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  1. ← All courses
  2. Precalculus
  3. Unit 6: Transformations

Lesson 1 of 3

Shifts and reflections

Move familiar points and distinguish input changes from output changes.

Subject to changeOptional future study, outside the current course sequence. This lesson and its homework preview are unassigned and may change.

Lessons and study tools
PracticeKey wordsCalculator

Current units

  1. Unit 1: Essential Review
    1. Find a starting point
    2. Evaluate and compare expressions
    3. Read powers and multiply expressions
    4. Solve equations and describe intervals
    5. Essential algebra review
  2. Unit 2: Functions
    1. Read and use function notation
    2. Combine functions in the right order
    3. Keep inputs and outputs allowed
    4. Describe change and graph behavior
    5. Reverse a function safely
    6. Use symmetry to compare inputs
    7. Functions review
  3. Unit 3: Linear Functions
    1. Build a model with constant change
    2. Write and compare line equations
    3. Reverse a linear model
    4. Build and read piecewise rules
    5. Linear functions review
Optional future study · Subject to change

Unassigned previews outside the current course sequence.

  1. Unit 4: Exponential Functions · Optional future study · Subject to change
    1. Simplify with exponent laws
    2. Interpret rational exponents over the reals
    3. Build repeated-factor models
    4. Solve equations with a common base
    5. Read exponential graphs and their limits
    6. Exponentials review
  2. Unit 5: Quadratics · Optional future study · Subject to change
    1. Factoring patterns
    2. Factoring trinomials
    3. Completing the square
    4. Quadratic models
    5. Linear quadratic systems
    6. Quadratics review
  3. Unit 6: Transformations · Optional future study · Subject to change
    1. Current lessonShifts and reflections
    2. Stretches and compressions
    3. Move and reshape a function
    4. Transformations review
  4. Unit 7: Polynomials · Optional future study · Subject to change
    1. Polynomial structure
    2. Polynomial behavior
    3. Polynomial graphs
    4. Polynomials review
  5. Unit 8: Rational Functions · Optional future study · Subject to change
    1. Simplify rational functions safely
    2. Divide polynomials and check remainders
    3. Combine rational expressions
    4. Solve rational equations and check candidates
    5. Rational expressions and equations review
  6. Unit 9: Trigonometry · Optional future study · Subject to change
    1. Right-triangle models
    2. Radians and circular arcs
    3. The unit circle
    4. Trigonometric identities
    5. Linear trigonometric equations
    6. Trigonometry review
  7. Unit 10: Trigonometric Graphs · Optional future study · Subject to change
    1. Sine and cosine models
    2. Period, frequency, and phase
    3. Build a sine or cosine model
    4. Sine and cosine graphs review
  1. 1Learn it
  2. 2Practice it
  3. 3Homework
  4. 4Finish

Step 1 of 4: Learn it

Learn it · 1 of 8Do Now · EasyNext: Build the ideaChoose an activity

One idea at a time. Try the example, then keep going.

Worked example · 1 of 8

Worked example

Do Now · Easy

Do this: Try this on paper, then compare with the worked check.

Key words

  • Key word · Unit 6ReflectionFlip a graph across an axis.Exactly: The graph of −f(x) reflects across the horizontal axis; f(−x) reflects across the vertical axis.Mix-up alert: An outside minus changes outputs; an inside minus changes inputs.See this in Key words

A point (3,2) lies on f. On f(x)+4 it becomes (3,6); only the output moves.

Big ideas

Build the idea

Do this: Read each idea, then explain it in your own words.

  1. 1

    1. Vertical shifts

    For g(x)=f(x)+k, a point (u,v) becomes (u,v+k). An outside addition changes the output while the input stays fixed.

  2. 2

    2. Horizontal shifts

    For g(x)=f(x−h), a point (u,v) becomes (u+h,v). Solve x−h=u to locate the old input; h positive shifts right.

  3. 3

    3. Two reflections

    For −f(x), (u,v) becomes (u,−v), a reflection across the x-axis. For f(−x), it becomes (−u,v), a reflection across the y-axis.

  4. 4

    4. Check the allowed values

    A horizontal shift changes the domain along with the graph; a vertical shift changes the range. Track endpoints and a second point, then verify using the formula.

Worked example

Guided practice · Medium

Do this: Cover each worked step and try it on paper before reading on.

For g(x)=−x−2+3, the root endpoint moves from (0,0) to (2,3). The source point (4,2) becomes (6,1). Domain [2,∞) and range (−∞,3] confirm the endpoint directions.

Step-through

Follow one checked example

Do this: Move through the four steps and check the numbers.

