Chapter 11: Problem 42
Find the vertex of the graph of each function. $$ h(x)=x^{2}-3 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The vertex of \(h(x) = x^2 - 3\) is \((0, -3)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function Type
The function given is in the form of a quadratic function, which is generally expressed as \(y = ax^2 + bx + c\). In this case, \(h(x) = x^2 - 3\), where \(a = 1\), \(b = 0\), and \(c = -3\).
02
Determine the Formula for the Vertex
For a quadratic function in the standard form \(y = ax^2 + bx + c\), the vertex's x-coordinate can be found using the formula \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\). Since \(b = 0\), the formula simplifies to \(x = 0\).
03
Calculate the y-coordinate of the Vertex
Substitute \(x = 0\) back into the function to find the y-coordinate of the vertex: \(h(0) = (0)^2 - 3 = -3\).
04
Write the Vertex in Coordinate Form
The vertex of the function \(h(x) = x^2 - 3\) is \((0, -3)\). This means that the vertex lies on the y-axis and is 3 units below the origin.
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.
Quadratic Function
A quadratic function is a type of polynomial function where the highest degree of the variable is 2. Quadratic functions are commonly written in the form of \(y = ax^2 + bx + c\). Here:
- \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are constants.
- \(x\) is the variable.
- The value of \(a\) determines the direction of the parabola -- upwards if \(a > 0\) and downwards if \(a < 0\).
Standard Form
The standard form of a quadratic function is expressed as \(y = ax^2 + bx + c\). Each component in this equation plays a crucial role:
- \(a\) is the leading coefficient, which affects the width and direction of the parabola.
- \(b\) is the linear coefficient, influencing the parabola's horizontal placement and orientation.
- \(c\) is the constant term, representing the y-intercept of the graph.
Parabola Vertex
The vertex of a parabola is the peak or lowest point of the curve, depending on the direction it opens. For the quadratic function \(y = ax^2 + bx + c\), the vertex can be determined using the formula for the x-coordinate: \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\).
- If \(b = 0\), the vertex is simply \((0, c)\), where all changes depend on the constant term.
- The vertex represents a point of symmetry for the parabola.
- For \(h(x)=x^2-3\), substituting \(b=0\) and \(a=1\) gives the vertex as \((0, -3)\).
Coordinate Form
Coordinate form involves writing the position of specific points on a graph using an ordered pair \((x, y)\). This is particularly useful when identifying or describing the location of significant points like the vertex.
- The ordered pair consists of an x-coordinate (horizontal position) and a y-coordinate (vertical position).
- The vertex in coordinate form for \(h(x)=x^2-3\) is \((0, -3)\), indicating the vertex lies directly on the y-axis at \(y = -3\).
- This notation provides a clear and concise way to visualize and communicate points on a graph.