Pre-Calculus 12 Name: _______________

Learning Target 2-2

Section 2.3 – Transformations of Graphs
Section 2.4 – Inverse Functions
Section 2.5 – Combined Transformations

Adrian Herlaar
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Section 2.4 – Transformations of Graphs

• Transformations is when we change the basic graph of a function in 2-dimensional space.
• In this section, we will look at:
o Translations – vertical and horizontal shifts
o Compression and Expansion – stretch and squeeze.
o Reflections – in both the 𝑥 and 𝑦 axes

This can seem a little daunting, so we will

• If we consider a basic function: 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙)
look at it piecewise.

Transformations can give us shifts represented by: 𝒚 = 𝒂𝒇[𝒃(𝒙 − 𝒄)] + 𝒅

1. Translations, or shifts, are additions or subtractions represented by 𝒄 and 𝒅

2. Expansions, or compressions, are multiplications shown by 𝒂 and 𝒃
3. Reflections happen when 𝒂 or 𝒃 are negative.

➢ Constants 𝒂 and 𝒅, which are “outside of the function”, affect the 𝒚-values of the ordered pairs.
➢ Constants 𝒃 and 𝒄, which are “inside the function”, affect the 𝒙-values of the ordered pairs.

This is a big deal and can help us make this

process as simple as possible!!

• Let’s look at these various transformations separately.

Translations
A translation is when the graph is shifted in the left or right (x direction) or the up and down (y
direction), without changing the shape of the original graph.

a) Vertical Translations (y direction), 𝒅 > 𝟎

If 𝑑 > 0, for the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), the graph of:

Vertical Translations are quite intuitive,
𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) + 𝒅 is shifted up “𝒅” units. they literally move up or down depending
on the sign and number of the 𝒅 value.
𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) − 𝒅 is shifted down “𝒅” units.

See the following graphs as examples of vertical translations.

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Example 1:

Quadratic Graphs

𝑦 = 𝑥2 𝑦 = 𝑥2 + 1 𝑦 = 𝑥2 − 2
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) + 1 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) − 2

Square Root Graphs

𝑦 = ξ𝑥 𝑦 = ξ𝑥 + 1 𝑦 = ξ𝑥 − 2
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) + 1 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) − 2

Absolute Value Graphs

𝑦 = ȁ𝑥ȁ 𝑦 = ȁ𝑥ȁ + 1 𝑦 = ȁ𝑥ȁ − 2

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) + 1 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) − 2

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Cubic Graphs

𝑦 = 𝑥3 𝑦 = 𝑥3 + 1 𝑦 = 𝑥3 − 2
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) + 1 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) − 2

Reciprocal Graphs

1 1 1
𝑦= 𝑦= +1 𝑦= −2
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)

b) Horizontal Translations (x direction), 𝒄 > 𝟎

If 𝑐 > 0, for the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), the graph of:

Horizontal Translations are not intuitive,
𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒄) is shifted left “𝒄” units. they move the opposite direction of the
sign of the 𝒄 value.
𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙 − 𝒄) is shifted right “𝒄” units.

I like to think to consider “what value of 𝑥 makes the inside zero”. That value is
where you move on the 𝑥 − axis.

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 − 3) 𝑜𝑟 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + 2)

Moves right 3, or 𝑥 = 3 Moves left 2, or 𝑥 = −2

makes 𝑥 − 3 = 0 makes 𝑥 + 2 = 0
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Example 2:

Square Root Graphs

𝑦 = ξ𝑥 𝑦 = ξ𝑥 − 1 𝑦 = ξ𝑥 + 2
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 − 1) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + 2)

Cubic Graphs

𝑦 = 𝑥3 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 1)3 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 2)3
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 − 1) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + 2)

Summary

Vertical and Horizontal Translations of 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) with point (𝒙, 𝒚)

If 𝑐, 𝑑 > 0:

1. Vertical translation of 𝑑 units upward ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑑, (𝑥, 𝒚 + 𝒅)

2. Vertical translation of 𝑑 units downward ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑑, (𝑥, 𝒚 − 𝒅)
3. Horizontal translation of 𝑐 units to the right ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥 − 𝑐), (𝒙 + 𝒄, 𝑦)
4. Horizontal translation of 𝑐 units to the left ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥 + 𝑐), (𝒙 − 𝒄, 𝑦)

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Example 3: Write the equation of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 after a transformation 𝟒 units right
and 𝟑 units down

Solution 3: 𝑔(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 − 4 − 3 Three units

down
To the right
means 𝑥 − 4

Example 4: What transformations have occurred to change 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) into 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙 − 𝟐) + 𝟒?

Solution 4: Horizontal translation: 2 units right Vertical Translation: 4 units up

Example 5: If (2, 2) is in 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), which point is on 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + 3) − 2 This moves the

Solution 5: (𝑥 − 3, 𝑦 − 2) 𝒚-coordinate
This moves the down 2 units.
(2 − 3, 2 − 2) → (−𝟏, 𝟎) 𝒙-coordinate left
3 units.

Reflections
The next type of transformation is a reflection. We are going to talk about reflecting over the
𝑥-axis and 𝑦-axis only.

• Consider reflecting over the 𝑥-axis, all 𝑦-values change their signs.
• Consider reflecting over the 𝑦-axis, all 𝑥-values change their signs.

