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Graph y = -x^3 + 1 from y = x^3

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Graph reflections · Algebra 2

Step by step

The question

Question: graph y = −x³ + 1 from y = x³.

y = −x3 + 1

We know the graph of y = x³.

It is an S shape.

we know: y = x³

1 Read the changes

The minus in front changes the sign of every y.

Up becomes down.

So the graph flips over the x-axis.

− in front → flip over the x-axis

Outside, at the end, + 1 adds 1 to every y.

So the graph moves up 1.

+ 1 outside → up 1

Careful!

A minus inside flips left and right.

A minus outside flips up and down.

Careful: inside → left-right, outside → up-down

2 Start from y = x³

Draw the grid.

Draw y = x³ first.

It goes through (−1, −1), (0, 0) and (1, 1).

3 Move the points

The middle point (0, 0) moves up 1.

(−1, −1) goes to (−1, 2).

(0, 0) goes to (0, 1).

(1, 1) goes to (1, 0).

4 Draw the new graph

Join the new points with the same shape, flipped.

This is y = −x³ + 1.

5 Check

Let's check.

Put x = 0 in the new rule.

We get y = 1: the point (0, 1) we drew.

x = 0: y = −(0)3 + 1 = 0 + 1 = 1

And x = 1 gives y = 0: the point (1, 0).

x = 1: y = −(1)3 + 1 = −1 + 1 = 0

Let's look back.

First: read the changes.

Then: start from y = x³.

Then: move the points.

Then: draw the new graph.

Last: check.

Answer
+ 1 outside → up 1

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

graph y = −x3 + 3 from y = x³
Show the answer
middle point (0, 3), through (1, 2)

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