Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Quadratic Functions
A quadratic function is a polynomial function of degree two, typically expressed in the form f(x) = ax² + bx + c. The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola, which opens upwards if 'a' is positive and downwards if 'a' is negative. Understanding the basic shape and properties of the standard quadratic function f(x) = x² is essential for analyzing transformations.
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Graph Transformations
Graph transformations involve shifting, reflecting, stretching, or compressing the graph of a function. For quadratic functions, vertical shifts occur when a constant is added or subtracted from the function, such as in g(x) = x² - 2, which shifts the graph of f(x) = x² downward by 2 units. Recognizing these transformations helps in accurately graphing modified functions.
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Vertex of a Parabola
The vertex of a parabola is the highest or lowest point on its graph, depending on its orientation. For the standard quadratic function f(x) = x², the vertex is at the origin (0,0). In the function g(x) = x² - 2, the vertex shifts to (0, -2), indicating the new minimum point of the graph. Understanding the vertex is crucial for graphing and analyzing the behavior of quadratic functions.
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