Chapter 13: Problem 56
Give a step-by-step description of how you would go about graphing the parabola \(x^{2}-2 x-4 y-7=0\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
Rewrite, complete the square, identify vertex, plot points, sketch curve.
Step by step solution
01
Rewrite Equation in Standard Form
The given equation is \(x^2 - 2x - 4y - 7 = 0\). To graph a parabola, we need to rewrite this in standard form for a parabola. The equation can be rewritten by organizing and isolating the \(y\) terms: \(x^2 - 2x - 7 = 4y\). Solving for \(y\), we get \(y = \frac{1}{4}(x^2 - 2x - 7)\). This equation is now in the form \(y = a(x - h)^2 + k\).
02
Complete the Square
To further simplify \(y = \frac{1}{4}(x^2 - 2x - 7)\), we will complete the square for the \(x\)-terms. The expression \(x^2 - 2x\) can be transformed by adding and subtracting \(1\) (the square of half the coefficient of \(x\)): \((x - 1)^2 - 1\). Substituting back, we have: \(y = \frac{1}{4}((x - 1)^2 - 1 - 7)\). This simplifies to \(y = \frac{1}{4}(x - 1)^2 - 2\).
03
Identify the Vertex and Direction of Opening
The standard form \(y = \frac{1}{4}(x - 1)^2 - 2\) indicates a parabola with vertex \((h, k) = (1, -2)\) and opens upwards since \(a = \frac{1}{4} > 0\). The coefficient \(\frac{1}{4}\) also determines the width of the parabola.
04
Plot the Vertex
Start by plotting the vertex on the graph at the point \((1, -2)\).
05
Determine and Plot Additional Points
To plot additional points, choose \(x\) values around the vertex and calculate their corresponding \(y\) values from the equation \(y = \frac{1}{4}(x - 1)^2 - 2\). For instance, if \(x = 0\), \(y = \frac{1}{4}(0 - 1)^2 - 2 = -\frac{9}{4}\), plot the point \((0, -\frac{9}{4})\). Do likewise for other values like \(x = 2\) to find \(y = -\frac{9}{4}\) and plot \((2, -\frac{9}{4})\).
06
Sketch the Parabola
Using the vertex and the additional points, draw a smooth curve to depict the parabola. Ensure the curve opens upwards and is symmetric about the vertical line through the vertex \(x = 1\).
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.
Completing the Square
Completing the square is a helpful technique when working with quadratic expressions, especially when dealing with parabolas. This method makes it easier to convert a quadratic equation into vertex form.
By completing the square, you can then express your quadratic in a more convenient form for graphing, called the vertex form.
- To complete the square, consider a quadratic expression of the form: \(x^2 + bx\).
- The goal is to transform this expression into a perfect square trinomial.
- You achieve this by adding and subtracting \((\frac{b}{2})^2\) within the expression.
By completing the square, you can then express your quadratic in a more convenient form for graphing, called the vertex form.
Standard Form of a Parabola
The standard form of a parabola is crucial for understanding the shape and position of the curve in the coordinate plane. A parabola can be expressed in the form:
- \(y = a(x-h)^2 + k\)
- The parabola opens upwards if \(a > 0\) and downwards if \(a < 0\).
- The vertex form makes it easy to graph since you can immediately see the vertex \((h,k)\).
- The value of \(a\) also influences the steepness or flatness of the parabola.
Vertex of a Parabola
The vertex of a parabola is a pivotal point that defines the curve's highest or lowest location. It's an easy-to-spot feature on a graph that indicates the maximum or minimum value of the quadratic function.
- In vertex form \(y = a(x-h)^2 + k\), the vertex is \((h, k)\).
- From this point, the parabola extends symmetrically.
- The vertex is also where the axis of symmetry intersects the parabola.
Plotting Points
Plotting points is a straightforward method to visualize the shape of the parabola. Once you have expressed the quadratic equation in a recognizable form, use this simple step to create an accurate graph.
- Begin by plotting the vertex, your key reference point.
- Choose several \(x\) values around this point.
- Calculate the corresponding \(y\) values using the equation.
- Plot these pairs of \((x, y)\) values.