04-1c+-+Reflections,+Stretches+and+Compressions

We can also reflect, stretch and compress quadratic functions. Check the handy chart:



When a is negative, the graph is reflected across the x-axis. The U opens downward. If the graph is reflected across the y-axis, the reflected graph is the graph itself, since it is a symmetrical graph. If the graph is stretched or compressed horizontally, the parabola moves toward or away from the y-axis. If the graph is stretched or compressed vertically, the parabola moves toward or away from the x-axis.

Examples are attached    media type="file" key="Reflections Stretches and Compressions.swf" width="360" height="360"   Proceed to Vertices Back to Using Transformations to Graph Quadratic Functions