The function \( f(x) = 4x^2 \) is a vertical transformation of the parent function \( y = x^2 \). The key feature to note here is that the coefficient of \( 4 \) in front of \( x^2 \) indicates a vertical stretch.
When comparing the points given:
- The points on the graph of the parent function \( y = x^2 \) at \( x = -1 \) and \( x = 1 \) would give \( y = 1^2 = 1 \), while for \( f(x) = 4x^2 \), the outputs are \( f(-1) = 4 \) and \( f(1) = 4 \). This indicates that the \( y \)-values have been multiplied by \( 4 \), demonstrating the vertical stretch.
- Similarly, at \( x = -2 \) and \( x = 2 \), the parent function gives \( y = (-2)^2 = 4 \), but \( f(-2) = 4(-2)^2 = 16 \).
From this analysis, the correct response is:
This is a vertical stretch of the parent function \( y = x^2 \) due to the changes in the y-coordinates of each point.