1. The problem asks to find the function $g(x)$ which is a translation 1 unit to the left of the function $f(x) = x^2$. 2. The general rule for horizontal translations is: if $f(x)$ is translated $h$ units to the left, the new function is $g(x) = f(x + h)$. 3. Since the translation is 1 unit to the left, $h = 1$, so: $$g(x) = f(x + 1)$$ 4. Substitute $f(x) = x^2$ into the expression: $$g(x) = (x + 1)^2$$ 5. The function $g(x)$ is now in the form $a(x - h)^2 + k$ where $a = 1$, $h = -1$, and $k = 0$. Final answer: $$g(x) = (x + 1)^2$$