Graph Transformation Question I get that because x^2 will be negative the answer will be one of the following a, b, or e. But I don't understand why the answer is a??


The "$+a$" in $-(x + a)^2$ indicates a horizontal shift. Since $a > 0$ (i.e., $a$ is a positive number), this shift must be to the left. Only choice (a) has both the properties of vertical reflection and leftward shift.
