The question asks how the graph of the function $y = x + 2$ would compare to the graph of $y = x - 1$.

1. Starting with the first function:
   $y = x + 2$ has a slope of 1 and a y-intercept at $(0, 2)$. The graph is a straight line that crosses the y-axis at 2.

2. For the second function:
   $y = x - 1$ has the same slope (1), meaning the lines will have the same steepness. The only difference is the y-intercept, which is now at $(0, -1)$.

Comparison:

• The only difference between these two lines is the vertical shift. The first line is shifted 2 units up, and the second is shifted 1 unit down from that. Hence, the line for $y = x - 1$ will be shifted down compared to $y = x + 2$.

The correct answer is A. It would be shifted down.

Would you like further details on this? Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:

1. How does changing the slope affect the graph of a linear function?
2. What happens to the graph if both the slope and y-intercept are changed?
3. How do horizontal shifts affect the graph of a function?
4. What is the significance of the slope in the equation $y = mx + b$?
5. Can the slope or y-intercept ever make the line steeper without shifting it vertically?

Tip: Always remember that changes to the constant term $b$ in $y = mx + b$ result in vertical shifts, while changes to the slope $m$ affect the steepness.