Chapter 11: Problem 35
Sketch the graph of each quadratic function. Label the vertex, and sketch and label the axis of symmetry. $$ F(x)=2 x^{2}-5 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The vertex is at (0, -5) and the axis of symmetry is \( x = 0 \).
Step by step solution
01
Determine the Vertex
The standard form of a quadratic function is \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \). In this function, \( f(x) = 2x^2 - 5 \), \( a = 2 \), \( b = 0 \), and \( c = -5 \). The formula to find the vertex of a parabola given its function is \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). Since \( b = 0 \), the x-coordinate of the vertex is 0. Substituting \( x = 0 \) into the function gives \( f(0) = 2 \cdot 0^2 - 5 = -5 \). Thus, the vertex is at (0, -5).
02
Label the Axis of Symmetry
The axis of symmetry of a quadratic function is a vertical line which passes through the vertex. For this function, since the vertex is at \( x = 0 \), the axis of symmetry is the line \( x = 0 \).
03
Sketch the Graph
With the vertex at (0, -5) and the axis of symmetry \( x = 0 \), you can sketch the parabola. The function \( f(x) = 2x^2 - 5 \) opens upwards because \( a = 2 > 0 \). Near the vertex, choose values such as \( x = 1 \) and \( x = -1 \), and compute \( f(1) = 2 - 5 = -3 \) and \( f(-1) = 2 - 5 = -3 \) to find additional points (1, -3) and (-1, -3). Plot these points, draw the parabola opening upwards through (0, -5), (1, -3), and (-1, -3).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertex of a Parabola
In any quadratic function of the form \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \), the vertex of the parabola represents the highest or lowest point of the graph, depending on whether the parabola opens upwards or downwards. It acts as a turning point from where the graph changes direction.
For the given quadratic function \( f(x) = 2x^2 - 5 \), the terms are \( a = 2 \), \( b = 0 \), and \( c = -5 \). The vertex can be calculated using the formula for its x-coordinate:
For the given quadratic function \( f(x) = 2x^2 - 5 \), the terms are \( a = 2 \), \( b = 0 \), and \( c = -5 \). The vertex can be calculated using the formula for its x-coordinate:
- \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \)
- Since \( b = 0 \), we have \( x = 0 \)
- The corresponding y-coordinate is found by substituting \( x = 0 \) back into the function, resulting in \( f(0) = 2 \cdot 0^2 - 5 = -5 \)
Axis of Symmetry
The axis of symmetry is a vertical line that runs directly through the vertex of the parabola, splitting it into two mirror-image halves. This line is crucial because it helps us understand how the parabola will look and behave, essentially acting as a mirror line.
For any quadratic function, the equation of the axis of symmetry is closely tied to the x-coordinate of the vertex. Using the same quadratic function \( f(x) = 2x^2 - 5 \), we've already determined that the vertex is located at \( x = 0 \). This tells us:
For any quadratic function, the equation of the axis of symmetry is closely tied to the x-coordinate of the vertex. Using the same quadratic function \( f(x) = 2x^2 - 5 \), we've already determined that the vertex is located at \( x = 0 \). This tells us:
- The axis of symmetry is the line \( x = 0 \).
- This vertical line divides the parabola into two identical parts.
- Given the symmetrical nature around this line, if you know a point on one side, you automatically know its counterpart on the other side of the axis of symmetry.
Parabola Graphing
Graphing a parabola involves plotting its key features — most importantly, the vertex and axis of symmetry — and understanding the direction it opens. Since the task is to sketch \( f(x) = 2x^2 - 5 \), which opens upwards, we should be aware of following steps:
- Begin by plotting the vertex at (0, -5).
- Draw the axis of symmetry along the line \( x = 0 \).
- Use the value of \( a \), which is positive, to determine that the parabola opens upward, indicating a "smile" shape.
- Select additional points near the vertex to help form the curve; for instance at \( x = 1 \) and \( x = -1 \), both providing \( f(x) = -3 \). These points are \((1, -3)\) and \((-1, -3)\).
- Carefully plot these points and draw a smooth curve through them, ensuring symmetry along the axis.