A point (2,5) lies on y=f(x). Locate its corresponding point on g(x)=−f(x−3)+4.

1. Given2. Represent3. Solve4. Check

Whole picture, 4 steps

4 steps. Tap a number or Show me how it works.

Worked example

Shift a square-root endpoint

Do this: Work each step on paper before reading the result.

Start with f(x)=x, whose domain and range are [0,∞). For g(x)=x+4−2, solve x+4≥0: domain [−4,∞). The endpoint (0,0) moves to (−4,−2), and the range is [−2,∞). Check g(−3)=1−2=−1.

Worked example

Distinguish the two axes

Do this: Work each step on paper before reading the result.

The point (3,−2) on f becomes (3,2) on −f(x), because the output changes sign. On f(−x), it instead becomes (−3,−2), because the input changes sign. The x-axis reflection keeps x; the y-axis reflection keeps y.

Mix-up alert

Common mistake

Do this: Explain the mistake and its repair.

Wrong idea: −f(x)+3 reflects a graph after moving it up 3. Repair: its output is first −v, then −v+3. Reflecting f(x)+3 instead would give −f(x)−3, a different formula.

Watch

Video: Shifts and reflections

Do this: Watch the public lesson, pause to try a step, then return to your practice.

Watch on YouTubeOpens in a new tab. Keep your work here.

Watch for:

  • Separating changes to the input from changes to the output.
  • Pause before a worked step and try it on paper. Compare the reasoning, not just the final answer.
Open on YouTube↗ (opens in a new tab)

From The Organic Chemistry Tutor · Transformations of Functions | Precalculus

The linked video is free to watch. The creator may offer optional paid resources; they are not needed for this lesson. If YouTube is blocked, use the lesson notes and worked examples here.

Step 2 of 4: Practice it

What is left (7 of 7)

Ready when you are.

Activity 1 of 7 · 0 of 7 activities done

Flashcards

Recall and explain

Do this: Say an answer, use a hint if needed, then flip.

Card 1 of 8

Shifts and reflections

0 Know it0 Still learning

The addition acts on outputs.

Deck options
Keyboard help

On the card: Enter or Space flips. Left and Right move. After revealing, 1 marks Still learning and 2 marks Know it. Tab reaches every control.

Question

Where does f(x)+7 move a graph?

Answer

Up 7.

Question

Where does f(x-5) move a graph?

Answer

Right 5.

Question

Where does f(x+2) move a graph?

Answer

Left 2.

Question

What reflection does −f(x) make?

Answer

Across the x-axis.

Question

What reflection does f(−x) make?

Answer

Across the y-axis.

Question

Where does (4,6) move under f(x)+1?

Answer

(4,7).

Question

What is the endpoint of x−6+2?

Answer

(6,2).

Question

How can you check an input shift?

Answer

Set the new inside expression equal to a known old input.

True or false

Test the statements

Do this: Choose true or false, then read the reason.

Statement 1 of 4

f(x+3) shifts the graph left 3.

Self-test

Practice set 1

Do this: Work on paper, choose an answer, then read the feedback.

6 questions. One at a time.

Practice, not a grade. No timer. Your best score stays in this browser.

Tip: This is practice, not a grade. Revisit the example for an idea you missed.

Self-test

Practice set 2

Do this: Work on paper, choose an answer, then read the feedback.

6 questions. One at a time.

Practice, not a grade. No timer. Your best score stays in this browser.

Tip: This is practice, not a grade. Revisit the example for an idea you missed.

Write it

Explain your reasoning

Do this: Write a short explanation, then compare with the model.

Step 1 of 3: Write

Track the endpoint and the point (4,2) of f(x)=x to g(x)=−x−1+3. State domain and range.

0 words · Aim for 20 or more. This is a guide, not a limit.

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Write it

Optional challenge · Hard

Do this: Work on paper, explain your reasoning, then compare with the model. This practice does not award homework points.

Step 1 of 3: Write

A graph has domain [−4,2] and range [−1,5]. State domain and range for g(x)=−f(−x−3)+2 and map the source point (2,5).

Start here if it helps: I can connect the conditions by...

0 words · Aim for 24 or more. This is a guide, not a limit.

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Match

Match the key words

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Word match round

Connect the ideas

0 / 4 connected

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Terms

Meanings

Step 3 of 4: Homework

Subject to changeOptional preview. This page does not mean this homework is assigned. Only turn it in if your teacher asks.

Optional practice preview · 3 points if assigned

Shifts and reflections practice preview

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Step 4 of 4: Finish

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Next lesson: Stretches and compressionsUnit 6: Transformations
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Published with approval from Mr. Farzin Khan Shifat. Last updated October 31, 2026.