Chapter 7: Problem 78
Graph the parabola. $$ 1.4(y-1.5)^{2}=0.5(x+2.1) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The parabola has vertex \((-2.1, 1.5)\) and opens to the right.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Form of the Equation
Recognize that the given equation \( 1.4(y-1.5)^{2}=0.5(x+2.1) \) resembles the standard form \( (y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h) \) of a parabola that opens horizontally. Here, \( h = -2.1 \), \( k = 1.5 \), and \( 4p = \frac{0.5}{1.4} = \frac{5}{14} \).
02
Determine the Vertex
The vertex of the parabola can be directly read from the standard form as \( (h, k) \). From the equation, the vertex is \( (-2.1, 1.5) \).
03
Calculate the Value of p
Solve for \( p \) in the expression \( 4p = \frac{5}{14} \). This simplifies to \( p = \frac{5}{56} \), which indicates that the parabola opens to the right because \( p > 0 \).
04
Identify the Direction of the Opening
Since \( p > 0 \), the parabola opens rightwards. If \( p < 0 \), it would open leftwards.
05
Plot the Vertex and Additional Points
Plot the vertex \( (-2.1, 1.5) \) on a coordinate plane. Choose additional values for \( y \) around 1.5 and solve for corresponding \( x \) values using the equation \( x = 1.4(y-1.5)^2 - 2.1 \), then plot these points.
06
Sketch the Parabola
Using the vertex and additional points, sketch the parabola. Make sure the curve reflects symmetry about the line \( y = 1.5 \) and opens to the right.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Standard Form of a Parabola
In mathematics, understanding the standard form of a parabola is crucial for graphing and analyzing these curves. The standard form of a parabola that opens horizontally is given by the equation \[ (y - k)^2 = 4p(x - h) \].Here,
- \((x, y)\) represents any point on the parabola,
- \((h, k)\) is the vertex of the parabola, a significant point that determines the center of symmetry,
- \(4p\) is a constant that affects the "width" of the parabola and the direction it opens.
- \( h = -2.1 \), the \( x \)-coordinate of the vertex,
- \( k = 1.5 \), the \( y \)-coordinate of the vertex,
- and \( 4p = \frac{0.5}{1.4} = \frac{5}{14} \), which helps in determining the parabola's direction.
Vertex of a Parabola
The vertex of a parabola is an essential feature when graphing and understanding the curve. For the equation in standard form \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\), the vertex is conveniently located at the point \((h, k)\). In the provided exercise, the vertex is \((-2.1, 1.5)\). This point is the "turning point" of the parabola, where the curve changes direction.
- For parabolas that open horizontally, like the one in our exercise, the vertex is where the curve is widest left-to-right.
Direction of Parabola Opening
The direction in which a parabola opens is determined by the constant \( p \) in the standard form equation. For a horizontally opening parabola \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\):
- If \( p > 0 \), the parabola opens to the right.
- If \( p < 0 \), the parabola opens to the left.