Math Notation: x^2 means x raised to the second power or x squared.

Question

Explain how to translate the graph of y = -x^2 to produce the graph y = -x^2 + 3. What would the graph look like?

Answer 1

You should know what
y = x^2 looks like, sketch it

reflect that graph in the y-axis to get
y = -x^2

now move every point up 3 units to get
y = -x^2 + 3

Answer 2

I believe Reiny meant to reflect the y = x^2 graph about the x axis, in the second step of his answer.

Answer 3

drwls, thanks for pointing that out , you are right.
(another case of "oldtimers" syndrome)