/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 51 Sketch the graph of the function... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Sketch the graph of the function. $$y=x^{2}$$

Short Answer

Expert verified
The graph of the function \(y = x^{2}\) is a parabola with its vertex at the origin, (0,0), and opens upward.

Step by step solution

01

Identifying the type of function

The function \(y = x^{2}\) is a basic example of a quadratic function. The general form of a quadratic function is \(y = ax^{2} + bx + c\), but in this case, \(a = 1\), \(b = 0\) and \(c = 0\). The function makes a 'U'-shaped curve called a parabola.
02

Plot suitable values

Choose a range of x-values (including negative, positive, and zero), and find the corresponding y-values by substituting each x-value into the function. In this case, the chosen x-values could be \(-2,-1,0,1,2\). The corresponding y-values for these x-values would respectively be \(4,1,0,1,4\).
03

Sketch the graph

Next plot these pairs of values (x,y) on the graph as coordinate points. Joining these points will give a smooth curve of the function \(y = x^{2}\). The parabola has its vertex (its lowest point, because it opens upward) at (0,0).

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Parabola
A parabola is a symmetrical, U-shaped curve that represents the graph of a quadratic function. It's named after the geometric shape that forms when a plane slices through a cone parallel to its side. Quadratic functions like \(y = x^2\) have a standard form equation of \(y = ax^2 + bx + c\). The parabola will open upwards if \(a\) is positive and downwards if \(a\) is negative. Parabolas have unique characteristics such as:
  • A single axis of symmetry, which in this case is the y-axis.
  • The curve is symmetric with respect to this axis.
  • The lowest or highest point of a parabola is known as the vertex.
Understanding the shape and direction of a parabola is essential in graphing quadratic functions effectively.
Graph Sketching
Graph sketching involves visually representing mathematical functions, such as quadratic functions, on a coordinate plane. It's a powerful tool that conveys complex algebraic relationships in an easy-to-understand way. To sketch the graph of \(y = x^2\), follow these steps:
  • Identify the key features, like the axis of symmetry and the vertex.
  • Choose relevant x-values, such as \(-2, -1, 0, 1,\) and \(2\), and compute their corresponding y-values: 4, 1, 0, 1, and 4.
  • Plot these (x, y) coordinates on the graph.
  • Draw a smooth curve through the points to complete the parabola.
By systematically performing these steps, it becomes easier to conceptualize how the quadratic function behaves across different x-values.
Function Plot
In mathematics, a function plot is a graphical representation of a function's behavior. For a quadratic function like \(y = x^2\), the plot will showcase the shape of the parabola, helping us visualize how the function behaves. Key aspects of plotting the quadratic function \(y = x^2\):
  • The graph is centered around the origin (0,0).
  • All points on the graph are equidistant from the y-axis due to symmetry.
  • As \(x\) increases or decreases, \(y\) values rise, shown by the parabola opening upwards.
Function plots reveal the relationship between variables, allowing us to understand changes and predict values within a specific range.
Vertex of a Parabola
The vertex of a parabola is its turning point, a critical feature where the curve changes direction. In the quadratic function \(y = x^2\), the vertex is at the point (0,0), also known as the origin. Understanding the vertex is important because:
  • It is the minimum or maximum point of the parabola.
  • The vertex provides a reference point for the graph's symmetry.
  • It's the lowest point on the graph for upward-opening parabolas like \(y = x^2\).
Calculating the vertex of a general quadratic \(y = ax^2 + bx + c\) involves finding \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\). For \(y = x^2\), this is 0, placing the vertex right on the origin.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.