How do you sketch the graph of y=-4(x-3)^2+2y=4(x3)2+2 and describe the transformation?

1 Answer
Feb 5, 2018

See answer below.

Explanation:

If you are studying transformations and want to understand how to easily see all the effects for any function, I recommend memorising this general function. It's really worthwhile if you have exams on this stuff.

f(x)=a(n(x-b))^k+cf(x)=a(n(xb))k+c

aa is the dilation factor from the x-axis. If aa is negative, the function is reflected in the x-axis.

1/n1n is the dilation factor from the y-axis. If 1/n1n is negative, the function is reflected in the y-axis.

bb is the horizontal translation. If bb is positive, the function is shifted to the right, if it is negative, the function is shifted to the left.

cc is the vertical translation. If it is positive, the function is shifted upwards, if it is negative, the function is shifted downwards.

In this case, the parent function is y=x^2y=x2

and it can have up to four transformations applied to it to get

y=-4(x-3)^2+2y=4(x3)2+2

Now, lets find the four parameters and describe the transformations from the parent function.

a=-4a=4

The parent function is dilated by a factor of 4 from the x-axis and reflected in the x-axis.

1/n=11n=1

There is no dilation effect from the y-axis.

b=3b=3

The function is shifted 3 units to the right.

c=2c=2

The function is shifted 2 units up.

To graph, notice that the function is already in turning point form so you can read it straight off as (3,2)(3,2). The parabola is upside down because aa is negative, so now you just need to find the x and y-intercepts.

y-intercept (set x=0x=0):

y=-4(0-3)^2+2=-34y=4(03)2+2=34

x-intercepts (set y=0y=0):

0=-4(x-3)^2+2rArr1/2=(x-3)^2rArrx=3+-sqrt(1/2)0=4(x3)2+212=(x3)2x=3±12
graph{-4(x-3)^2+2 [-10, 10, -5, 5]}