This graph represents the basic cube function shifted 1 unit down. Notice that the -1 occurs outside of the function group.

The anchor points:
(-1,-1) (0,0) (1,1) become
(-1,-2) (0,-1) (1,0).
The y component of each coordinate shifts 1 unit in the negative direction.

Click on "original function" above to compare this graph to the basic cube graph.

A positive number will result in a vertical shift up. Unsure of vertical shift? Read about graphing using transformations.