GraphsStudy Notes

Worked Examples

Part of Graph TransformationsGCSE Mathematics

This study notes covers Worked Examples 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 3 of 3 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 3 of 3

Practice

14 questions

Recall

1 flashcards

Worked Examples

Example 1
The graph of y = x² is translated 3 units to the right. Write the equation of the transformed graph.
Solution

Translate right 3 means use (x − 3)

New equation: y = (x − 3)²

Example 2
A graph has equation y = f(x). The point (2, 5) lies on this graph. After the transformation y = 2f(x), what are the new coordinates of this point?
Step 1: Understand the transformation

y = 2f(x) means multiply all y-values by 2

This is a vertical stretch by factor 2

Step 2: Apply to the x-coordinate

Vertical stretch doesn't affect x-coordinates

x stays as 2

Step 3: Apply to the y-coordinate

Original y-value: 5

New y-value: 5 × 2 = 10

Step 4: State the new coordinates

The transformed point is (2, 10)

Example 3
The graph y = f(x) passes through the point (4, -3). Find the coordinates of this point after the combined transformations: first a reflection in the x-axis, then a translation 5 units left.
Step 1: Apply the first transformation (reflection in x-axis)

Reflection in x-axis: y = -f(x)

This changes the sign of y-coordinates

After reflection: (4, -3) becomes (4, 3)

Step 2: Apply the second transformation (translation left 5)

Translation left 5: y = f(x + 5)

This subtracts 5 from x-coordinates

x-coordinate: 4 - 5 = -1

y-coordinate stays: 3

Step 3: Write the equation of the final graph

Starting with y = f(x)

After reflection: y = -f(x)

After translation: y = -f(x + 5)

Step 4: State the final answer

The point (4, -3) transforms to (-1, 3)

The equation becomes y = -f(x + 5)

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)

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