Vertical Shift

Definition

Vertical shift refers to the displacement of a graph or function along the y-axis, either upwards or downwards, without changing the overall shape or orientation of the graph. This transformation affects the y-values of the function, but not the x-values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vertical shift is often represented by adding a constant to the function, such as $f(x) = x^2 + 3$, where the function is shifted upwards by 3 units.
2. Negative vertical shifts move the graph downwards, while positive vertical shifts move the graph upwards.
3. Vertical shifts do not affect the domain or range of the function, but they can change the y-intercept of the graph.
4. Vertical shifts are commonly seen in various function families, such as linear, quadratic, exponential, and trigonometric functions.
5. Understanding vertical shifts is crucial for graphing and analyzing transformations of functions in the context of 1.2 Basic Classes of Functions.

Review Questions

• Explain how a vertical shift affects the graph of a function.
  • A vertical shift of a function $f(x)$ by a constant $k$ results in a new function $g(x) = f(x) + k$. If $k$ is positive, the graph of $g(x)$ is shifted upwards by $k$ units, and if $k$ is negative, the graph is shifted downwards by $|k|$ units. The shape and orientation of the graph remain the same, but the y-intercept changes by $k$. The domain and range of the function are not affected by a vertical shift.
• Describe the relationship between vertical shifts and the parent function in the context of 1.2 Basic Classes of Functions.
  • In the context of 1.2 Basic Classes of Functions, understanding vertical shifts is crucial for analyzing and graphing transformations of various function families, such as linear, quadratic, exponential, and trigonometric functions. The parent function, which is the original or basic form of the function, serves as the reference point for applying vertical shifts. By adding or subtracting a constant to the parent function, you can create new functions with different y-intercepts, while preserving the overall shape and behavior of the graph.
• Evaluate the importance of vertical shifts in the study of 1.2 Basic Classes of Functions and how they relate to the broader concepts of function transformations.
  • Vertical shifts are a fundamental concept in the study of 1.2 Basic Classes of Functions, as they are a key component of function transformations. Understanding how vertical shifts affect the graphs of functions is crucial for being able to analyze, sketch, and interpret the behavior of various function families. Mastering vertical shifts allows you to apply transformations to parent functions, creating new functions with different characteristics. This skill is essential for understanding more complex transformations, such as reflections, dilations, and combinations of shifts, which are important in the broader context of function transformations covered in 1.2 Basic Classes of Functions.

Related terms

Horizontal Shift:

Horizontal shift refers to the displacement of a graph or function along the x-axis, either left or right, without changing the overall shape or orientation of the graph. This transformation affects the x-values of the function, but not the y-values.

Transformation: A transformation is a change in the shape, size, or position of a graph or function, such as a vertical shift, horizontal shift, reflection, or dilation.

Parent Function: The parent function is the original or basic form of a function, before any transformations are applied to it.