For the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), the graph of:

➢ 𝒚 = −𝒇(𝒙) is a refection of the 𝒚-values, a reflection in the 𝒙-axis.

➢ 𝒚 = 𝒇(−𝒙) is a refection of the 𝒙-values, a reflection in the 𝒚-axis.
➢ 𝒚 = −𝒇(−𝒙) is a refection of the 𝒙 and 𝒚-values, a reflection in the 𝒙 and 𝒚 axes

𝑦 = ξ𝑥 𝑦 = −ξ𝑥 𝑦 = ξ−𝑥 𝑦 = −ξ−𝑥

Summary= 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑦 𝑦 = −𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓(−𝑥) 𝑦 = −𝑓(−𝑥)

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Reflections of 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) with point (𝒙, 𝒚) in the two Axes

1. Reflection in the 𝑥-axis ℎ(𝑥) = −𝑓(𝑥), (𝑥, −𝒚)

2. Reflection in the 𝑦-axis ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓(−𝑥), (−𝒙, 𝑦)
3. Reflection in both axes ℎ(𝑥) = −𝑓(−𝑥), (−𝒙, −𝒚)

Example 6: Write the equation of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 if it is reflected in the:

a) 𝑥-axis
b) 𝑦-axis

Solution 6:

a) 𝑓(𝑥) → −𝑓(𝑥) 𝑠𝑜 𝑥2 + 𝑥 → − (𝑥 2 + 𝑥) = −𝑥 2 − 𝑥

b) 𝑓(𝑥) → 𝑓(−𝑥) 𝑠𝑜 𝑥2 + 𝑥 → (−𝑥)2 + (−𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥

Example 7: What transformations have occurred to change 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 into 𝒚 = −(𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙)?

Solution 7: Since the entire original function is inside the brackets, the negative on the outside. It is a
reflection of the 𝒚-values (the 𝒙-axis).

Example 8: If (3, 2) is in 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), which point is on:

a) 𝑦 = −𝑓(𝑥)
b) 𝑦 = 𝑓(−𝑥)
c) 𝑦 = −𝑓(−𝑥)

Solution 8:

a) Sign change in 𝒚-values: (𝟑, −𝟐)

b) Sign change in 𝒙-values: (−𝟑, 𝟐)
c) Sign change in 𝒙 and 𝒚-values: (−𝟑, −𝟐)

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Absolute Value Functions

• The Domain (𝑥-values) of an absolute value function 𝑦 = ȁ𝑓(𝑥)ȁ is the same as the original
function 𝑓(𝑥)
• But since absolute value cannot to negative
• The Range (𝑦-values) of an absolute value function 𝑦 = ȁ𝑓(𝑥)ȁonly has positive values 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) ≥ 0

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦 = ȁ𝑓(𝑥)ȁ 𝑦 = 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑦 = ȁ𝑔(𝑥)ȁ

Reciprocal Functions
𝟏
• If 𝑓(𝑥) then the reciprocal function has the form:
𝒇(𝒙)

• This means all the 𝒚-values (outputs) become reciprocals.

• I will not cover this is too much detail here (see the video on Reciprocal Functions) but see the
example below.

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Example 9: If 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) has the coordinate point (−2,4), what point is on
𝑓(𝑥)

Solution 9: The Domain (𝑥-values) do not change but the Range (𝑦-values) become reciprocals of
their original graphs.

𝟏
So (−2, 4) → (−𝟐, 𝟒)

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Example 10: Given the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) below, graph the reciprocal function

Solution 10:
• All outputs become reciprocals.
• Where 𝑦 = 0 we end up with
vertical asymptotes
• Be considerate of the infinitely
increasing and decreasing limits.

Compressions and Expansions of Graphs

• Vertical and horizontal shifts leave the shape of the graph the same.
• Compressions and Expansions graph a shape change, either a squeeze of a stretch
• There are helpful markers to determine whether or not it is a Vertical or Horizontal stretch.

a) Vertical Compression and Expansion

For the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), the graph of:

𝒚 = 𝒂 ∙ 𝒇(𝒙) is a Vertical Expansion if 𝒂 > 𝟏 (Expansion by a factor of 𝒂)

𝒚 = 𝒂 ∙ 𝒇(𝒙) is a Vertical Compression if 𝟎 < 𝒂 < 𝟏 (Compression by a factor of 𝒂, where a is a

proper fraction)

For the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), the graph of:

𝑦 = 2𝑓(𝑥) is a Vertical Expansion by a factor of 𝟐 Vertical Expansions and Compressions

keep the 𝒙-intercepts of the original
function!
1 1
𝑦 = 3 𝑓(𝑥) is a Vertical Compression by a factor of
3

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Example 11:

Quadratic Graphs

𝑦 = 𝑥2 − 1 𝑦 = 3(𝑥 2 − 1) 1
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦 = 3𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦 = (𝑥 2 − 1)
2
1
Basic Graph Vertical Expansion by 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)
2
a Factor of 3
Vertical Compression by
1
a Factor of
2

*You see the 𝒙-intercepts did not change, but the shape of the graph was altered*

b) Horizontal Compressions and Expansion

For the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), the graph of:

𝟏
𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒃𝒙) is a Horizontal Compression if 𝒃 > 𝟏 (by a factor of )
𝒃

