Question

How does the graph of g(x) = (x + 4)^3-6 compare to the parent function f(x)=x^3 Choices:

Answer 1

Answer: D) 4 units to the left, 6 units down

Explanation:

f(x) = x^3

f(x+4) = (x+4)^3 .... shifts graph 4 units to the left

f(x+4) - 6 = (x+4)^3 - 6 ... shifts 6 units down

The change from x to x+4 means the xy axis has moved four units to the right (since each input is now 4 units larger). If we hold the curve y = x^3 to be completely still while the xy axis moves 4 units to the right, then the illusion of the curve moving 4 units to the left happens.

The -6 at the end does what you'd expect it to do, and there is no opposites going on here. Whatever the y value is, subtract 6 from it to get the new y value. Effectively this moves the graph down 6 units.