Graph transformations involve shifting, stretching, or reflecting the graph of a function in the coordinate plane. This exercise focused specifically on horizontal transformations—a common type of graph alteration.
Horizontal transformations modify the function's input. When you add or subtract a value directly inside the function, it shifts the graph left or right. In the function \( f(x) = x^3 \), modifying it to \( g(x) = (x-2)^3 \) shifts the graph 2 units to the right.
- Adding to the inside of the function shifts the graph left: \( f(x) = (x + n)^3 \)
- Subtracting from the inside of the function shifts the graph right: \( f(x) = (x - n)^3 \)
It’s crucial to adjust components inside the function accurately to predict the graph's new position. Visualizing these shifts helps in understanding how particular modifications affect function graphs.