Example 3

Consider the function [math]f(x) = x^2[/math], its graph, and the constant [math]k = 4[/math]. What is [math]f(x + k)[/math]? How are the graphs of [math]f(x)[/math] and [math]f(x + k)[/math] different?

[list=1] [*]Substitute the value of [math]k[/math] into the function. [*]Use a table of values to graph the two functions on the same coordinate plane. [*]Compare the graphs of the functions. [/list] This applet is provided by Walch Education as supplemental material for their mathematics programs. Visit [url="http://www.walch.com"]www.walch.com[/url] for more information on their resources.