# Function transformation order of operations

I am reviewing for a midterm for Pre-Calculus and I am trying to understand the concept of function transformation: Let's say I am given a function $f$ with the domain in the interval of $[1,5]$ and $g(x)=6-2f(x)$. Now my question is does it matter where you start your transformation? Can I move the graph up $6$ units then stretch it by a factor of $-2$? The textbook states to stretch it by a factor of $-2$ then move it up $6$ units. I tried both ways and ended up with different domains, $[-22,-14]$ and $[-4,4]$ respectively. So is there a certain order of operations to follow when transforming functions? ie: PEMDAS?

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You are trying to grab at a rule where you should be trying to understand a concept. How do you get to $6-2f(x)$, starting from $f(x)$? Do you first multiply by $-2$, and then add 6? or do you first add 6 and then multiply by $-2$? What would happen if you took $f(x)$, and first you added 6, and then you multiplied by $-2$? What would you get?
I think I understand how this works, taking $f(x)$ multiplying it by $-2$ then adding $6$ is what I want. But taking $f(x)$ and adding $6$ then multiplying by $-2$ would give me $-2f(x)-12$ is that correct? –  Kot Oct 7 '12 at 22:49