Chapter 8: Problem 32
Find the vertex of the graph of each quadratic function. Determine whether the graph opens upward or downward, find any intercepts, and sketch the graph. See Examples 1 through 4 . $$ \frac{1}{5} x^{2}+2 x+\frac{9}{5} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The vertex is (-5, -\frac{16}{5}). The graph opens upward. Intercepts: y-intercept (0, \frac{9}{5}), x-intercepts (-1, 0) and (-9, 0).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Quadratic Function Components
The given quadratic function is \( f(x) = \frac{1}{5}x^2 + 2x + \frac{9}{5} \). It can be expressed in the standard form \( ax^2 + bx + c \) where \( a = \frac{1}{5} \), \( b = 2 \), and \( c = \frac{9}{5} \).
02
Determine the Direction of the Parabola
The coefficient \( a = \frac{1}{5} \) is positive, indicating that the parabola opens upwards.
03
Find the Vertex
The formula for the x-coordinate of the vertex in a quadratic function \( ax^2 + bx + c \) is \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). Substituting the values, we have \( x = -\frac{2}{2 \times \frac{1}{5}} = -5 \). Substitute \( x = -5 \) back into the function to find the y-coordinate: \[ f(-5) = \frac{1}{5}(-5)^2 + 2(-5) + \frac{9}{5} = \frac{25}{5} - 10 + \frac{9}{5} = 5 - 10 + \frac{9}{5} = -5 + \frac{9}{5} = -\frac{16}{5} \].Therefore, the vertex is \((-5, -\frac{16}{5})\).
04
Find the Y-Intercept
To find the y-intercept, set \( x = 0 \) in the function: \[ f(0) = \frac{1}{5}(0)^2 + 2(0) + \frac{9}{5} = \frac{9}{5} \]. Therefore, the y-intercept is \((0, \frac{9}{5})\).
05
Find the X-Intercept(s)
Set the quadratic equation equal to zero to find the x-intercepts: \[ \frac{1}{5}x^2 + 2x + \frac{9}{5} = 0 \]. Multiply through by 5 to clear the fractions: \[ x^2 + 10x + 9 = 0 \]. Using the quadratic formula, \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \), where \( a = 1 \), \( b = 10 \), \( c = 9 \): \[ x = \frac{-10 \pm \sqrt{10^2 - 4 \times 1 \times 9}}{2 \times 1} \].\[ x = \frac{-10 \pm \sqrt{100 - 36}}{2} = \frac{-10 \pm \sqrt{64}}{2} = \frac{-10 \pm 8}{2} \].So, \( x = -1 \) or \( x = -9 \). The x-intercepts are \((-1, 0)\) and \((-9, 0)\).
06
Sketch the Graph
Plot the vertex \((-5, -\frac{16}{5})\), the y-intercept \((0, \frac{9}{5})\), and the x-intercepts \((-1, 0)\) and \((-9, 0)\) on a graph. Since the parabola opens upward, draw the U-shaped curve passing through these points. Ensure symmetry around the vertex.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertex of a Parabola
In any quadratic function represented in the form \( ax^2 + bx + c \), the vertex is a critical point as it gives both the optimal and minimal position along the parabola's axis. To find the vertex, we use the formula for the x-coordinate: \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). For the quadratic \( f(x) = \frac{1}{5}x^2 + 2x + \frac{9}{5} \), substituting the values of \( a \) and \( b \) results in \( x = -5 \). By substituting this back into the function, we find \( f(x) = -\frac{16}{5} \), therefore the vertex is \((-5, -\frac{16}{5})\). This point is where the parabola changes direction and is pivotal when plotting or analyzing the curve.
Parabola Direction
The direction in which a parabola opens largely depends on the coefficient of the quadratic term \( a \). If \( a > 0 \), the parabola opens upwards, forming a shape like a U. If \( a < 0 \), it opens downwards like an upside-down U. This behavior affects the type of extremum the parabola has, whether a minimum at the vertex for an upward opening or a maximum for a downward opening.
X-Intercepts
X-intercepts are where the graph intersects the x-axis, meaning the y-value is zero at these points. To find the x-intercepts of \( f(x) = \frac{1}{5}x^2 + 2x + \frac{9}{5} \), set the equation to zero: \( \frac{1}{5}x^2 + 2x + \frac{9}{5} = 0 \). Solve by first clearing fractions, then applying the quadratic formula: \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \). For this equation, the x-intercepts are \((-1, 0)\) and \((-9, 0)\), providing points where the curve crosses the x-axis. These intercepts are essential for understanding the overall shape and behavior of the parabola.
Y-Intercepts
The y-intercept of a quadratic function is the point where the graph crosses the y-axis, and this occurs when \( x = 0 \). To find it in the function \( f(x) = \frac{1}{5}x^2 + 2x + \frac{9}{5} \), substitute \( x = 0 \) which simplifies the equation to \( f(0) = \frac{9}{5} \). Hence, the y-intercept is \((0, \frac{9}{5})\). The y-intercept provides a starting point for sketching the graph and helps to verify the accuracy of the plotted parabola.