Chapter 11: Problem 36
(a) find the vertex, the axis of symmetry, and the maximum or minimum function value and (b) graph the function. $$ g(x)=2 x^{2}+5 x-1 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Vertex: \( -\frac{5}{4}, -\frac{33}{8} \); Axis of symmetry: \( x = -\frac{5}{4} \); Minimum value: \( -\frac{33}{8} \); Graph the function as an upward opening parabola.
Step by step solution
01
- Find the Vertex
To find the vertex of the parabola given by the function \(g(x) = 2x^2 + 5x - 1\), use the vertex formula \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\). Here, \(a = 2\) and \(b = 5\). Plug these values into the formula: \[ x = -\frac{5}{2(2)} = -\frac{5}{4} \] Next, substitute \(x = -\frac{5}{4}\) back into the function to find the y-coordinate of the vertex: \[ g\left(-\frac{5}{4}\right) = 2\left(-\frac{5}{4}\right)^2 + 5\left(-\frac{5}{4}\right) - 1 \] Calculate this to find the y-coordinate.
02
- Complete Vertex Calculation
First, compute \(\left(-\frac{5}{4}\right)^2\): \[\left(-\frac{5}{4}\right)^2 = \frac{25}{16} \] Now substitute back: \[ g\left(-\frac{5}{4}\right) = 2 \cdot \frac{25}{16} + 5 \left(-\frac{5}{4}\right) - 1 = \frac{50}{16} - \frac{25}{4} - 1 \] Simplify the expression to get the exact y-coordinate of the vertex.
03
- Simplify and Write Vertex
Continue simplifying: \[ g\left(-\frac{5}{4}\right) = \frac{50}{16} - \frac{100}{16} - \frac{16}{16} = \frac{50 - 100 - 16}{16} = \frac{-66}{16} = -\frac{33}{8} \] Thus, the vertex of the parabola is at: \[ \left( -\frac{5}{4}, -\frac{33}{8} \right) \]
04
- Find the Axis of Symmetry
The axis of symmetry is the vertical line that passes through the x-coordinate of the vertex. For \(g(x) = 2x^2 + 5x - 1\), the axis of symmetry is \[ x = -\frac{5}{4} \]
05
- Determine Maximum/Minimum Value
Given that the parabola opens upwards (since the coefficient of \(x^2\) in the function, which is \(2\), is positive), the vertex represents the minimum point. Hence, the minimum value of the function is \( g\left(-\frac{5}{4}\right) = -\frac{33}{8} \)
06
- Graph the Function
To graph the function \(g(x) = 2x^2 + 5x - 1\), plot the vertex \(\left( -\frac{5}{4}, -\frac{33}{8} \right)\). Draw the axis of symmetry at \(x = -\frac{5}{4}\). Additionally, find the y-intercept by evaluating \(g(0) = -1\) and plot additional points symmetrically around the vertex.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
vertex formula
The vertex of a quadratic function plays a significant role in understanding its behavior. The vertex formula helps us find the coordinates of the vertex of a parabola given by a quadratic function of the form \(ax^2 + bx + c\). It is given by \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\). Here, \(a\) and \(b\) are coefficients from the quadratic equation.
axis of symmetry
The axis of symmetry is a crucial concept in graphing quadratic functions. It refers to the vertical line that passes through the vertex of the parabola. This line divides the parabola into two mirror-image halves. For the function \(g(x) = 2x^2 + 5x - 1\), the x-coordinate of the vertex is \(-\frac{b}{2a}\), which gives us \(-\frac{5}{4}\). Therefore, the equation of the axis of symmetry is \(x = -\frac{5}{4}\). This line helps in verifying the parabola’s symmetry when plotting points.
minimum value
Every quadratic function has either a minimum or a maximum value, determined by the direction in which the parabola opens. If the coefficient of the \(x^2\) term (\(a\)) is positive, the parabola opens upwards, and the vertex represents the minimum value. For our function \(g(x) = 2x^2 + 5x - 1\), since \(a = 2\) is positive, the vertex \( \left( -\frac{5}{4}, -\frac{33}{8} \right) \) gives the minimum value. Therefore, the minimum value of the function is \( g\left(-\frac{5}{4}\right) = -\frac{33}{8} \).
graphing quadratic functions
Graphing a quadratic function involves a few steps. Start with plotting the vertex, as it is the lowest or highest point of the graph depending on whether the parabola opens upwards or downwards. For \(g(x) = 2x^2 + 5x - 1\), the vertex is at \(\left( -\frac{5}{4}, -\frac{33}{8} \right)\). Next, draw the axis of symmetry at \(x = -\frac{5}{4}\). Additionally, plot the y-intercept, which is the point where the graph crosses the y-axis. This can be found by evaluating \(g(0) = -1\). Finally, choose additional points on either side of the axis of symmetry and plot them to get a clearer shape of the parabola. Connect all these points with a smooth curve to complete the graph.