Chapter 8: Problem 8
For \(f(x)=-x^{2}+6 x-7,\) the value of \(-\frac{b}{2 a}\) is \(3 .\) Find the \(y\) -coordinate of the vertex of the graph of this function.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The \(y\)-coordinate of the vertex is 2.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the coefficients
Given the quadratic function \(f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 7\), the coefficients are \(a = -1\), \(b = 6\), and \(c = -7\).
02
Recall the vertex formula
The formula for the \(x\)-coordinate of the vertex in a quadratic equation \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\) is \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\). We are given that this value is 3.
03
Verify the given \(x\)-coordinate formula
Substitute \(a = -1\) and \(b = 6\) into the formula: \(x = -\frac{6}{2(-1)} = 3\). This confirms the given \(x\)-coordinate of the vertex is correct.
04
Substitute \(x\) into the function to find \(y\)
Use the \(x\)-coordinate to find the \(y\)-coordinate of the vertex. Substitute \(x = 3\) into the function: \(f(3) = -(3)^2 + 6(3) - 7\).
05
Calculate \(f(3)\)
Calculate \(f(3)\): \(-(3)^2 + 6(3) - 7 = -9 + 18 - 7 = 2\). Therefore, the \(y\)-coordinate of the vertex is 2.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Quadratic Functions
A quadratic function is a type of polynomial function with a degree of 2, often expressed in the standard form as \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \). In this form, \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are coefficients where \( a eq 0 \). The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola, which can open upwards or downwards depending on the sign of \( a \).
Here's what you need to know:
Here's what you need to know:
- If \( a > 0 \), the parabola opens upward, forming a U-shape.
- If \( a < 0 \), the parabola opens downward, creating an upside-down U-shape.
- The values of \( b \) and \( c \) affect the symmetry and vertical position of the graph but do not impact the direction it opens.
Mastering the Vertex Formula
In coordinate geometry, the vertex of a quadratic function's parabola is a significant point, often considered its 'highest' or 'lowest' spot depending on its orientation. To locate the vertex, we use the vertex formula for finding the \( x \)-coordinate: \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \).
Let's break it down:
Let's break it down:
- The formula \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \) helps determine the axis of symmetry of the parabola, an imaginary vertical line that divides the parabola into two mirror-image halves.
- Once the \( x \)-coordinate is found, it's simple to determine the entire vertex by substituting this value back into the original quadratic function to find the corresponding \( y \)-coordinate.
- This process directly informs us where the vertex lies in relation to the rest of the graph. For instance, with the function \( f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 7 \), finding \( x = 3 \) via the formula, then substituting back to find \( y = 2 \), pinpoints the vertex at \( (3, 2) \).
Exploring Coordinate Geometry
Coordinate geometry, also known as analytic geometry, is the study of geometry using a coordinate system. This approach allows for precise calculations and representations of shapes through algebraic equations. When dealing with quadratics:
- The coordinates \((x, y)\) on a plane are used to portray relationships derived from the equation of the function.
- The vertex found via quadratic exploration serves as a critical point where the curve changes direction, helping in graphing or solving optimization problems.
- Understanding intercepts, such as where the graph crosses the \( x \) or \( y \) axis, can also be achieved through coordinate geometry techniques. These points are essential for sketching the function with accuracy.