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Quadratic Function - Parent Function and Vertical Shifts

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Vertical Translations: Upward and Downward

You can also look at a quadratic function in this light:

y = x2 + c, x ≠ 0

When you start with the parent function, c = 0. Therefore, the vertex (the highest or lowest point of the function) is located at (0,0).

Quick Translation Rules

  1. Add c, and the graph will shift up from the parent c units.
  2. Subtract c, and the graph will shift down from the parent c units.

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