Question

Graph the quadratic functions y = -2x^2 and y = -2x^2 + 4 on a separate piece of paper. Using those graphs, compare and contrast the shape and position of the graphs.

I know that since both functions are quadratic functions, they will both have a parabola shape.

Answer 1

The second function has a graph that is identical to that of the first function, except that it is shifted upward by 4 units.

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The thrust of this question is to get you to recognize that adding a constant to a function shifts its graph in the amount and direction of the constant value (positive ⇒ upward).