Skip to content

Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Year 11 - Maths

Checking and securing understanding of moving between function notation and the definition

Transformations of graphs

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils learn how to perform transformations on functions both algebraically and visually.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to fluently move between function notation and the function it represents, including when the function has been altered.

Key Notes

  • Changing the function changes what it represents
  • The change in notation can be seen in the algebraic form of the function it represents
  • If a specific linear function is considered, the effects of this can be seen clearly

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Function: A function is a mathematical relationship that uniquely maps values of one set to the values of another set.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • A common error is to not substitute into all variable terms where there is more than one in a function. For example, 'Write a simplified expression for f$$(x+3)$$ when f$$(x)=x^2-4x$$'

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

Changing the function changes what it represents. The change in notation can be seen in the algebraic form of the function it represents.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Function'

A function is a mathematical relationship that uniquely maps values of one set to the values of another set. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: A common error is to not substitute into all variable terms where there is more than one in a function. For example, 'Write a simplified expression for f$$(x+3)$$ when f$$(x)=x^2-4x$$'. Correction: Use brackets when substituting. For example, for 'Write a simplified expression for f$$(x+3)$$ when f$$(x)=x^2-4x$$' you would write f$$(x+3)=(x+3)^2-4(x+3)$$.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 11 Maths guide library.