𝟏
𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒃𝒙) is a Horizontal Expansion if 𝟎 < 𝒃 < 𝟏 (by a factor of where 𝒃 is a proper
𝒃
fraction)

For the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), the graph of:

𝟏
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝟐𝒙) is a Horizontal Compression by a factor of Horizontal Expansions and Compressions
𝟐
keep the 𝒚-intercept of the original
𝟏 function!
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝟑 𝒙) is a Horizontal Expansion by a factor of 𝟑

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Example 11:

Quadratic Graphs

𝑦 = 𝑥2 1 2 𝑦 = (2𝑥)2
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦 = ( 𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓(2𝑥)
2
1
Basic Graph 𝑦 = 𝑓 ( 𝑥) Horizontal Compression by
2
1
a Factor of
Horizontal Expansion by 2
a Factor of 2

*You see the 𝒚-intercepts did not change, but the shape of the graph was altered*
c)

Summary

Vertical and Horizontal Compressions and Expansions of

𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) with point (𝒙, 𝒚)
If 𝒂 > 𝟏, 𝒃 > 𝟏:
1. Vertical expansion by a factor of 𝑎 ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑓(𝑥), (𝑥, 𝒂𝒚)
1 𝟏
2. Horizontal compressions by a factor of ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑏𝑥), ( 𝒙, 𝑦)
𝑏 𝒃
If 𝟎 < 𝒂 < 𝟏, 𝟎 < 𝒃 < 𝟏:
3. Vertical compression by a factor of 𝑎 (a is a proper fraction) ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑓(𝑥), (𝑥, 𝒂𝒚)
1 ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑏𝑥), (𝒏𝒙, 𝑦)
4. Horizontal expansion by a factor of
𝑏
𝟏
(d is the reciprocal of a proper fraction) 𝒏 = 𝟏
𝒃

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Example 12: Write an equation for the function 𝑦 = ξ𝑥, with a

a) Vertical Expansion by a factor of 2

1
b) Vertical Compression by a factor of
2
c) Horizontal Expansion by a factor of 2
1
d) Horizontal Compression by a factor of
2

Solution 12:

1 1
a) 𝑦 = 2ξ𝑥 b) 𝑦 = 2 ξ𝑥 c) 𝑦 = √2 𝑥 d) 𝑦 = ξ2𝑥

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Example 13: What transformation has happened to 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) to produce 𝑦 = 3𝑓(4 𝑥)?

Solution 13:

✓ Vertical expansion by a factor of 3

𝟏
✓ Horizontal expansion by a factor of 𝟏 → 𝟒
𝟒

Example 14: If (3, 1) is on 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), what point is on 𝑦 = 2𝑓(4𝑥)?

Solution 14:

1 1 𝟑
(𝑥, 𝑦) → ( 𝑥, 2𝑦) → ( (3), 2(1)) → ( , 𝟐)
4 4 𝟒

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Section 2.4 – Practice Problems

1. Write an equation for the function that is described by the given characteristics.

a) The shape 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 , moved 4 units to b) The shape 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 , moved 2 units to
the left and 5 units downward. the right, reflected in the 𝑥-axis, and
moved 3 units upward.

c) The shape 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 , moved 2 units to d) The shape 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 , moved 1

the right and 3 units downward. unit downward and reflected in the 𝑦-axis.

e) The shape 𝑓(𝑥) = ȁ𝑥ȁ, moved 6 f) The shape 𝑓(𝑥) = ȁ𝑥ȁ, moved 3 units to
units upward and 3 units to the left. the left and reflected in the 𝑥-axis.

g) The shape 𝑓(𝑥) = ξ𝑥, moved 7 units to h) The shape 𝑓(𝑥) = ξ𝑥, moved 4 units
the right and reflected in the 𝑥-axis. upward and reflected in the 𝑦-axis.

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2. If (−3, 1) or (𝑎, 𝑏) is a point on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), what must be a point on the graph of the
following?

a) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + 2) b) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) + 2

c) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 − 2) − 2 d) 𝑦 = −𝑓(𝑥)

e) 𝑦 = 𝑓(−𝑥) f) 𝑦 = −𝑓(−𝑥)

g) 𝑦 = 𝑓(−𝑥) − 2 h) 𝑦 = −𝑓(𝑥 + 2)

3. Use the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 to write an equation for each function whose graph is shown. Each
transformation includes only reflections or expansions/compressions of the 𝑦-value.

a) b)

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4. Use the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 to write an equation for each function whose graph is shown.
Each transformation includes only reflections or expansions/compressions of the 𝑦-value.

a) b)

5. Use the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 to write an equation for each function whose graph is shown.
Each transformation includes only reflections or expansions/compressions of the 𝑦-value.

a) b)

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6. Use the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = ȁ𝑥ȁ to write an equation for each function whose graph is shown.
Each transformation includes only reflections or expansions/compressions of the 𝑦-value.

a) b)

7. Use the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 to write an equation for each function whose graph is shown.
Each transformation includes only reflections or expansions/compressions of the 𝑦-value.

a) b)

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8. Use the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 to write an equation for each function whose graph is shown.
Each transformation includes only reflections or expansions/compressions of the 𝑦-value.

a) b)

9. Given the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) below, sketch the graphs of the following:

a) 𝑦 = −𝑓(𝑥) b) 𝑦 = 𝑓(−𝑥)

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c) 𝑦 = −𝑓(−𝑥) d) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + 1)

e) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) − 2 f) 𝑦 = 𝑓(1 − 𝑥)

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10. If (−2, 4) is a point on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 − 1), what must be a point on the following graphs?
a) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) b) 𝑦 = −𝑓(𝑥)

c) 𝑦 = 𝑓(−𝑥) d) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) + 2

e) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + 2) f) 𝑦 = −𝑓(−𝑥)

11. What is the range of the Absolute Value Function: 𝑓(𝑥) = |4 − 𝑥2 |

12. If the point (−1, −2) is on the graph 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), what point is on the graph 𝑦 = ȁ𝑓(−𝑥)ȁ?

