Question

How do you graph the function y=x^2-4 and how is the graph a translation of f(x)=x^2

Answer 1

excellent graphing help can be found at

http://rechneronline.de/function-graphs/

where you can plot up to three functions on the same axes.

Note that x^2-4 = (x-2)^2, so it is the graph of x^2, shifted 2 units to the right.

Answer 2

Zowie! Did I say that?

x^2 - 4 is the graph of x^2 shifted down 4 units.