Choice A is correct. The standard form of an equation of a circle in the xy-plane is , where the coordinates of the center of the circle are and the length of the radius of the circle is . The equation of circle A, , can be rewritten as . Therefore, the center of circle A is at and the length of the radius of circle A is . If circle A is shifted down units, the y-coordinate of its center will decrease by ; the radius of the circle and the x-coordinate of its center will not change. Therefore, the center of circle B is at , or , and its radius is . Substituting for , for , and for in the equation yields , or . Therefore, the equation represents circle B.
Choice B is incorrect. This equation represents a circle obtained by shifting circle A up, rather than down, units.
Choice C is incorrect. This equation represents a circle obtained by shifting circle A right, rather than down, units.
Choice D is incorrect. This equation represents a circle obtained by shifting circle A left, rather than down, units.