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13. If the range of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is −3 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 1, what is the range of 𝑦 = ȁ𝑓(𝑥)ȁ?

14. If the point (−3, −6) is on the graph 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), what point is on the graph 𝑦 = 3ȁ𝑓(𝑥)ȁ + 1?

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15. Given the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), graph the reciprocal function 𝑦 =
𝑓(𝑥)
a)

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b)

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16. If 𝑓(𝑥) ≥ 1, what is the reciprocal function value?
𝑓(𝑥)

1
17. If the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) has the restriction of 0 < 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 1, what are the restrictions of 𝑦 = ?
𝑓(𝑥)

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18. Given the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) below, sketch the graphs of the following:

a) 𝑦 = 2𝑓(𝑥) b) 𝑦 = 𝑓(2𝑥)

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𝑥 1
c) 𝑦 = −𝑓 ( ) d) 𝑦 = − 𝑓(−𝑥)
2 2

19. Given the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) below, what equations represent the following graphs.

a) 𝑦 = _______________ b) 𝑦 = _______________

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c) 𝑦 = _______________ d) 𝑦 = _______________

e) 𝑦 = _______________ f) 𝑦 = _______________

g) 𝑦 = _______________ h) 𝑦 = _______________

See Website for Detailed Answer Key

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Section 2.5 – Inverse Functions

• We have inverse operators, like a zipper, they unzip what has been zipped.
o Subtraction is the inverse of addition.
o Division is the inverse of multiplication.
o Square Rooting is the inverse of Squaring.

• Functions have inverses as well.

o Given two functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥), they are inverses of one another if one ‘undoes’ what
the other ‘does’.
o We say then that 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) This reads 𝒇 inverse. It is NOT a
negative exponent.
𝑓(𝑓 −1 (𝑥)) = 𝑥 1
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) ≠
𝑓(𝑥)
and

𝑓 −1 (𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑥

How to find the inverse of the Function 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙)

1. Verify that 𝑓 is a one-to-one function (otherwise the inverse is not a function)

2. Replace 𝑓(𝑥) with 𝑦
3. Interchange 𝑥 and 𝑦. (Change 𝑥 ′ 𝑠 to 𝑦 ′ 𝑠 and 𝑦 ′ 𝑠 to 𝑥′𝑠)
4. Solve the new equation for 𝑦
5. Replace the new 𝑦 with 𝑓 −1 (𝑥)

Example 1: Determine 𝑓 −1 for 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 1 and then verify the solution

Solution 1: Check Solution:

𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 1 Function is one-to-one 𝑥+1 𝑓 −1 (𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑓 −1 (2𝑥 − 1)

𝑓(𝑓 −1 (𝑥)) = 𝑓 ( )
2
𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 1 Replace 𝑓(𝑥) with 𝑦
𝑥+1 2𝑧 − 1 + 1
= 2( )−1 =
𝑥 = 2𝑦 − 1 Interchange 𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 2 2

𝑥 + 1 = 2𝑦 Solve for 𝑦 =𝑥+1−1 2𝑥

=
2
𝑥+1 =𝑥
=𝑦
2 =𝑥
𝑥+1
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = Replace 𝑦 with 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) Therefore 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) are inverse functions.
2

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• There is a Domain/Range relationship between inverse functions as well.

• The Domain of Function 𝒇(𝒙) is the Range of 𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙)
• The Range of Function 𝒇(𝒙) is the Domain of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥)

Domain of 𝑓 Range of 𝑓

Range of 𝑓 −1 Domain of 𝑓 −1

Example 2: Determine 𝑔−1 for 𝑔(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 − 1

Solution 2: Check Solution:

𝑔(𝑔−1 (𝑥)) = 𝑔(𝑥 2 + 1) 𝑔−1 (𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑔−1 (ξ𝑥 − 1)

𝑔(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 − 1 Function is one-to-one

𝑦 = ξ𝑥 − 1 Replace 𝑔(𝑥) with 𝑦 = √𝑥 2 + 1 − 1

2
= (ξ𝑥 − 1) + 1
𝑥 = √𝑦 − 1 Interchange 𝑥 and 𝑦 = √𝑥 2
= 𝑥−1+1
𝑥2 = 𝑦 − 1 Solve for 𝑦 = ȁ𝑥ȁ but 𝑥 ≥ 0
=𝑥
𝑦 = 𝑥2 + 1 =𝑥

𝑔−1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1 Replace 𝑦 with 𝑔−1 (𝑥)

Therefore 𝑔(𝑥) and 𝑔−1 (𝑥) are inverse functions.

