Scribd
Upload
5 views9 pages

Finding Axis of Symmetry in Parabolas

This document provides steps for graphing quadratic functions: 1) Find the axis of symmetry by using the formula x=-b/2a and find the vertex point by plugging the x-value into the original equation. 2) Draw the coordinate plane, axis of symmetry, and plot the vertex point. 3) Plot the y-intercept and its symmetrical point. 4) Find another point on the parabola and connect the points to draw the curve.

Uploaded by

johanna
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
5 views9 pages

Finding Axis of Symmetry in Parabolas

This document provides steps for graphing quadratic functions: 1) Find the axis of symmetry by using the formula x=-b/2a and find the vertex point by plugging the x-value into the original equation. 2) Draw the coordinate plane, axis of symmetry, and plot the vertex point. 3) Plot the y-intercept and its symmetrical point. 4) Find another point on the parabola and connect the points to draw the curve.

Uploaded by

johanna
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Graphing Quadratic Functions

Step 1: Find the axis of symmetry


Example Equation: y = x2 + 2x -4

Axis of symmetry: x= -b
2a

x =
-2
2(1)

x = -2
2

x = -1
Step 2: Find the vertex

The vertex will be on the axis of symmetry, so plug x = -1


into the equation to find the y-coordinate of the vertex.

vertex: (-1, ? )
2
y = x + 2x - 4
2
y = (-1) + 2(-1) - 4

y = 1-2-4
y = -5

So the vertex is (-1, -5)


Step 3: Draw your coordinate plane and "dash in" the axis of symmetry. Plot the
point for the vertex.

axis of y
tr
symme

ve
rte
x
Step 4: Plot the y-intercept and the point symmetrical to it.
The y-intercept is "c"

et ri cal y-in
t
symm erce
pt
point
Step 5: Find at least on other point on the parabola and draw the curve.

Let's check and see when x = 2, what is y?

(2, ? )

y = x 2 + 2x - 4

y = (2) 2 + 2(2) - 4

y = 4+4-4
y = 4

So another point on the parabola is(2,4)

Plot (2, 4) and the point symmetrical to it.


Try another one. Graph y = 1 x 2 + x + 2.5
2
Step 1: Find the axis of symmetry.
Step 2: Find the vertex.
Try another one. Graph y = 1 x 2 + x + 2.5
2
Step 1: Find the axis of symmetry.
Step 4: Plot the y-intercept and the point symmetrical to it.

Step 5: Find at least one other point on the parabola.

You might also like