Function transformation refers to the process of altering a mathematical function's appearance or behavior through specific operations. These operations include shifting, stretching, compressing, or reflecting the graph of the function. For example, adding a constant to a function can shift it vertically, while multiplying the function by a constant can stretch or compress it horizontally. Common types of transformations include vertical shifts, horizontal shifts, reflections across axes, and dilations. Understanding these transformations helps in analyzing and graphing functions more effectively. This knowledge is essential in various fields, including mathematics, engineering, and computer science.