For 𝑔(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 − 1 and For 𝑔−1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1

Domain is: 𝑥 ≥ 1; Range is: 𝑦 ≥ 0 therefore Domain is: 𝑥 ≥ 0; Range is: 𝑦 ≥ 1

So, 𝑔−1 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1, but it has a restricted Domain of 𝒙 ≥ 𝟎

This Domain restriction makes 𝑔−1 (𝑥) a one-to-one function thus given it an inverse in 𝑔(𝑥)

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𝑥
Example 3: Determine ℎ−1 of ℎ(𝑥) =
2𝑥 − 3

Solution 3:

𝑥 Check Solution:
ℎ(𝑥) = Function is one-to-one
2𝑥 − 3
3𝑥
𝑥 𝒉 (𝒉−𝟏 (𝒙)) = ℎ ( )
𝑦= Replace ℎ(𝑥) with 𝑦 2𝑥 − 1
2𝑥 − 3
3𝑥
𝑦 = 2𝑥 −1
𝑥= Interchange 𝑥 and 𝑦 3𝑥
2𝑦 − 3 2 (2𝑥 − 1) − 3

𝑥(2𝑦 − 3) = 𝑦 Solve for 𝑦 3𝑥 3𝑥

= 2𝑥 − 1 → 2𝑥 −1
2𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 = 𝑦 6𝑥 6𝑥 3(2𝑥 − 1)
( )−3 (2𝑥 − 1) −
2𝑥 − 1 (2𝑥 − 1)
2𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦 = 3𝑥
3𝑥
𝑦(2𝑥 − 1) = 3𝑥 2𝑥 −1 3𝑥 2𝑥 − 1 3𝑥
= = ∙ = =𝑥
6𝑥 − 6𝑥 + 3
( ) 2𝑥 − 1 𝑥 3
3𝑥 2𝑥 − 1
𝑦=
2𝑥 − 1
3𝑥
ℎ−1 (𝑥) = Replace 𝑦 with ℎ−1 (𝑥) 𝑥
2𝑥 − 1 𝒉−𝟏 (𝒉(𝒙)) = ℎ−1 ( )
2𝑥 − 3
3𝑥 1 𝑥
ℎ−1 (𝑥) = ,𝑥≠ 3(
2𝑥 −3
)
2𝑥 − 1 2 = 𝑥
2 (2𝑥 − 3) − 1

3𝑥
(2𝑥 − 3)
=
2𝑥 (2𝑥 − 3)
(2𝑥 − 3) − 1
(2𝑥 − 3)

3𝑥 3𝑥
(2𝑥 − 3) (2𝑥 − 3) 3𝑥 2𝑥 − 3
= = = ∙
2𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 3 3 2𝑥 − 3 3
2𝑥 − 3 2𝑥 − 3

3𝑥
= =𝑥
3

Therefore ℎ(𝑥) and ℎ−1 (𝑥) are inverse functions.

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Example 4: Determine the inverse of ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2

Solution 4: Since ℎ(𝑥) is a parabola (quadratic, u-curved graph) then it is not one-to-one, so the
inverse will not be a function, but a Domain Restriction can change that, stay tuned.

ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2 Function is not one-to-one

𝑦 = 𝑥2 + 2 Replace ℎ(𝑥) with 𝑦

𝑥 = 𝑦2 + 2 Interchange 𝑥 and 𝑦

𝑥 − 2 = 𝑦2 Solve for 𝑦

𝑦 = ±ξ𝑥 − 2 Not a Function

Restrict Domain of 𝒉(𝒙) to 𝒙 ≥ 𝟎 Restrict Domain of 𝒉(𝒙) to 𝒙 ≤ 𝟎

Then ℎ−1 (𝑥) = ξ𝑥 + 2 which is a Function Then ℎ−1 (𝑥) = −ξ𝑥 + 2 which is a Function

Check Solution:

ℎ(ℎ−1 (𝑥)) = ℎ(√𝑥 − 2) ℎ(ℎ−1 (𝑥)) = ℎ(−√𝑥 − 2)

2 2
= (ξ𝑥 − 2) + 2 = (−ξ𝑥 − 2) + 2

=𝑥−2+2 = 𝑥−2+2

=𝑥 =𝑥

𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≥ 0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≥ 0

ℎ−1 (ℎ(𝑥)) = ℎ−1 (𝑥 2 + 2) ℎ−1 (ℎ(𝑥)) = ℎ−1 (𝑥 2 + 2)

= √𝑥 2 + 2 − 2 = −√𝑥 2 + 2 − 2

= √𝑥 2 = −√𝑥 2

= 𝑥 since 𝑥 ≥ 0 = 𝑥 since 𝑥 ≤ 0

Conclusion: for 𝑥 ≥ 0, ℎ(𝑥) has inverse ξ𝑥 − 2

for 𝑥 ≤ 0, ℎ(𝑥) has inverse−ξ𝑥 − 2

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𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥)
Graphs of Inverse Functions

• The graphs of 𝑓 and 𝑓 −1 are symmetric about the

line 𝑦 = 𝑥
• 𝑓(𝑥) is the reflection of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) on the line 𝒚 = 𝒙
(𝑏, 𝑎)
• The interesting part is threat what happens with this
reflection, the point (𝒂, 𝒃) on 𝒇(𝒙), becomes 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)
the point (𝒃, 𝒂) on the graph of 𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙) (𝑎, 𝑏)

