Parent Function and Vertical Translation

Oct 13, 2025 by pynkocean.com 19 views

Introduction

In mathematics, particularly in algebra and calculus, understanding the behavior of functions is crucial. One essential concept is vertical translation, which refers to the movement of a graph up or down along the y-axis. In this article, we will explore the vertical translation from the graph of the parent function $f(x) = x^2$ to the graph of the function $g(x) = (x+5)^2 + 3$ .

Parent Function and Vertical Translation

The parent function $f(x) = x^2$ is a quadratic function that represents a parabola opening upwards. The graph of this function is a standard parabola with its vertex at the origin (0, 0). When we consider the function $g(x) = (x+5)^2 + 3$ , we can see that it is a transformation of the parent function.

Transformation of the Parent Function

The function $g(x) = (x+5)^2 + 3$ can be obtained by applying two transformations to the parent function $f(x) = x^2$ . The first transformation is a horizontal shift of 5 units to the left, which is represented by the term $(x+5)$ . The second transformation is a vertical shift of 3 units upwards, which is represented by the term $+3$ .

Understanding Vertical Translation

The vertical translation from the graph of the parent function $f(x) = x^2$ to the graph of the function $g(x) = (x+5)^2 + 3$ is the distance between the two graphs along the y-axis. In this case, the graph of $g(x)$ is 3 units above the graph of $f(x)$ .

Calculating Vertical Translation

To calculate the vertical translation, we need to find the difference between the y-coordinates of the two graphs at a given x-coordinate. Let's consider the x-coordinate 0. For the parent function $f(x) = x^2$ , the y-coordinate is $f(0) = 0^2 = 0$ . For the function $g(x) = (x+5)^2 + 3$ , the y-coordinate is $g(0) = (0+5)^2 + 3 = 25 + 3 = 28$ .

Conclusion

The vertical translation from the graph of the parent function $f(x) = x^2$ to the graph of the function $g(x) = (x+5)^2 + 3$ is 28 - 0 = 28 units. However, this is not among the given options. We need to consider the actual vertical translation, which is the difference between the y-coordinates of the two graphs. In this case, the graph of $g(x)$ is 3 units above the graph of $f(x)$ .

Answer

$The correct answer is **C. ${$3\$}$**. This represents the vertical translation from the graph of the parent function $f(x) = x^2$ to the graph of the function $g(x) = (x+5)^2 + 3$.<br/> **Understanding Vertical Translation in Graphs: Q&A**$

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the concept of vertical translation in graphs, particularly in the context of the parent function $f(x) = x^2$ and the function $g(x) = (x+5)^2 + 3$ . In this article, we will address some common questions and provide additional insights to help you better understand vertical translation.

Q: What is vertical translation?

A: Vertical translation refers to the movement of a graph up or down along the y-axis. It is a transformation that changes the position of the graph along the y-axis.

Q: How do I determine the vertical translation of a graph?

A: To determine the vertical translation of a graph, you need to find the difference between the y-coordinates of the graph and the original graph. This can be done by comparing the y-coordinates of the two graphs at a given x-coordinate.

Q: What is the difference between vertical translation and horizontal translation?

A: Vertical translation refers to the movement of a graph up or down along the y-axis, while horizontal translation refers to the movement of a graph left or right along the x-axis.

Q: Can you provide an example of vertical translation?

A: Consider the function $f(x) = x^2$ and the function $g(x) = (x+5)^2 + 3$ . The graph of $g(x)$ is a vertical translation of the graph of $f(x)$ by 3 units upwards.

Q: How do I apply vertical translation to a graph?

A: To apply vertical translation to a graph, you need to add or subtract a constant value from the y-coordinate of the graph. For example, if you want to translate a graph up by 2 units, you would add 2 to the y-coordinate.

Q: Can you provide a formula for vertical translation?

A: Yes, the formula for vertical translation is:

$y' = y + k$

where $y'$ is the new y-coordinate, $y$ is the original y-coordinate, and $k$ is the vertical translation.

Q: What are some common applications of vertical translation?

A: Vertical translation has many applications in mathematics, science, and engineering. Some common applications include:

Graphing functions
Analyzing data
Modeling real-world phenomena
Solving optimization problems

Conclusion

Vertical translation is an essential concept in mathematics and science. By understanding vertical translation, you can better analyze and interpret graphs, data, and real-world phenomena. We hope this Q&A article has provided you with a deeper understanding of vertical translation and its applications.

Additional Resources

Khan Academy: Vertical Translation
Mathway: Vertical Translation
Wolfram Alpha: Vertical Translation

Practice Problems

Find the vertical translation of the graph of $f(x) = x^2$ to the graph of $g(x) = (x+5)^2 + 3$ .
Apply vertical translation to the graph of $f(x) = x^2$ by 2 units upwards.
Find the vertical translation of the graph of $f(x) = x^2$ to the graph of $g(x) = (x-3)^2 + 1$ .

Answer Key

3
$y' = y + 2$
1