SOLUTION: When looking at a graph of a quadratic function, f(x) = ax2 + bx + c 1) How can one tell if the graph is symmetric?

Algebra ->  Graphs -> SOLUTION: When looking at a graph of a quadratic function, f(x) = ax2 + bx + c 1) How can one tell if the graph is symmetric?       Log On


   

Question 463577: When looking at a graph of a quadratic function, f(x) = ax2 + bx + c

1) How can one tell if the graph is symmetric?

Answer by MathLover1(20849) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The general form of a quadratic is "y+=+ax%5E2+%2B+bx+%2B+c". It is a parabola. For graphing, the leading coefficient "a" indicates how "fat" or how "skinny" the parabola will be.
Parabolas always have a lowest point (or a highest point, if the parabola is upside-down). This point, where the parabola changes direction, is called the "vertex".
The only other consideration regarding the vertex is the "axis+of symmetry". If you look at a parabola, you'll notice that you could draw+a vertical line (or horizontal+line%29+right+up+through+the+middle+which+would+%7B%7B%7Bsplit the parabola into two+mirrored halves.