Chapter 12: Problem 20
Sketch the level curve \(z=k\) for the indicated values of \(k\). \(z=x^{2}+y, k=-4,-1,0,1,4\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Parabolas for k=-4 to 4, varying vertically: down (-4 to 0), up (1 and 4).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Problem
We need to sketch the level curves of the function \(z = x^2 + y\) for different values of \(k\). A level curve \(z = k\) implies that \(x^2 + y = k\), so we set this for each value of \(k\).
02
Set up Equation for k = -4
For \(k = -4\), the equation becomes \(x^2 + y = -4\). Solving for \(y\) gives \(y = -4 - x^2\). This is a downward opening parabola shifted down by 4 units from the origin.
03
Set up Equation for k = -1
For \(k = -1\), the equation becomes \(x^2 + y = -1\). Solving for \(y\) gives \(y = -1 - x^2\). This is another downward opening parabola shifted down by 1 unit from the origin.
04
Set up Equation for k = 0
For \(k = 0\), the equation becomes \(x^2 + y = 0\). Solving for \(y\) gives \(y = -x^2\). This is a downward opening parabola with its vertex at the origin.
05
Set up Equation for k = 1
For \(k = 1\), the equation becomes \(x^2 + y = 1\). Solving for \(y\) gives \(y = 1 - x^2\). This is an upward opening parabola shifted up by 1 unit from the origin.
06
Set up Equation for k = 4
For \(k = 4\), the equation becomes \(x^2 + y = 4\). Solving for \(y\) gives \(y = 4 - x^2\). This is an upward opening parabola shifted up by 4 units from the origin.
07
Sketch the Curves
Using the information from the equations for each \(k\), sketch the curves on a coordinate system: downward opening parabolas for \(k=-4, -1, 0\) and upward opening parabolas for \(k=1, 4\). Each shift corresponds to the change in \(k\), which moves the vertex up or down on the \(y\)-axis.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Coordinate System
The coordinate system acts as a framework for plotting points and graphing equations like level curves. It consists of two perpendicular lines labeled as the x-axis (horizontal) and y-axis (vertical). These axes divide the plane into four quadrants.
- In the context of level curves, the coordinate system helps visually represent how curves behave based on the values of the function.
- When graphing the equation \(x^2 + y = k\), each curve is drawn in relation to its position on the coordinate system, with \(x\) and \(y\) values marked accordingly.
- The intersection of the x-axis and y-axis is known as the origin (0,0).
Parabolas
A parabola is a U-shaped curve that can open upwards or downwards depending on its equation. The function \(y = x^2\) is a classic example of a parabola opening upwards. However, when we manipulate this equation to \(y = -x^2\), the parabola then opens downwards.Parabolas are defined by their:
- Vertex: The peak or lowest point of the parabola. In \(z = x^2 + y\), this is altered as we change \(k\).
- Axis of Symmetry: A vertical line passing through the vertex, dividing the parabola into two mirror-image halves.
- Direction: Determined by the sign in front of \(x^2\); positive for upward and negative for downward parabolas.
Function Graphing
Graphing a function is all about plotting its level curves on a coordinate system. Each equation represents a distinct path, forming visually distinct curves for varied values of \(k\). This transforms abstract equations into comprehensible visuals.
- Level curves, like \(x^2 + y = k\), show how a change in \(k\) affects the parabola's position.
- For each \(k\) value, solving \(x^2 + y = k\) for \(y\) gives a specific equation representing the parabola for that level.
- Graph each resulting \(y = -x^2 + k\) on the coordinate system to see the transformation effect.
Vertex Shifts
Vertex shifts occur when you modify the constant \(k\) in the equation \(x^2 + y = k\). This shift changes the parabola's vertex on the coordinate system, moving it up or down along the y-axis.
- A larger \(k\) value moves the vertex upwards, creating an upward shift in the parabola.
- A smaller or negative \(k\) shifts the vertex downwards, resulting in a downward parabola.
- This shift does not affect the parabola's general shape, only its vertical positioning.