Question

Functions f(x) and g(x) are shown below. f(x) = x2. . g(x) = x2 - 8x + 16. In which direction and by how many units should f(x) be shifted to obtain g(x)? A. Left by 4 unitsB. Right by 4 unitsC. Left by 8 unitsD. Right by 8 units

Answer 1

B. Right by 4 units

Explanation:

Let's start by expressing g(x) formula in a simpler form. x² - 8x + 16 is quite easy to factor into (x - 4)²

so, we have g(x) = (x - 4)² and f(x) = x²

For which value of x will g(x) and f(x) = 0?

g(x) will equal 0 if x = 4

f(x) will equal 0 if x = 0

So, the difference is 4 units.

Since f(x) would have to move from 0 to 4 to join g(x), the movement will be to the right.