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 56 Page 63

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

x-intercepts: x=5 and x=1
Axis of Symmetry: x=3
Vertex: (3,- 8)
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. f(x)=2(x-5)(x-1) ⇕ f(x)=2(x-5)(x-1) We can see that a=2, p=5, and q=1. 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 (5,0) and (1,0).

    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=5+1/2
    â–Ľ
    Simplify right-hand side
    x=6/2
    x=3
    The axis of symmetry of the parabola is the vertical line with equation x=3. 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= 3. To find the y-coordinate, we need to substitute 3 for x in the given equation.
    f(x)=2(x-5)(x-1)
    f( 3)=2( 3-5)( 3-1)
    â–Ľ
    Simplify right-hand side
    f(3)=2(- 2)(2)
    f(3)= - 8
    We found the y -coordinate, and now we know that the vertex is (3,- 8). Let's plot it on our coordinate plane.

    Connecting the Points

    We can now draw the graph of the function. Since a=2, which is positive, the parabola will open upwards. Let's connect the three points with a smooth curve.