We need at least three points to draw the graph of the related quadratic function. To do this, we will first find the , (- b2a,f(- b2a)). Then, we will find a point on the curve and reflect it across the axis of symmetry. Let's start by calculating the x-coordinate of the vertex. To do so, we will substitute a= 4 and b= 12 into - b2a.
- b/2a
- 12/2( 4)
- 12/8
- 1.5
To find the y-coordinate of the vertex, we will substitute - 1.5 for x in the related function y=4x^2+12x+10.
y=4x^2+12x+10
y=4(- 1.5)^2+12(-1.5)+10
y=4(2.25)+12(- 1.5)+10
y=9-18+10
y=1
The vertex is (- 1.5,1). Note that the formula for the x-coordinate of the vertex is the same as the formula for the axis of symmetry, which is x=- 1.5. Now, we will choose an x-value and substitute it for x in the function. Let's try x=- 2.5.
y=4x^2+12x+10
y=4( - 2.5)^2+12( - 2.5)+10
y=4(6.25)+12(- 2.5)+10
y=25-30+10
y=5
The point (- 2.5,5) lies on the curve. Since the divides the graph into two mirror images, there exists another point on the opposite side of the axis of symmetry with the same y-value.
| Point
|
Reflection Across x=- 1.5
|
| (- 2.5, 5)
|
(- 0.5, 5)
|
The vertex, along with the points, is helpful to graph a parabola.