Linear and Quadratic Functions: Graphing Quadratic Functions

The Value of "h"

The letter "h"

The value of "h" in the function f(x) = a(x – h)2 + k describes how the parent function moves left or right.

Analyze the following graph:

Graph 1 is f of x equals x squared. Graph 2 is f of x equals the quantity of x minus three squared. Graph 3 is f of x equals the quantity of x plus three squared.

  1. The green graph is the parent function f(x) = x2.
  2. The red graph is the function f(x) = (x – 3)2.
  3. The blue graph is the function f(x) = (x + 3)2.

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