Chapter 2: Problem 32
Using Standard Form to Graph a Parabola In Exercises \(17-34\) , write the quadratic function in standard form and sketch its graph. Identify the vertex, axis of symmetry, and \(x\) -intercept(s). $$ f(x)=2 x^{2}-x+1 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The quadratic function in standard form is \(f(x)=(x-\frac{1}{4})^{2}+\frac{7}{16}\). The vertex is \(\left(\frac{1}{4}, \frac{7}{16}\right)\), the axis of symmetry is \(x=\frac{1}{4}\), and there are no x-intercepts.
Step by step solution
01
Write the Equation in Standard Form (Complete the Square)
The standard form of a quadratic equation is given by \( f(x) = a(x - h)^2 + k \) where (h, k) is the vertex of the parabola. Let's write the given function in the standard form. Starting with \( f(x)=2x^{2}-x+1 \), the standard form can be obtained by completing the square. Divide every term of f(x) by 2: \( f(x)=x^{2}-\frac{1}{2}x+\frac{1}{2} \). Now complete the square by adding and subtracting \(\left(\frac{1}{2} * \frac{1}{2}\right)^{2}\) inside the parenthesis: \( f(x)=\left(x^{2}-\frac{1}{2}x+ \left(\frac{1}{2} * \frac{1}{2}\right)^{2} \right) - \left(\frac{1}{2} * \frac{1}{2}\right)^{2} + \frac{1}{2} \). Simplifying gives \( f(x)=\left(x-\frac{1}{4}\right)^{2}+\frac{7}{16} \)
02
Determine the Vertex, Axis of Symmetry, and X-Intercepts
The vertex of the parabola is given by the (h, k) in the standard form of the function. Thus, the vertex is \(\left(\frac{1}{4}, \frac{7}{16}\right)\). The axis of symmetry is a vertical line through the vertex, so it has the equation \(x=h\), which means the axis of symmetry is \(x=\frac{1}{4}\). To find the x-intercepts, set \(f(x) = 0\) and solve for x. However, since our f(x) is always positive (due to the squared term), there are no x-intercepts.
03
Plot the Graph
Using the information from Step 2, start by plotting the vertex and the axis of symmetry. Then since this is a standard upward-opening parabola (coefficient of x^2 is positive), plot two symmetrical points on either side of the vertex to get the general shape. With vertex at \(\left(\frac{1}{4}, \frac{7}{16}\right)\) and no x-intercepts, the graph would be a U-shaped curve opening upward with vertex slightly to the right from y-axis, just above the x-axis. And, it would not cross the x-axis due to no x-intercepts.
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.
Standard Form of a Quadratic Equation
Understanding the standard form of a quadratic equation is a foundational skill in algebra. A quadratic equation is typically represented by the equation \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \), where \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants, and \( a \) is not zero. This form allows us to quickly identify the coefficients that influence the shape and position of a parabola on a graph.
- The coefficient \( a \) determines the opening direction and the width of the parabola; if \( a \) is positive, the parabola opens upwards, and if negative, it opens downwards.
- The coefficients \( b \) and \( c \) affect the location of the parabola along the x-axis and y-axis, respectively.
Completing the Square
Completing the square is a powerful technique used to rewrite a quadratic equation in a form that makes it easier to identify the vertex.
To complete the square for an equation in the form \( ax^2 + bx + c \), one would:
To complete the square for an equation in the form \( ax^2 + bx + c \), one would:
- Ensure the coefficient of \( x^2 \) is 1. If not, divide the entire equation by \( a \).
- Rearrange the equation to isolate the \( x \) terms: \( x^2 + (b/a)x = -c/a \).
- Add and subtract \( (b/2a)^2 \) on the left-hand side to complete the square.
- Rewrite the equation as \( (x + b/2a)^2 = (b/2a)^2 - c/a \).
- Finally, express the equation in the vertex form: \( f(x) = a(x - h)^2 + k \), where \( h = -b/2a \) and \( k \) is the value on the right-hand side.
Vertex of a Parabola
The vertex of a parabola is a crucial point where the curve changes direction. In the context of the standard quadratic equation \( f(x) = a(x - h)^2 + k \), after completing the square, the vertex \( (h, k) \) becomes easily identifiable.
- The \( h \) value indicates where the parabola crosses the axis of symmetry on the x-axis.
- The \( k \) value represents the minimum or maximum point of the parabola on the y-axis, depending on whether it opens upwards or downwards.
Axis of Symmetry
The axis of symmetry in a parabola is a vertical line that divides the curve into two mirror-image halves. For the quadratic function \( f(x) = a(x - h)^2 + k \), the axis of symmetry is the line \( x = h \).
- For every point on the parabola, there is another point reflected across the axis of symmetry that has the same y-value.
- Knowing the axis of symmetry is particularly useful because it helps in graphing the parabola accurately.
- It also serves as a guide for determining the x-coordinates of additional points on the parabola when plotting the graph.
X-Intercepts
X-intercepts are the points where the parabola crosses the x-axis. They are also known as 'roots' or 'zeroes' of the quadratic function. To find the x-intercepts algebraically, one must set the function equal to zero, \( f(x) = 0 \), and solve for x.
- If the quadratic equation can be factored, the intercepts can be found by setting each factor equal to zero.
- If factoring is not possible, one can use the quadratic formula, \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \), to find the intercepts.
- In some cases, the parabola does not cross the x-axis and therefore has no real x-intercepts, which indicates that the function has no real roots.