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91Ó°ÊÓ

Sketch the graph of each quadratic function. Label the vertex, and sketch and label the axis of symmetry. See Examples 6 and 7 . $$ h(x)=\frac{1}{3} x^{2} $$

Short Answer

Expert verified
Vertex: (0, 0), Axis of Symmetry: x = 0, Upward-opening parabola.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Vertex

The vertex of a quadratic function in the form of \( ax^2 + bx + c \) is found at \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). For the function \( h(x) = \frac{1}{3}x^2 \), \( a = \frac{1}{3} \) and \( b = 0 \), hence the vertex is at \( x = 0 \). Evaluating \( h(0) \), we have \( h(0) = \frac{1}{3}(0)^2 = 0 \). Thus, the vertex is \((0, 0)\).
02

Determine the Axis of Symmetry

The axis of symmetry is a vertical line that passes through the vertex of the parabola. Since the vertex is at \((0, 0)\), the axis of symmetry is \( x = 0 \).
03

Plot the Vertex and Axis of Symmetry

On a coordinate plane, plot the point \((0, 0)\) which represents the vertex. Draw a dashed vertical line through \( x = 0 \) to represent the axis of symmetry.
04

Sketch the Parabola

The function \( h(x) = \frac{1}{3}x^2 \) is a parabola that opens upwards as \( a = \frac{1}{3} > 0 \). Since the coefficient \( a \) is less than 1, the parabola is wider than the standard \( x^2 \) parabola. Starting from the vertex at \((0, 0)\), plot a few points such as \((1, \frac{1}{3})\) and \((-1, \frac{1}{3})\), and mirror them over the axis of symmetry. Then, sketch a smooth curve through these points.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Vertex
In a quadratic function, the vertex represents the highest or lowest point on the graph, depending on the parabola's orientation. It's a key feature that gives the function's maximum or minimum value. For the function \( h(x) = \frac{1}{3}x^2 \), we find the vertex using the formula \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). In this case, \( a = \frac{1}{3} \) and \( b = 0 \), leading us to \( x = 0 \).

Once we have the \( x \)-value, we substitute it back into the function to find \( y \). So here, \( h(0) = \frac{1}{3}(0)^2 = 0 \), thus giving us the vertex at the point \( (0, 0) \).

The vertex is crucial:
  • It's where the parabola turns direction.
  • Indicates the axis of symmetry.
  • Helps in plotting the graph accurately.
Axis of Symmetry
The axis of symmetry in a quadratic function is an invisible vertical line that divides the parabola into two mirror-image halves. This line always passes through the vertex, effectively balancing the parabola on either side.

For our function \( h(x) = \frac{1}{3}x^2 \), since the vertex is at \( (0, 0) \), the axis of symmetry is the line \( x = 0 \), also known as the \( y \)-axis.

This characteristic line has several roles:
  • It ensures each corresponding point on the parabola has a mirror point.
  • Helps in verifying the accuracy of your parabola sketch.
  • Facilitates finding other points when graphing.
Parabola
A parabola is the U-shaped graph that is most commonly associated with quadratic functions. The form \( h(x) = ax^2 \) typically results in a graph that opens upwards when \( a > 0 \) or downwards when \( a < 0 \).

For \( h(x) = \frac{1}{3}x^2 \), since \( a = \frac{1}{3} > 0 \), the parabola opens upwards. The vertex \((0, 0)\) is at the lowest point because the parabola is upwards opening.

To sketch the parabola:
  • Start with plotting the vertex.
  • Determine a few additional points. For example, for \( x = 1 \), we find \( h(1) = \frac{1}{3}(1)^2 = \frac{1}{3} \).
  • Plot both points \( (1, \frac{1}{3}) \) and \( (-1, \frac{1}{3}) \) and draw a smooth curve through these, making sure it is symmetric about the axis.
The coefficient \( \frac{1}{3} \) affects the width, making this parabola wider compared to one shaped by \( x^2 \). The smaller the coefficient, the wider the graph.

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