GraphsKey Facts

Transformation Rules (THE Table!)

Part of Graph Transformations · GCSE GCSE Mathematics revision

This key facts covers Transformation Rules (THE Table!) within Graph Transformations for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Graph Transformations in Graphs for GCSE Mathematics with 14 exam-style questions and 1 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 2 of 4 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 2 of 4

Practice

14 questions

Recall

1 flashcards

Transformation Rules (THE Table!)

Transformation Effect Example from y = f(x)
f(x) + a Translate UP by a y = x² + 3 moves up 3
f(x) − a Translate DOWN by a y = x² − 2 moves down 2
f(x + a) Translate LEFT by a y = (x + 3)² moves left 3
f(x − a) Translate RIGHT by a y = (x − 2)² moves right 2
af(x) Stretch vertically by factor a y = 3x² stretches ×3 vertically
f(ax) Squash horizontally by factor a y = (2x)² squashes ×2 horizontally
−f(x) Reflect in x-axis y = −x² flips upside down
f(−x) Reflect in y-axis y = (−x)² flips left-right

Memory trick: Inside brackets = opposite direction (+ goes left, − goes right)!

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Graph Transformations. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Graph Transformations

The graph of y = f(x) is transformed to y = f(x) + 3. Which of the following describes this transformation?

  • A. Translation 3 units to the right
  • B. Translation 3 units upwards
  • C. Stretch by scale factor 3 parallel to the y-axis
  • D. Translation 3 units to the left
1 markfoundation

Describe fully each of the following transformations of y = f(x): (a) y = 3f(x) (b) y = f(2x) (c) y = f(x) - 5

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

f(x + a) vs f(x) + a
f(x + a) = LEFT by a (inside, opposite). f(x) + a = UP by a (outside, same direction)

14 questions on Graph Transformations — practise free

Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 1 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.

Try PrepWise Free