Chapter 13: Problem 96
Explain how to use \(x=y^{2}+8 y+9\) to find the parabola's vertex.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The vertex of the parabola described by \(x=y^{2}+8 y+9\) is \(-4\) and \(-7\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Given Equation
The given equation is \(x=y^{2}+8 y+9\). Since this does not look like the vertex form, it needs to be rearranged.
02
Rewrite the Given Equation
To make it more recognizable, it is advisable to switch the x and y variables. The equation will then be \(y=x^{2}+8 x+9\). Now, it resembles the form of a quadratic equation.
03
Convert to Vertex Form by Completing the Square
To find the vertex, one would need to transform the equation into the vertex form \(y=a(x-h)^{2}+k\). In our case, \(a=1\), and \(h\) and \(k\) need to be calculated by completing the square. First, the constant term 9 is moved to the other side of the equation, resulting in the equation \(y-9=x^{2}+8x\). Then add the square of half the coefficient of x (which is 4) to both sides. The equation now looks like this: \(y-9+16=x^{2}+8x+16\). This simplifies to \(y+7=(x+4)^{2}\).
04
Identify the Vertex
The vertex of the parabola can now be read off directly from the equation as \(-4\) and \(-7\).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Completing the Square
Completing the square is a method used in algebra to transform a quadratic equation into its vertex form, making it easier to identify the vertex of a parabola. The core idea is to transform the expression on one side of the equation into a perfect square trinomial. Here’s how you do it:
- First, ensure the quadratic term has a coefficient of 1. If not, divide the entire equation by the coefficient.
- Next, take half of the coefficient of the linear term, square it, and add it to both sides of the equation.
- This creates a perfect square trinomial on one side, allowing it to be rewritten as a squared binomial.
Quadratic Equation
A quadratic equation is a second-degree polynomial, typically expressed in the form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \). The highest power of the variable is 2, which is what gives it the name 'quadratic.'Quadratic equations can arise in various mathematical and real-world contexts. Three primary methods are typically used to solve these equations:
- Factoring: Writing the quadratic as a product of its factors to find the roots.
- Quadratic Formula: Using \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \) to find the solutions for \( x \).
- Completing the Square: Rewriting the equation so that one side is a perfect square trinomial.
Vertex Form
The vertex form of a quadratic equation is an alternative way of expressing quadratics, particularly useful for graphing. It is expressed as \( y = a(x-h)^2 + k \).In this form:
- \( (h,k) \) represents the vertex of the parabola. The vertex is a significant point as it is either the highest or the lowest point on the graph, depending on the parabola’s orientation.
- \( a \) determines the width and direction of the parabola. If \( a > 0 \), the parabola opens upwards; if \( a < 0 \), it opens downwards.