Chapter 3: Problem 113
Sketch a graph of the quadratic function and give the vertex, axis of symmetry, and intercepts. \(f(x)=x^{2}-5 x-6\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Vertex: \((\frac{5}{2}, -\frac{49}{4})\), axis of symmetry: \(x = \frac{5}{2}\), y-intercept: \((0, -6)\), x-intercepts: \((6, 0)\) and \((-1, 0)\).
Step by step solution
01
Determine the Vertex
The vertex of a quadratic function in the form \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\) can be found using the formula \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\). Here, \(a = 1\), \(b = -5\), and \(c = -6\). Calculating this, we get \(x = -\frac{-5}{2 \times 1} = \frac{5}{2}\). To find the \(y\)-coordinate of the vertex, substitute \(x = \frac{5}{2}\) back into the function: \(f(\frac{5}{2}) = (\frac{5}{2})^2 - 5(\frac{5}{2}) - 6 = \frac{25}{4} - \frac{25}{2} - 6 = -\frac{49}{4}\). Therefore, the vertex is \((\frac{5}{2}, -\frac{49}{4})\).
02
Find the Axis of Symmetry
The axis of symmetry for a parabola described by \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\) is the vertical line \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\). Thus, from Step 1, the axis of symmetry is \(x = \frac{5}{2}\).
03
Calculate the Y-intercept
The y-intercept occurs where \(x = 0\). Substitute \(x = 0\) into the function: \(f(0) = 0^2 - 5 \cdot 0 - 6 = -6\). Therefore, the y-intercept is \((0, -6)\).
04
Determine the X-intercepts
Find the x-intercepts by solving the equation \(x^2 - 5x - 6 = 0\) using the quadratic formula \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\). Here, \(a = 1\), \(b = -5\), and \(c = -6\). Calculate the discriminant: \(b^2 - 4ac = (-5)^2 - 4 \cdot 1 \cdot (-6) = 25 + 24 = 49\). Thus, \(x = \frac{5 \pm \sqrt{49}}{2} = \frac{5 \pm 7}{2}\). This gives us two solutions: \(x = 6\) and \(x = -1\). Therefore, the x-intercepts are \((6, 0)\) and \((-1, 0)\).
05
Sketch the Graph
To sketch the parabola, plot the vertex \((\frac{5}{2}, -\frac{49}{4})\), the y-intercept \((0, -6)\), and the x-intercepts \((6, 0)\) and \((-1, 0)\) on a coordinate plane. Draw a smooth curve passing through these points to form a parabola opening upwards. The axis of symmetry \(x = \frac{5}{2}\) can also be drawn as a dashed vertical line.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertex of a Parabola
The vertex of a quadratic function is a crucial point that identifies the extremity of the curve; either the highest or lowest point depending on its orientation.In the function given by \(f(x) = x^2 - 5x - 6\), we find the vertex using the formula \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\).
Here, \(a = 1\) and \(b = -5\), giving us \(x = \frac{5}{2}\).
Substitute this back into the function to find the \(y\)-coordinate:
Here, \(a = 1\) and \(b = -5\), giving us \(x = \frac{5}{2}\).
Substitute this back into the function to find the \(y\)-coordinate:
- \(f(\frac{5}{2}) = (\frac{5}{2})^2 - 5(\frac{5}{2}) - 6\)
- This simplifies to \(f(\frac{5}{2}) = -\frac{49}{4}\).
Axis of Symmetry
The axis of symmetry is a vertical line that passes through the vertex of the parabola, neatly bisecting it into two mirror-image halves.
For a quadratic function of the form \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\), the axis of symmetry is given by \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\).
From our previous calculation, we get \(x = \frac{5}{2}\).
This means the axis of symmetry for our quadratic function is the line \(x = \frac{5}{2}\).
For a quadratic function of the form \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\), the axis of symmetry is given by \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\).
From our previous calculation, we get \(x = \frac{5}{2}\).
This means the axis of symmetry for our quadratic function is the line \(x = \frac{5}{2}\).
- It helps guide the symmetry in your graphing as all points on the parabola are symmetrical about this vertical line.
- In sketches, it can be handy to represent this line with a dashed line for additional clarity.
Y-intercept
The y-intercept of a parabola is the point where it crosses the y-axis, occurring when \(x = 0\).
To find this for \(f(x) = x^2 - 5x - 6\), simply substitute \(x = 0\):
To find this for \(f(x) = x^2 - 5x - 6\), simply substitute \(x = 0\):
- \(f(0) = 0^2 - 5 \cdot 0 - 6 = -6\)
X-intercepts
X-intercepts are the points where the parabola crosses the x-axis, and they are found by setting the quadratic function \(f(x)\) equal to zero.
For the equation \(x^2 - 5x - 6 = 0\), we use the quadratic formula:
For the equation \(x^2 - 5x - 6 = 0\), we use the quadratic formula:
- \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\)
- The discriminant: \(b^2 - 4ac = 49\)
- Solutions: \(x = \frac{5 \pm 7}{2}\) gives us \(x = 6\) and \(x = -1\)
Graphing Quadratic Functions
Graphing quadratic functions involves plotting key points such as the vertex, axis of symmetry, and intercepts to shape the characteristic "U" shape.
Here's how to do it:
Here's how to do it:
- Plot the vertex \((\frac{5}{2}, -\frac{49}{4})\), a significant point that serves as a reference for the parabola's direction and width.
- Draw the axis of symmetry \(x = \frac{5}{2}\), helping you ensure the parabola is symmetric.
- Mark the y-intercept \((0, -6)\) and x-intercepts \((6, 0)\) and \((-1, 0)\) on the coordinate plane.
- Connect these points with a smooth, curved line opening upwards, flowing through these calculated points.