Question

Describe how the graph of y = |x - 2| - 5 is a transformation of the graph of y = |x|. Use terms such as "shifted", "reflected", "stretched", or "compressed".

Answer 1

The original graph was shifted 2 units to the left and 5 units down.

Explanation:

y = |x|

From this, we go to: y = |x - 2|.

When we want to shift a function f(x) a units to the left, we find f(x - a). So first, the graph was shifted 2 units to the left.

y = |x - 2|.

From this, we go to: y = |x - 2| - 5.

Shifting a function f(x) down b units is the same as finding f(x) - b, so the second transformation was shifting the graph 5 units down.