Chapter 12: Problem 23
Identify the graph of each equation as a parabola, circle, ellipse, or hyperbola, and then sketch the graph. $$ x^{2}=4 y-8 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation describes a parabola with the vertex at (0, 2), opening upwards.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Conic Section
Observe the given equation: \[x^{2}=4y-8\]. This equation has the form of a parabola because there is only one squared term. A parabola generally has the format \[x^{2} = 4ay\] or \[y^{2} = 4ax\].
02
Rewrite the Equation in Standard Form
Rewrite the given equation in a more recognizable form of a parabola. To do this, isolate the variable y: \[x^{2} = 4y - 8\] Add 8 to both sides: \[x^{2} + 8 = 4y\] Then divide the entire equation by 4: \[\frac{x^2 + 8}{4} = y\] Simplify to get: \[x^{2} + 8 = 4y \Rightarrow y = \frac{x^{2} + 8}{4} \].
03
Determine the Vertex
The standard form of a vertical parabola is \[x^{2} = 4a(y - k)\] or \[y = \frac{1}{4a} x^2 + k\]. By comparing \[x^2 + 8 = 4y\] (which is equivalent to \[y = \frac{x^2}{4} + 2\]), the vertex (the point \((h,k)\)) is at (0, 2).
04
Sketch the Parabola
Now graph the parabola using the vertex (0, 2) and the fact it opens upwards along the y-axis. Choose a few points on either side of the vertex to see the curvature. For example: When \(x = 2\), \[y = \frac{2^2 + 8}{4}\ = \frac{4 + 8}{4}\ =\frac{12}{4}\ = 3\] Thus, you can plot the point (2, 3).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
parabola
A parabola is one of the four conic sections in geometry. It is formed by the intersection of a right circular conical surface and a plane parallel to a generator of the cone.
Parabolas have interesting properties:
Parabolas have interesting properties:
- All points on a parabola are equidistant from a fixed point called the 'focus' and a fixed line called the 'directrix'.
- Parabolas have a symmetrical shape, with the line of symmetry passing through the vertex and perpendicular to the directrix.
vertex
The vertex of a parabola is the point where the parabola changes direction. It is the highest or lowest point on the graph, depending on whether the parabola opens upward or downward.
If a parabola opens upward or downward, the vertex is the minimum or maximum point respectively. In mathematical terms:
If a parabola opens upward or downward, the vertex is the minimum or maximum point respectively. In mathematical terms:
- The vertex form for a vertical parabola is \((h,k)\) and is found using the equation = \[y = a(x - h)^2 + k\].
- For the given equation \[x^2 + 8 = 4y\] the vertex is \((0, 2)\), as deduced by rewriting the equation in standard form.
graphing equations
Graphing the equation of a parabola involves several steps:
By analyzing upward or downward openings and using symmetry about the vertex, sketching the parabola's graph becomes straightforward.
- First, identify if the parabola opens upward or downward by looking at the coefficient of the squared term.
- Find the vertex, which is the key point from which the symmetry of the parabola emanates.
- Choose additional points on either side of the vertex to get a sense of the parabola's shape.
- Note that for \[y = \frac{x^2 + 8}{4}\], the graph opens upwards since the coefficient of \[x^2\] is positive.
By analyzing upward or downward openings and using symmetry about the vertex, sketching the parabola's graph becomes straightforward.
standard form of parabolas
The standard form of a parabola helps in easily identifying its characteristics such as the vertex, direction of opening, and identifying the conic section.
For vertical parabolas, the standard forms are:
For vertical parabolas, the standard forms are:
- \[x^2 = 4a(y-k)\]
- \[y = a(x-h)^2 + k\].
- Identifies the vertex \((h, k)\)
- Shows if the parabola opens upwards (positive coefficient) or downwards (negative coefficient).