Question

The graph of the function y = x2 + 2 is shown. Which equation will shift the graph of the function down 4 units?

Answer 1

This graph shifted down 4 units would be y = x^2 - 2.

Different shifts in standard graphs each have to be done in their own way. Shifting up and down is done by manipulating the y-intercept, which is the number at the end of the equation. Since we started at +2 and it is going down 4, it brings us to -2.