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Function Transformation Visualizer

See how shifts, stretches, and reflections transform the graph of a base function.

Function Transformation Visualizer interactive tool

Choose base function & transformation
Graph of f(x) and transformed g(x)

Base: Upward/downward opening parabola. The transformed function is g(x) = a·f(x − h) + k, where a = 1, h = 0, k = 0.

What Is Function Transformation Visualizer?

A function transformation visualizer shows how parameters in g(x) = a·f(x − h) + k change a base graph. By adjusting a, h, and k, you can see vertical stretches and compressions, horizontal and vertical shifts, and reflections.

Building Intuition for Transformations

Instead of memorizing rules in a table, students can change the base function and enter values for a, h, and k to compare the original and transformed graphs. This makes translations, stretches, compressions, and reflections easier to inspect in algebra and precalculus practice.

How To Use the Function Transformation Visualizer

  1. Choose a base function (linear, quadratic, or absolute value) from the dropdown.
  2. Enter values for a, h, and k to define the transformed function g(x) = a·f(x − h) + k.
  3. The visualizer will draw both the base function and the transformed function on the same axes.
  4. Observe how changing a stretches or flips the graph, while h and k shift it horizontally and vertically.
  5. Use the Example button to see a typical quadratic transformation, or Reset to return to the untransformed base graph.

Graph shifts, stretches, and reflections

This function transformation visualizer compares a base function with g(x) = a·f(x − h) + k. Adjust the parameters to inspect horizontal and vertical shifts, stretches, compressions, and reflections.

Need the formula or convention behind this result? Read the calculator methods and assumptions.

Function Transformation Visualizer FAQs

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