Chapter 1: Problem 16
In Exercises \(5-30,\) find an appropriate graphing software viewing window for the given function and use it to display its graph. The window should give a picture of the overall behavior of the function. There is more than one choice, but incorrect choices can miss important aspects of the function. $$ y=\left|x^{2}-x\right| $$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Function
Analyze the Exponents and Coefficients
Determine x-intercepts of the Quadratic
Consider Important Points for Plotting
Decide on a Graphing Window
Plot the Graph and Adjust as Needed
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Absolute Value Function
- For values of \( x \) between the roots of \( x^2 - x \) (i.e., between \( x = 0 \) and \( x = 1 \)), the quadratic expression itself may attempt to dip below the x-axis. The absolute value will reflect this portion of the graph upwards, keeping it all above the x-axis.
- The graph, thus, retains only non-negative y-values for all x, giving it an appearance similar to a parabola, but with a V-like structure wherever the original expression was negative.
Quadratic Functions
- The standard form of a quadratic function is \( ax^2 + bx + c \).
- In our function, \( a = 1 \) (from \( x^2 \)), \( b = -1 \), and \( c = 0 \).
- This hints at a parabola that naturally opens upwards with its vertex offering the lowest point on the curve in its unaltered state.
X-Intercepts
- Factor the quadratic equation: \( x(x-1) = 0 \).
- Solve for \( x \) to get the intercepts: \( x = 0 \) and \( x = 1 \).
Graphing Software
- Select an appropriate window that captures important features of the function. For our function, the suggested x-range is [-2, 3], which covers a bit beyond the x-intercepts for a complete picture.
- Since the output is always non-negative, start with a y-range from [0,5] to ensure peaks and valleys are visible.
- Adjust the scale to maintain balance between clarity and comprehensiveness. It's crucial that the symmetry, peaks, and reflective behavior of the graph are clearly outlined.