16Hit1600
Advanced MathEasy–MediumDescribing a horizontal shift of a parabola

Advanced Math practice question

In the xy-plane, how is the graph of y = (x − 3)² related to the graph of y = x²?

  1. A. It is shifted 3 units to the right.Correct
  2. B. It is shifted 3 units to the left.
  3. C. It is shifted 3 units up.
  4. D. It is shifted 3 units down.

Answer: A. It is shifted 3 units to the right.

Replacing x with x − 3 moves the graph right by 3; the vertex moves from (0, 0) to (3, 0).

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It is shifted 3 units to the left.
x + 3 would shift it left.
C. It is shifted 3 units up.
Adding 3 outside the square would shift it up.
D. It is shifted 3 units down.
Subtracting 3 outside the square would shift it down.

More Advanced Math questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.