Chapter 11: Problem 8
Sketch the graph of the given equation. Find the intercepts; approximate to the nearest tenth where necessary. $$y=-x^{2}-3$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The y-intercept is (0, -3), there are no real x-intercepts, and the vertex is (0, -3). The graph is a downward-opening parabola.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Equation Type
The given equation is a quadratic equation in the form of $$ y = -x^2 - 3 $$This signifies a parabola that opens downward because the coefficient of $$ x^2 $$is negative.
02
Find the Y-Intercept
The y-intercept is found by setting$$ x = 0 $$in the equation. $$ y = -0^2 - 3 $$$$ y = -3 $$So, the y-intercept is $$ (0, -3) $$.
03
Find the X-Intercepts
To find the x-intercepts, set$$ y = 0 $$and solve for$$ x $$.$$ 0 = -x^2 - 3 $$$$ x^2 = -3 $$Since we cannot take the square root of a negative number in the real number system, there are no real x-intercepts.
04
Determine the Vertex
The vertex of a parabola given by$$ y = ax^2 + bx + c $$can be found using the formula$$ x = -\frac{b}{2a} $$. Here,$$ a = -1 $$and$$ b = 0 $$,so$$ x = -\frac{0}{2(-1)} = 0 $$.Plug $$ x = 0 $$into the equation to find$$ y $$.$$ y = -(0)^2 - 3 = -3 $$.Thus, the vertex is$$ (0, -3) $$.
05
Sketch the Graph
Plot the vertex $$ (0, -3) $$and the parabola opening downward. Since there are no x-intercepts, the graph only touches the y-axis at the point$$ (0, -3) $$and extends downward.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
quadratic equations
A quadratic equation is a type of polynomial equation of the form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \). In such an equation, \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants, and \( x \) is the variable. The quadratic equation forms a parabola when graphed.
Here’s a breakdown of the elements:
Here’s a breakdown of the elements:
- \( a \): The coefficient of \( x^2 \), which determines the direction of the parabola's opening.
- \( b \): The coefficient of \( x \), which affects the parabola's symmetry.
- \( c \): The constant term, representing the y-intercept.
parabola
A parabola is the graph of a quadratic equation. It has a symmetrical curve and can open either upwards or downwards. The direction of the parabola depends on the coefficient of the \( x^2 \) term:
A parabola has several important points:
- Upward: If \( a > 0 \), the parabola opens upwards.
- Downward: If \( a < 0 \), the parabola opens downwards.
A parabola has several important points:
- Vertex: The highest or lowest point.
- Axis of Symmetry: A vertical line that passes through the vertex, dividing the parabola into two symmetrical halves.
y-intercept
The y-intercept is the point where the graph crosses the y-axis. To find it, set \( x = 0 \) in the equation and solve for \( y \). For the equation \( y = -x^2 - 3 \):
- When \( x = 0 \), \( y = -0^2 - 3 \)
- Therefore, \( y = -3 \)
- So, the y-intercept is \( (0, -3) \).
x-intercept
An x-intercept is where the graph crosses the x-axis. To find x-intercepts, set \( y = 0 \) and solve for \( x \). For our equation \( y = -x^2 - 3 \):
- Setting \( y = 0 \) gives \( 0 = -x^2 - 3 \).
- Solving for \( x \): \( x^2 = -3 \).
- Since there is no real number whose square is negative, there are no real x-intercepts.
vertex for parabolas
The vertex is an essential feature of a parabola. It represents the maximum or minimum point, depending on whether the parabola opens downward or upward. For the standard equation \( y = ax^2 + bx + c \), the vertex can be found using:
- \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \)
- So, \( x = -\frac{0}{2(-1)} = 0 \)
- Plugging \( x = 0 \) back into the equation: \( y = -(0)^2 - 3 \)
- This results in \( y = -3 \). So the vertex is at \( (0, -3) \)
graphing
Graphing quadratic equations helps visualize their behavior. To graph the equation \( y = -x^2 - 3 \):
- Start by plotting key points like the y-intercept \( (0, -3) \) and the vertex \( (0, -3) \).
- Next, because \( a = -1 \), the parabola opens downward.
- There are no x-intercepts, so the graph won't cross the x-axis.