Stretching and compressing functions can be tricky for students. Here are some common challenges they might face:
Understanding Scale Factors: It can be hard to figure out if a transformation will stretch or compress the graph. For example, if a scale factor is greater than 1 (like 2 or 3), it stretches the graph upwards. If the scale factor is between 0 and 1 (like 0.5), it squishes the graph down.
Seeing the Changes in the Graph: Students may find it difficult to picture how the graph will look after changes. Sometimes, it's not easy to see how the steepness and shape change without using a graphing tool.
Understanding Multiple Changes: It can feel overwhelming when there are many transformations happening at once. Students might find it hard to see how they all affect the graph together.
Solutions:
Stretching and compressing functions can be tricky for students. Here are some common challenges they might face:
Understanding Scale Factors: It can be hard to figure out if a transformation will stretch or compress the graph. For example, if a scale factor is greater than 1 (like 2 or 3), it stretches the graph upwards. If the scale factor is between 0 and 1 (like 0.5), it squishes the graph down.
Seeing the Changes in the Graph: Students may find it difficult to picture how the graph will look after changes. Sometimes, it's not easy to see how the steepness and shape change without using a graphing tool.
Understanding Multiple Changes: It can feel overwhelming when there are many transformations happening at once. Students might find it hard to see how they all affect the graph together.
Solutions: