Chapter 2: Problem 41
In Exercises \(35-44,\) graph the quadratic function. $$f(x)=-2 x^{2}-12 x-16$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Graph the function by identifying and plotting the vertex \((-3, 2)\), y-intercept \((0, -16)\), and points \((-2, 0)\) and \((-4, 0)\); the parabola opens downward.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Form of the Quadratic
The quadratic function we are dealing with is in the standard form \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\). Here, \(a = -2\), \(b = -12\), and \(c = -16\).
02
Find the Vertex
The vertex of a parabola described by a quadratic function \(ax^2 + bx + c\) can be found using the formula:\[ x = -\frac{b}{2a} \]. In this case, \(x = -\frac{-12}{2(-2)} = \frac{12}{-4} = -3\). Substitute \(x = -3\) back into the function to find \(f(-3)\):\[ f(-3) = -2(-3)^2 - 12(-3) - 16 = -18 + 36 - 16 = 2 \]. Thus, the vertex is \((-3, 2)\).
03
Determine if the Parabola Opens Upward or Downward
Since the coefficient \(a = -2\) is negative, the parabola opens downward.
04
Find the Y-intercept
The y-intercept occurs when \(x=0\). Substitute \(x=0\) into the function:\[ f(0) = -2(0)^2 - 12(0) - 16 = -16 \].So the y-intercept is \((0, -16)\).
05
Calculate Additional Points for Accuracy
To graph accurately, calculate additional points:When \(x = -2\):\[ f(-2) = -2(-2)^2 - 12(-2) - 16 = -8 + 24 - 16 = 0 \]Point: \((-2, 0)\).When \(x = -4\):\[ f(-4) = -2(-4)^2 - 12(-4) - 16 = -32 + 48 - 16 = 0 \]Point: \((-4, 0)\).
06
Draw the Parabola
Plot the vertex \((-3, 2)\), the y-intercept \((0, -16)\), and additional points \((-2, 0)\) and \((-4, 0)\) on a graph. Draw a smooth, symmetrical curve through these points, ensuring it opens downward.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Function
A quadratic function is a type of polynomial function that is represented in the general form:
The function in the original exercise, \( f(x) = -2x^2 - 12x - 16 \), is a perfect example of a quadratic function. The equation is characterized by the leading coefficient \( a = -2 \), which influences the direction in which the parabola opens. Quadratic functions graph as curves called parabolas, showing up in various scenarios in mathematics and practical applications.
- \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \)
- The quadratic term: \( ax^2 \)
- The linear term: \( bx \)
- The constant term: \( c \)
The function in the original exercise, \( f(x) = -2x^2 - 12x - 16 \), is a perfect example of a quadratic function. The equation is characterized by the leading coefficient \( a = -2 \), which influences the direction in which the parabola opens. Quadratic functions graph as curves called parabolas, showing up in various scenarios in mathematics and practical applications.
Vertex of a Parabola
The vertex of a parabola is a crucial feature that indicates the maximum or minimum point of the curve. For any quadratic function in standard form, you can find the vertex using the formula:
In the given function \( f(x) = -2x^2 - 12x - 16 \), the vertex calculation goes as follows:
- \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \)
In the given function \( f(x) = -2x^2 - 12x - 16 \), the vertex calculation goes as follows:
- Calculate \( x = -\frac{-12}{2(-2)} = -3 \)
- Substitute \( x = -3 \) back into the function to derive the y-coordinate: \( f(-3) = 2 \)
Y-intercept
The y-intercept of a graph is the point where the parabola crosses the y-axis. It provides a starting reference when sketching a graph on a coordinate plane. You find this intercept by setting \( x = 0 \) in the quadratic equation and solving for \( f(x) \).
For our function \( f(x) = -2x^2 - 12x - 16 \), finding the y-intercept involves the following steps:
For our function \( f(x) = -2x^2 - 12x - 16 \), finding the y-intercept involves the following steps:
- Substitute \( x = 0 \) into the function: \( f(0) = -16 \)
Parabola Direction
The direction in which a parabola opens is determined by the sign and value of the coefficient \( a \) in the quadratic function \( ax^2 + bx + c \). Here are a few key points to remember:
- If \( a > 0 \), the parabola opens upward.
- If \( a < 0 \), the parabola opens downward.