This study looks at basic function families and the effect called a stretch or a shrink. Many confuse a vertical stretch or shrink with the horizontal stretch or shrink. The base function is dotted and is for reference.[br][br]By checking the On/Off box, you can view each stretch or shrink individually or together.[br][br]Definition: Given a function f(x), [br]a function [math]p(x) = m f(x)[/math] is a vertical stretch if m > | 1 | and a vertical shrink if m < | 1 |. [br]And a function q(x) = f(m x) is a horizontal shrink if m > | 1 | and a horizontal shrink if m > | 1 |.[br][br]The integer [b]slider power[/b] controls a value from -5 to 5, this changes the power of the base function.[br][br]The [b]slider m[/b] controls the function multiplier to illustrate the stretch or shrink, you can click the play button in the lower left to animate this functions.[br][br]The Change Function box allows you to move sliders to vary the function displayed.

This applet can be used by teachers in a demonstration mode in the classroom or teachers can have students load it on their own computers as a worksheet to be completed for a grade.[br][br]TLW be able to differentiate between a vertical or horizontal stretch and shrink with various basic functions.[br][br][url]http://www.cattail.nu/school_web/math107/squish/index.html[/url]