Why does the translation y=f(x+2) translate the graph f(x) 2 units left instead of 2 to the right?

It seems like f(x+2) should translate the graph y=f(x) 2 to the right, it is +2 inside the bracket after all? However, if we think of the translation as actually subbing in x+2 into the equation y=f(x), it may become more intuitive. For example, take f(x)=x2, this will give f(x+2)=(x+2)2. Look at when x2=0 and when (x+2)2=0. This will happen at x=0 and x=-2 respectively. Subsequently, the point (0,0) from (x,f(x)) has become (-2,0) in (x,f(x+2)). This means it has been moved 2 to the left. More generally, if we thing of any point on the graph y=f(x), the translation of f(x+2) will take values of f(x) that are 2 to the right of it. This will make y=f(x+2) 2 units left of the y=f(x).

SH
Answered by Seth H. Maths tutor

10760 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Line A passes through point Q(2,3). Line B is parallel to line A and has the equation 2y-3x=4. What is the equation of line A?


Solve 8p = 24


168 is 4/7 of a number. What is the number?


x + y = 11, and x^2 + y^2 = 61, Work out values of y in the form of x


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning