Question

F(x)=x^2

G(x)=x^2-8x+16
In which direction and by how many units should f(x) be shifted to match g(x)?

Answer 1

4 units right

Explanation:

The question of shifts or other transformations can be more easily answered when the transformed function is written in vertex form.

g(x) = (x -4)²

Compared to f(x) = x², this is g(x) = f(x-4). That change corresponds to a right-shift of 4 units.

f(x) should be shifted right 4 to match g(x)

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Additional comment

The square of a binomial is (a -b)² = a² -2ab +b². The form of G(x) can be seen to match this form, so we know G(x) can be written as the square shown above.