How many units the function y = |x - 8| is translated from the parent function?

8 Units, let me know if you didn't understand anything.  

Step-by-step explanation:

Translation is the simple movement of just left, right, up or down.  when dealing with the absolute value function here are the transformations.

A|B(x - C)| + D where A is the vertical stretch that multiplies all y values by A save where y=D.  B is the horizontal shrink, so you divide all x  values by B except for where x=C.  C is the horizontal shift, which is a translation.  C makes ALL points on the graph move to the right by C or if C is negative it moves them to the left.  it could also look like |x + C|.  keep in mind, +C is actually -C because - -C = C.  D shifts up and down, so it is also a translation.  if D is positive it moves up and if D is negative it moves down.

Nowthe only transformation in your problem is -8, which is a horizontal shift to the right.  so the graph moves 8 to the right.  There is your answer, 8 units.