Name:

___________________________________
Date: ______________________________

Lesson 3 - Transformations of Linear and Exponential Functions (Teacher

Key)

Part 1: Instructions:
Open Desmos graphing calculator
Create a new function y=ax+b
Create Sliders for a and b

1. What happens when you change the value of a?

When a is negative it is a downward slope as x increases. When a is positive, it is an
increasing slope as x increases. The larger the absolute value of a then the steeper the line.

2. What happens when you change the value of b?

The value of b determines the y intercept. So, when b increases or decreases, then the y-
intercept also does.


3. Based on the conclusions made above, how would you describe the graph of the
function y=-2x+5?
The line downward slope slightly steep. Y- intercept at 5.

Part 2: Instructions:
Open Desmos online graphing calculator
Create a new function and type in = ! +
Create sliders for a, b and c
Restrict slider b from 0 to 20 with step .1
o This can be one by clicking on the left or right endpoint of the slider and
changing the numbers

Activity:

1. Adjust the sliders for a, b and c or animate them by clicking the play button. Observe
what happens to the graph.

2. Explain what happens to the graph when slider a is adjusted.

When a is greater than 0, the graph is increasing to the asymptote. When a is less than 0
then the graph is decreasing from the asymptote. (Reflects graph over asymptote)

Name: ___________________________________
Date: ______________________________

3. Explain what happens to the graph when slider b is adjusted. Notice what happens
when b=0. Why does this happen? What happens when b=1. Why? (similar to what
we discussed in lesson 2)


When < <
When b>1
When a is positive
Graph is decreasing
Graph is increasing
When a is negative
Graph is increasing
Graph is decreasing

When b=1, straight line through y-intercept
When b=0, straight line defined for positive x values.

4. What does changing the value of c do to the graph? In other words c adjusts what
part of the graph?

Shifts graph up and down- changes the asymptote.

5. Is the value of c the y- intercept? If not, how would you quickly see the y-
intercept?
No, a+c is the asymptote.



Discuss with surround groups about your conclusions and compare your findings.
6. Based on your conclusions from questions 2-5, draw a sketch of the function.
Identify the y-intercept and predict characteristics of the graph. Check your answer
with desmos.
= 2 2!

Since a is positive and b is greater than 1, then the graph is increasing from the asymptote
which is at 0 because c=0. The y- intercept is a+c=2+0=2.