Example 5: Graph the inverse function of 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 , 𝑥 ≤ 0

Solution 5: To find the inverse, we have to work through the following way:

𝑦 = 𝑥2, 𝑥 ≤ 0, 𝑦 ≥ 0

Swap, 𝑥’𝑠 and 𝑦’𝑠 in the

𝑥 = 𝑦2, 𝑦 ≤ 0, 𝑥 ≥ 0
Domain and Range too
𝑦 = ±ξ𝑥 , 𝑦 ≤ 0, 𝑥 ≥ 0

𝑦 is negative, 𝑥 is positive

So, 𝑦 = −ξ𝑥 and 𝑔−1 (𝑥) = −ξ𝑥, 𝑥 ≥ 0

𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2

𝑔−1 (𝑥) = −ξ𝑥

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Example 6: 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑

a) Determine 𝑓 −1 (𝑥)
b) Show that 𝑓(𝑓 −1 (𝑥)) = 𝑓 −1 (𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑥
c) Graph 𝑓 and 𝑓 −1

Solution 6:

a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 𝑥+3 𝑥+3

b) 𝑓(𝑓 −1 (𝑥)) = 𝑓 ( 2
) = 2( 2
)− 3=𝑥+3−3=𝑥
𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 3
𝑥 = 2𝑦 − 3 (2𝑥 − 3) + 3 2𝑥
𝑓 −1 (𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑓 −1 (2𝑥 − 3) = = =𝑥
2 2
𝑥 + 3 = 2𝑦
𝑓 𝑦=𝑥
𝑥+3 c)
𝑦=
2

𝒙+𝟑
𝒇−𝟏 (𝒙) = 𝑓 −1
𝟐

Transformation in Inverse Functions

• The transformation process is exactly the same as before.

• The only difference is that the first step is to swap the 𝒙, 𝒚-values.

For a point (𝒂, 𝒃) in 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙)

• 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) will have a point (𝑏, 𝑎)

• 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 − 1) will have a point (𝑏 + 1, 𝑎)

• 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) + 1 will have a point (𝑏, 𝑎 + 1)

1
• 𝑦 = −2𝑓 −1 (3𝑥) will have a point (3 𝑏, −2𝑎)

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Section 2.5 – Practice Problems

1. The following are graphs of functions. Will they have inverse functions? Yes/No and Why?

a) b)
Yes or No? Yes or No?

Why? Why?

c) d)
Yes or No? Yes or No?

Why? Why?

e) f)
Yes or No? Yes or No?

Why? Why?

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2. Determine whether the functions are inverses of each other by calculating (𝒇 ◦ 𝒈)(𝒙) and (𝒈 ◦ 𝒇)(𝒙)

3 5 b) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 3, 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3
a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥, 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥
5 3

3−𝑥 d)
3
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 2, 𝑔(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 + 2
c) 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 − 4𝑥, 𝑔(𝑥) =
4

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4
e) 𝑓(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 − 1, 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1 f) 𝑓(𝑥) = ξ𝑥, 𝑥 ≥ 0, 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 4

5𝑥 + 3 𝑥−3 3
h) 𝑓(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 + 1, 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 1
g) 𝑓(𝑥) = , 𝑔(𝑥) =
1 − 2𝑥 2𝑥 + 5

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3. Determine the restrictions on each of the following functions in order for its inverse to be a function

a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 b) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2

c) 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 2)2 d) 𝑓(𝑥) = ȁ𝑥 + 1ȁ − 2

4. Find the inverse of the following functions. State if the inverse is a function, a one-to-one
function, or neither.

a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 b) 𝑓(𝑥) = ξ2𝑥 − 1

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c) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1 1
d) 𝑓(𝑥) =
3𝑥 − 2

𝑥 2𝑥 − 1
e) 𝑓(𝑥) = f) 𝑓(𝑥) =
1−𝑥 3𝑥 + 2

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1
5. Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 1, 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3, find 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔−1 (𝑥), then determine
2

a) (𝑓 −1 ◦ 𝑔)(𝑥) b) (𝑔−1 ◦ 𝑓 −1 )(𝑥)

c) (𝑔 ◦ 𝑓 −1 )(𝑥) d) (𝑓 ◦ 𝑔−1 )(𝑥)

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e) (𝑓 −1 ◦ 𝑔−1 )(𝑥) f) (𝑓 ◦ 𝑔)−1 (𝑥)

6. Given the graph of 𝑓, on the same grid draw the graph of the inverse of 𝑓.

a) b)

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c) d)

e) f)

7. If (−1, 2) or (𝑎, 𝑏) is a point of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), what must be a point on the graph for
the following?

a) 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) b) 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) − 1

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c) 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 + 2) d) 𝑦 = −𝑓 −1 (−𝑥)

e) 𝑦 = 1 − 𝑓 −1 (−𝑥) f) 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 + 1)

8. Use Desmos to graph the following functions and their inverses. State if the inverse is a
function, a one-to-one function, or neither.

a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 1 b) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1

c) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 1 d) 𝑓(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 2 − 4

9. The function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎(−𝑥 3 − 𝑥 + 2) has an inverse function such that 𝑓 −1 (6) = −2. Find 𝑎.

