Final answer:
The equation f(x) = (x - h)^2 + k indicates a horizontal shift of the parabola f(x) = x^2 by h units, but without further context, the actual value of h cannot be identified from the options given.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about the value of h in the equation f(x) = (x - h)2 + k, which is a horizontal shift of the basic quadratic function f(x) = x2. The value of h represents the horizontal displacement of the vertex of the parabola from the origin. If the parabola is shifted to the right, h is positive; if it is shifted to the left, h is negative. However, given the information provided, there are no specifics on the actual value of h. More information or context is needed to accurately determine the value of h from the options provided (2, -2, 4, -4).