Key Idea: Translating Left and Right
Translating a graph left or right means shifting it horizontally on the coordinate plane.
General Rule:
Write the equation with parentheses around :
y=f(x±h)Right translation → use a negative sign: f(x−h) moves the graph right by hh units.
Left translation → use a positive sign: f(x+h) moves the graph left by hh units.
Why this matters for the SAT:
Understanding horizontal translations helps you quickly recognize shifts in function graphs and match them to their equations — a common skill tested in function and graphing problems.