To analyze the transformation from \( g(x) \) to \( h(x) \), we first write out both functions clearly:
- \( g(x) = -4\sqrt{x+1} + 3.5 \)
- \( h(x) = -4\sqrt{x+1} - 4.5 \)
Now, we can compare the two functions:
- The main difference between \( g(x) \) and \( h(x) \) is in the constant term.
This can be expressed as:
- \( g(x) \) has a constant term of \( +3.5 \).
- \( h(x) \) has a constant term of \( -4.5 \).
To find the vertical translation, we can calculate the difference in the constant terms:
\[ k = -4.5 - 3.5 = -8 \]
This means \( h(x) \) is obtained by taking \( g(x) \) and translating it downward by 8 units.
Thus, the correct response is:
vertical translation down 8 units.