Pearson Algebra 1 Common Core, 2011
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Exercise 4 Page 607

Start by identifying the values of a, b, and c.

Graph:

Practice makes perfect

To draw the graph of the given quadratic function written in standard form, we must start by identifying the values of a, b, and c. y=x^2-3x+2 ⇔ y=1x^2+(- 3)x+2 We can see that a=1, b=- 3, and c=2. Now, we will follow four steps to graph the function.

  1. Find the axis of symmetry.
  2. Calculate the vertex.
  3. Identify the y-intercept and its reflection across the axis of symmetry.
  4. Connect the points with a parabola.

    Finding the Axis of Symmetry

    The axis of symmetry is a vertical line with equation x=- b2a. Since we already know the values of a and b, we can substitute them into the formula.

    x=- b/2a
    x=- - 3/2(1)
    â–¼
    Simplify right-hand side
    x=- - 3/2
    x=3/2
    x=1.5

    The axis of symmetry of the parabola is the vertical line with equation x=1.5.

    Calculating the Vertex

    To calculate the vertex, we need to think of y as a function of x, y=f(x). We can write the expression for the vertex by stating the x- and y-coordinates in terms of a and b. Vertex: ( - b/2a, f( - b/2a ) ) Note that the formula for the x-coordinate is the same as the formula for the axis of symmetry, which is x=1.5. Thus, the x-coordinate of the vertex is also 1.5. To find the y-coordinate, we need to substitute 1.5 for x in the given equation.

    y= x^2-3x+2
    y= 1.5^2-3( 1.5)+2
    â–¼
    Simplify right-hand side
    y=2.25-3(1.5)+2
    y=2.25-4.5+2
    y=- 0.25

    We found the y-coordinate, and now we know that the vertex is (1.5,- 0.25).

    Identifying the y-intercept and its Reflection

    The y-intercept of the graph of a quadratic function written in standard form is given by the value of c. Thus, the point where our graph intercepts the y-axis is (0,2). Let's plot this point and its reflection across the axis of symmetry.

    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.