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10. If the graph of 𝑓 contains points in Quadrant I and II, the graph of 𝑓 −1 must contain points in
which Quadrant(s)? (Use the grid provided to help visualize)

11. The formulas for Fahrenheit and Celsius temperatures are:

9 5
𝐹 = 5 𝐶 + 32 and 𝐶 = 9 (𝐹 − 32)

Show that these two functions are inverses of each other.

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1
12. Show that for the one-to-one function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 3, that:
4

(𝑓 ◦ 𝑔)−1 (𝑥) = (𝑔−1 ◦ 𝑓 −1 )(𝑥)

See Website Copy for Detailed Answer Key

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Section 2.6 – Combined Transformations

• We can summarize the transformation steps as follows:

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) versus 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑓[𝑏(𝑥 − 𝑐)] + 𝑑

Recall:

Transforming Vertically

✓ 𝒂 > 𝟏 is a vertical expansion by a factor of 𝒂

✓ 𝟎 < 𝒂 < 𝟏 is a vertical compression by a factor of 𝒂
✓ 𝒂 < 𝟎 (negative), is a reflection in the 𝒙-axis (the 𝑦-values change sign)
✓ + 𝒅 shifts up 𝒅 units.
✓ − 𝒅 shifts down 𝒅 units.

Transforming Horizontally

𝟏
✓ 𝒃 > 𝟏 is a horizontal compression by a factor of
𝒃
𝟏 𝟏
✓ 𝟎 < 𝒃 < 𝟏 is a horizontal expansion by a factor of , and since 𝒃 is a fraction, =𝒃
𝒃 𝒃
✓ 𝒃 < 𝟎 (negative), is a reflection in the 𝒚-axis (the 𝑥-values change sign)
✓ 𝒄 shifts right 𝒄 units (𝒄 > 𝟎)
✓ 𝒄 shifts left 𝒄 units (𝒄 < 𝟎)

*REFLECTIONS/COMPRESIONS/EXPANSIONS ALWAYS COME FIRST – THEN ANY TRANSLATIONS*

Example 1: 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) transformed to 𝑦 = −2𝑓[3(𝑥 + 5)] − 7

If (6, −3) is on 𝑓(𝑥) how does the point transform?

Solution 1:

Vertically So

- Refection in the 𝑥-axis (multiply 𝑦-values by−1) (6, −3)

- Expansion by a factor of 2 (multiply 𝑦-value by 2)
Transforms to:
- Translation down 7 (subtract 7 from 𝑦-value)
1
Horizontally (6 ( ) − 5, −3(−1)(2) − 7)
3
1 1
- Compression by a factor of (multiply 𝑥-value by ) (2 − 5, 6 − 7)
3 3
- Translation 5 left (𝑥 − (−5)) (−3, −1)

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• It is necessary to factor out the 𝑏 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 from any included horizontal translation.

Example 2: 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝟐𝒙 − 𝟔)

Not allowed – factor out the 2

Solution 2:
1
• Horizontal Compression by a factor of
𝒚 = 𝒇(𝟐𝒙 − 𝟔) → 𝒚 = 𝒇[𝟐(𝒙 − 𝟑)] 2
• Then 3 units to the right

Solving Combined Operations

There are two methods of solving combined equations:

1. A step-by-step approach
2. A one-shot calculation with the corresponding coordinates

Example 3: If the point (3, 2) is on the graph 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), what point is on 𝑦 = −4𝑓(6 − 3𝑥) + 1?

Solution 3:

First re-write the new function in the usual form with the 𝑏 term factored out.

𝑦 = −4𝑓(6 − 3𝑥) + 1 → 𝑦 = −4𝑓[−3(𝑥 − 2)] + 1

Method 1: Method 2

▪ −4 reflects points about the 𝑥-axis with a vertical If 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) has a point (𝑚, 𝑛), then
expansion by a factor of 4 so, (3, 2) → (3, −8)
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑓[𝑏(𝑥 − 𝑐)] + 𝑑 has a point:
▪ −3 reflects points about the 𝑦-axis with a horizontal 𝑚
1 ( + 𝑐, 𝑎𝑛 + 𝑑 )
compression by a factor of so, 𝑏
3
(3, −8) → (−1, −8) 𝑎 = −4, 𝑏 = −3, 𝑐 = 2, 𝑑 = 1

So,
▪ 𝑥 − 2 shifts the point two units horizontally to the
right, so (−1, −8) → (1, −8) 3
( + 2, (−4)(2) + 1)
−3
▪ +1 shifts the point one unit vertically up, so
(1, −8) → (1, −7)
(1, −7)
▪ So, the transformation is:
(3, 2) → (1, −7)

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Example 4: If the point (−1, 2) is on the graph 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥), what point is on 𝑦 = −3𝑓(8 + 2𝑥) − 1?

