Transformations of polynomial functions

G(x)= x^2-2
Since the 2 is outside the parentheses (or there are no parentheses in this case) then it will simply be a vertical translation 2 units down.

g(x)= (x+4)^2
Since the 4 is inside the parentheses then we know the translation will be horizontal. When translating horizontally a + sign indicates translating left and a - sign indicates translating right. So this would be a Horizontal translation 4 units left.

~I hope this helps!~