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Left and Right

Part of the Functions & Transformations section of Coddy's Algebra 2 journey. Lesson 31 of 55.

Now put the change inside the brackets. Take y=f(x−4)y = f\left(x-4\right) with f(x)=x2f\left(x\right) = {x}^{2}. The parent reaches its lowest output, 0, when its input is 0. Here the input that f receives is x−4x-4, and that is 0 when x is 4. So the vertex is at (4, 0): the graph has moved 4 to the right.

Every other point follows. The parent gives 1 at input 1. On the new graph, f has to receive 1, so x−4=1x-4 = 1 and x is 5: the point (1, 1) becomes (5, 1). Each output now arrives 4 steps later, which means 4 places further right.

So y=f(x−h)y = f\left(x-h\right) moves the graph right h. The heights are the same as before; only the inputs where they happen have changed.

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Challenge

Draw the graph of y=f(x−2)y = f\left(x-2\right) for f(x)=x2f\left(x\right) = {x}^{2}. The faint curve is f itself. Drag the vertex, then the second point.

Try it yourself

y=f(x−2)y = f\left(x-2\right)

Draw the parabola

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This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

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