Solution 4:

First re-write the new function in the usual form with the 𝑏 term factored out:

𝑦 = −3𝑓(8 + 2𝑥) − 1 → 𝑦 = −3𝑓[2(𝑥 + 4)] − 1

Method 1: Method 2

▪ If (−1, 2) is on 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥), then (2, −1) is on 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) has a point (𝑛, 𝑚), then

▪ −3 reflects points about the 𝑥-axis with a vertical 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑓[𝑏(𝑥 − 𝑐)] + 𝑑 has a point:
expansion by a factor of 3 so, (2, −1) → (2, 3) 𝑚
( + 𝑐, 𝑎𝑛 + 𝑑 )
𝑏
1
▪ 2 is a horizontal compression by a factor of so, 𝑎 = −3, 𝑏 = 2, 𝑐 = −4, 𝑑 = −1
2
(2, 3) → (1, 3)
So,

▪ 𝑥 + 4 shifts the point four units horizontally to the 2

( + (−4), (−3)(−1) − 1)
left, so (1, 3) → (−3, 3) 2

▪ −1 shifts the point one unit vertically up, so

(−3, 3) → (−3, 2) (−3, 2)

▪ So, the transformation is:

(−1, 2) → (−3, 2)

Transforming Graphs

• Using a step-by-step approach for graph transformations can be tedious.

• It is helpful to pick a number of reference points, transforming them, and re-drawing the graph in
its entirety.
• See the example on the next page.

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Example 4: Given the graph 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) below, graph 𝑦 = −2𝑓[−2(𝑥 + 1)] + 1

Solution 4:

Remember:

If 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) has point (𝑚, 𝑛)

𝑦 = 𝑎𝑓[𝑏(𝑥 − 𝑐)] + 𝑑 has the point:

𝑚
( + 𝑐, 𝑎𝑛 + 𝑑 )
𝑏

𝑎 = −2, 𝑏 = −2, 𝑐 = −1, 𝑑 = 1

Use the reference points to calculate the transformations: (−1, 0), (0, 1), (1, 1), (2, 0)

−1 1 0
(−1, 0) → ( − 1, (−2)(0) + 1 ) → (− , 1) (0, 1) → ( − 1, (−2)(1) + 1 ) → (−1, −1)
−2 2 −2
1 3 2
(1, 1) → ( − 1, (−2)(1) + 1 ) → (− , −1) (2, 0) → ( − 1, (−2)(0) + 1 ) → (−2, 1)
−2 2 −2

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Section 2.6 – Practice Problems

1. Suppose 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) has the point (𝑎, 𝑏). Write (𝑎, 𝑏) with the transformations described.

a) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 − 1) + 1 b) 𝑦 = 𝑓(1 − 𝑥)

c) 𝑦 = −𝑓(−𝑥) d) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) + 1

e) 𝑦 = 𝑓(−𝑥) f) 𝑦 = −𝑓(𝑥)

g) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + 1) h) 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥)

i) 𝑦 = −𝑓 −1 (𝑥) j) 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) + 1

k) 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 − 1) l) 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (−𝑥) + 1

m) 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) + 1 n) 𝑦 = −𝑓 −1 (−𝑥) + 1

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2. If points (4, −2) and (𝑎, 𝑏) are on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), what points must be on the following graphs?

a) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 − 1) − 3 b) 𝑦 = −𝑓(−𝑥) + 1

c) 𝑦 = −𝑓(𝑥 + 2) − 1 d) 𝑦 = ȁ𝑓(2𝑥)ȁ

1
e) 𝑦 = 2 𝑓(𝑥 − 1) + 4 f) 𝑦 = −ȁ𝑓(𝑥 − 2)ȁ

1 h) 𝑦 = −𝑓(1 − 𝑥)
g) 𝑦 = 𝑓 (− 𝑥) + 1
2

i) 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) + 2 j) 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 + 1)

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3. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1, determine the equation after each of the following transformations.

a) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + 2) 1
b) 𝑦 = 𝑓 ( 𝑥) + 1
2

c) 𝑦 = −𝑓(𝑥 − 1) + 2 d) 𝑦 = 2𝑓(1 − 𝑥) + 3

e) Expand vertically by a factor of 3 f) Expand horizontally by a factor of 3

4. If 4𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 36, determine the equation after each of the following transformations (these
are not intuitive, is it in the form 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)? Must have to algebraically solve for 𝑦 first.

a) Expand horizontally by a factor of 2 1

b) Compress vertically by a factor of
3

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1 4
c) Compress horizontally by a factor of and expand vertically by a factor of 3
2

1
5. Write an expression for 𝑓(𝑥) obtained by reflecting the graph 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 2, about the:
2
Drawings may help.

a) 𝑥-axis b) 𝑦-axis

c) line 𝑥 = 2 d) line 𝑦 = 2

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6. Graph the following functions without using Desmos, graph the basic form first, then graph
the transformation and erase the original.

a) 𝑓(𝑥) = −(𝑥 − 1)2 + 3 b) 𝑓(𝑥) = 3ξ5 − 𝑥 − 5

1
c) 𝑓(𝑥) = −ȁ1 − 𝑥ȁ + 3 d) 𝑓(𝑥) = − (𝑥 + 2)3 + 1
4

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7. Given the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) below, sketch the graphs of the following:
Use Reference Points
to make this easier.

1 b) 𝑦 = −2𝑓(𝑥 + 2) − 1
a) 𝑦 = 𝑓 ( 𝑥) + 1
2

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1 d) 𝑦 = 2𝑓(1 − 𝑥) + 2
c) 𝑦 = 2𝑓 ( 𝑥 − 1) + 1
2

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e) 𝑦 = −𝑓(2 − 2𝑥) − 2 1
f) 𝑦 = −2𝑓 (− 2 𝑥 − 1) + 1

See Website for Detailed Answer Key

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