Functions The graph of f (x) = x 2 is the same as the graph of y = x 2. Writing graphs as functions in the form f (x) is useful when applying translations and reflections to graphs.

The addition of the value \ (a\) represents a vertical translation in the graph. If \ (a\) is positive, the graph translates upwards. If \ (a\) is negative, the graph translates downwards.