1•9 Parent Functions

and Transformations
Parent Graphs
The parent graph, which is the graph of the parent
function, is the simplest of the graphs in a family. Each graph
in a family of graphs has similar characteristics.

Name Characteristics Parent Function

y = a, where a is a
Constant Function Horizontal line
real number
Non horizontal and Identity Function
Linear Function
non vertical line y=x
Absolute Value Diagonal rays
y = ​⎜x⎟​
Function shaped like a V
Quadratic Function Parabola y = x2

EXAMPLE Types of Graphs

Identify the type of function represented by each
graph.
a. y
4
The graph is a diagonal
line. The graph
2
represents a linear
−4 −2 O 2 4x
function.
−2

−4

b. y  he graph is a parabolic
T
4
C02-051A-890527-A curve. The graph
2
represents a quadratic
−4 −2 O 2 4x function.
−2

−4

Parent Functions and Transformations 59

THIS MATERIAL IS PROVIDED FOR INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT BE DOWNLOADED, REPRODUCED, OR FURTHER DISTRIBUTED.
 Transformations
1•9

Transformations of a parent graph may appear in a different

location, may flip over an axis, or may appear to have been
stretched or compressed.
PARENT FUNCTIONS AND TRANSFORMATIONS

Using the following table will help you predict how the
parent graph will be transformed. A transformation that
moves a graph some distance is called a translation.
A reflection flips the graph, and a dilation stretches or
compresses the graph with respect to a line or a point.

Transformation Change to Parent Graph

Translation
f(x + h), h > 0 Translates the graph h units left.
f(x - h), h > 0 Translates the graph h units right.
f(x) + k, k > 0 Translates the graph k units up.
f(x) - k, k > 0 Translates the graph k units down.
Reflection
-f(x) Reflects the graph in the x-axis.
f(-x) Reflects the graph in the y-axis.
Dilation
a• f (x), ​⎜a⎟​ > 1 Stretches the graph vertically.
a• f (x), 0 < ⎜​ a⎟​ < 1 Compresses the graph vertically.
f (bx), ​⎜b⎟​> 1 Compresses the graph horizontally.
f (bx), 0 < ​⎜b⎟​ < 1 Stretches the graph horizontally.

EXAMPLE Transformation
Describe the reflection in y
4
y = - |x|. Then graph the 3
function. 2
y = |x|
1
The graph of y = - |x| is a
−4−3−2−1 O 1 2 3 4x
reflection of the graph of −1
−2 y = −|x|
y = |x| in the x-axis. −3
−4

C02-062A-890527-B
60 HotTopic 1
THIS MATERIAL IS PROVIDED FOR INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT BE DOWNLOADED, REPRODUCED, OR FURTHER DISTRIBUTED.
 1•9 Exercises
Identify the type of function represented by each
graph.
1. y
8 2. y
4

4 2

−8 −4 O 4 8x −4 −2 O 2 4x
−4 −2

−8 −4

3. y
4
4. y
4
C02-053A-890527-A C02-054A-890527-A
2 2

−4 −2 O 2 4x −4 −2 O 2 4x
−2 −2

−4 −4

Describe the translation in each function. Then

graph the function. C02-057A-890527-A
C02-055A-890527-A
5. y = ​⎜x + 5⎟​ 6. y = x2 - 2
Describe the dilation in each function. Then graph
the function.
8. y = ​ _
1
7. y = 5x 2 ​  |x|
Compare the given functions. Are they the same type? Is
one a transformation of the other? Explain.
9. y = 2x + 5 10.  the cost function for
y
8 Sewing Made Simple if
4
the initial fee is $5 and the
hourly rate is $2 an hour
−8 −4 O 4 8x
−4
x -2 -1 3 4
−8
y 3 4 8 9
11. 12.
x y
x -1 0 1 2 3
-6 -1
C001_L009_001A_144034
y 4 1 0 1 4
-3 2
0 5 x -1 0 1 2 3
3 8 y -4 -1 0 -1 -4
y = |x | +5

Parent Functions and Transformations 61
THIS MATERIAL IS PROVIDED FOR INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT BE DOWNLOADED, REPRODUCED, OR FURTHER DISTRIBUTED.