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Write transformed functions using mapping notation

Mapping notation describes how a point (x,y)(x,y) on y=f(x)y=f(x) moves to a point on its transformed graph: for g(x)=af(b(xh))+kg(x)=a f\bigl(b(x-h)\bigr)+k, the mapping is (x,y)(xb+h,ay+k)(x,y)\mapsto\left(\frac{x}{b}+h, ay+k\right), where signs indicate reflections and magnitudes indicate stretches or compressions. This understanding connects graphical transformations with function equations, especially the reciprocal effect of horizontal scale factors; it is limited to standard real-valued transformations of familiar parent functions rather than abstract or multidimensional generalizations.

Detailed Explanation: Write transformed functions using mapping notation

To write a mapping, compare the transformed function with the form

g(x)=af(b(xh))+k.g(x)=a f\bigl(b(x-h)\bigr)+k.

A point (x,y)(x,y) on the original graph y=f(x)y=f(x) moves according to

(x,y)(xb+h, ay+k).(x,y)\mapsto\left(\frac{x}{b}+h,\ ay+k\right).

The horizontal factor is divided by bb, while the vertical factor is multiplied by aa.

Worked example

Suppose

g(x)=2f(3(x4))+5.g(x)=-2f\bigl(3(x-4)\bigr)+5.

We identify the values:

  • a=2a=-2: reflect in the xx-axis and stretch vertically by a factor of 22
  • b=3b=3: compress horizontally by a factor of 33
  • h=4h=4: shift right 44
  • k=5k=5: shift up 55

Substitute these values into the mapping rule:

(x,y)(x3+4, 2y+5).(x,y)\mapsto\left(\frac{x}{3}+4,\ -2y+5\right).

So the mapping notation is

(x,y)(x3+4, 2y+5).\boxed{(x,y)\mapsto\left(\frac{x}{3}+4,\ -2y+5\right)}.

For example, if (1,1)(1,1) is a point on y=f(x)y=f(x), its transformed point is

(13+4, 2(1)+5)=(133,3).\left(\frac{1}{3}+4,\ -2(1)+5\right) = \left(\frac{13}{3},3\right).

Thus, (1,1)(1,1) moves to (133,3)\left(\frac{13}{3},3\right) on the graph of g(x)g(x).

Learn by doing: Write transformed functions using mapping notation

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Function Transformations - Mapping Notation - Action to Double Transformation


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