Big Ideas Math Algebra 2, 2014
BI
Big Ideas Math Algebra 2, 2014 View details
2. Characteristics of Quadratic Functions
Continue to next subchapter

Exercise 53 Page 63

Identify the x -intercepts first. Then use it to find the axis of symmetry.

x-intercepts: x=- 3 and x=3
Axis of Symmetry: x=0
Vertex: (0,- 9)
Graph:

Practice makes perfect

To graph the quadratic function given in intercept form f(x)=a(x-p)(x-q), we must start by identifying the values of a, p, and q. y=(x+3)(x-3) ⇕ y=1(x-(- 3))(x-3) We can see that a=1, p=- 3, and q=3. Now, we will follow four steps to graph the function.

  1. Identify the x -intercepts.
  2. Plot the x -intercepts and find the axis of symmetry.
  3. Calculate the vertex and plot it.
  4. Connect the points with a parabola.

    Identifying the x -intercepts

    Recall that the x-intercepts of a function written in intercept form are the values of p and q. Thus, the points where our function intercepts the x -axis are (- 3,0) and (3,0).

    Finding the Axis of Symmetry

    The axis of symmetry is halfway between the x -intercepts, (p,0) and (q,0). Therefore, it has the following equation. x= p+q2 Since we already know the values of p and q, we can substitute them into the formula.
    x=p+q/2
    x=- 3+3/2
    â–Ľ
    Simplify right-hand side
    x=0/2
    x=0
    The axis of symmetry of the parabola is the vertical line with equation x=0. Let's plot the x -intercepts and the axis of symmetry on a coordinate plane.

    Calculating the Vertex

    The x -coordinate of the vertex is the same as the formula for the axis of symmetry, x= 0. To find the y -coordinate, we need to substitute 0 for x in the given equation.
    y=(x+3)(x-3)
    y=( 0+3)( 0-3)
    â–Ľ
    Simplify right-hand side
    y=3(- 3)
    y= - 9
    We found the y -coordinate, and now we know that the vertex is (0,- 9). Let's plot it on our coordinate plane.

    Connecting the Points

    We can now draw the graph of the function. Since a=1, which is positive, the parabola will open upwards. Let's connect the three points with a smooth curve.