Skill: Apply reflections across coordinate axes

Explanation and Free Practice Resources

Reflection across the xx-axis maps (x,y)(x,y) to (x,−y)(x,-y) and transforms y=f(x)y=f(x) into y=−f(x)y=-f(x), while reflection across the yy-axis maps (x,y)(x,y) to (−x,y)(-x,y) and transforms it into y=f(−x)y=f(-x). The distinction between changing input signs and output signs supports accurate interpretation and composition of function transformations; this scope does not include reflections across arbitrary lines or in higher dimensions.

Detailed Explanation: Apply reflections across coordinate axes

To reflect a function’s graph, use the axis of reflection to decide which sign changes:

  • Across the xx-axis: change the output sign.
(x,y)↦(x,−y),y=f(x)↦y=−f(x) (x,y)\mapsto(x,-y),\qquad y=f(x)\mapsto y=-f(x)
  • Across the yy-axis: change the input sign.
(x,y)↦(−x,y),y=f(x)↦y=f(−x) (x,y)\mapsto(-x,y),\qquad y=f(x)\mapsto y=f(-x)

Worked example

Let

f(x)=x2−3x+2.f(x)=x^2-3x+2.

Find the equations of the graphs reflected across the xx-axis and the yy-axis.

1. Reflection across the xx-axis

Change the sign of the entire function:

y=−f(x)y=-f(x)

Substitute the function:

y=−(x2−3x+2)y=-(x^2-3x+2)

Distribute the negative sign:

y=−x2+3x−2\boxed{y=-x^2+3x-2}

2. Reflection across the yy-axis

Replace every xx with (−x)(-x):

y=f(−x)y=f(-x)

Substitute (−x)(-x) into the function:

y=(−x)2−3(−x)+2y=(-x)^2-3(-x)+2

Simplify:

y=x2+3x+2\boxed{y=x^2+3x+2}

Remember: reflection across the xx-axis changes output signs, while reflection across the yy-axis changes input signs.

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Function Transformations (Definition) - Double Definition (Values) to Transformation


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