Chapter 14: Problem 56
PREREQUISITE SKILL Graph each pair of functions on the same set of axes. $$ y=2 x^{2}, y=2(x+1)^{2} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Both functions are parabolas; the second is the first shifted 1 unit left.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Functions
The given functions are \( y = 2x^2 \) and \( y = 2(x+1)^2 \). These are both quadratic functions, which represent parabolas when graphed.
02
Determine the Vertex Form
The function \( y = 2x^2 \) is already in vertex form with the vertex at \((0,0)\) and opens upwards. The function \( y = 2(x+1)^2 \) is also in vertex form with the vertex at \((-1,0)\) and also opens upwards.
03
Choose the Graphing Window
Select a window size to properly see transformations. A typical window from \(x=-5\) to \(x=5\) and \(y=-1\) to \(y=10\) should be sufficient to see both functions clearly.
04
Graph the First Function
Plot the parabola \( y = 2x^2 \). This parabola opens upwards and is centered at the origin \((0,0)\). It becomes steeper as it moves away from the vertex.
05
Graph the Second Function
Plot the parabola \( y = 2(x+1)^2 \). This is the transformation of \( y = 2x^2 \) that shifts the graph 1 unit to the left, resulting in the vertex being at \((-1,0)\).
06
Compare the Graphs
Notice that \( y = 2(x+1)^2 \) is the same shape as \( y = 2x^2 \) but shifted horizontally left by 1 unit. Both have the same opening direction and width, as described by the coefficient of \(x^2\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Graphing Parabolas
Parabolas are a distinctive shape you often see in the graph of quadratic functions. When graphing a parabola, it's important to understand its main features, including the vertex, axis of symmetry, direction of opening, and width. The standard quadratic form is
- The general equation of a parabola is given by \[ y = ax^2 + bx + c \]
- If the leading coefficient \(a\) is positive, the parabola opens upwards. If \(a\) is negative, it opens downwards.
- The vertex is either the maximum or minimum point of the parabola, depending on the direction it opens.
- x-values ranging from \(-5\) to \(5\)
- y-values ranging from \(-1\) to \(10\)
Vertex Form
The vertex form of a quadratic function offers a unique way to represent parabolas, emphasizing the vertex location and making function transformations clear. The vertex form is typically written as \[ y = a(x-h)^2 + k \], where:
- \((h, k)\) is the vertex of the parabola, showing the point where it turns.
- The value of \(a\) determines the parabola's width and direction. A larger \(a\) makes the parabola narrower; a smaller \(a\) makes it wider.
- a vertex at \((-1, 0)\).
- It signifies the parabola shifts horizontally to the left of the y-axis by 1 unit.
- The same coefficient \(a = 2\) indicates the parabola opens upwards with the same width as \( y = 2x^2 \).
Function Transformations
Function transformations involve shifting, stretching, or reflecting functions on a graph. Understanding these movements provides insight into how graphs relate across different functions or equations. Basic transformations include:
- Horizontally shifting the graph is affected by the \(h\) value in the vertex form \( y = a(x-h)^2 + k \). If \(h\) is positive, the graph shifts right, and if negative, it shifts left.
- Vertical shifts adjust the graph up or down based on the \(k\) value.
- Scaling or stretching is directed by the \(a\) value, where values greater than 1 stretch the parabola, making it thinner.
- Reflections occur when \(a\) is negative, flipping the parabola over the x-axis.