry it