SOLUTION: Can you help me figure out this problem please? Determine any axis intercepts: y=x^2-2 The problem is asking for the smaller and larger X intercepts and the Y intercepts.

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: Can you help me figure out this problem please? Determine any axis intercepts: y=x^2-2 The problem is asking for the smaller and larger X intercepts and the Y intercepts.      Log On


   

Question 782094: Can you help me figure out this problem please?
Determine any axis intercepts:
y=x^2-2
The problem is asking for the smaller and larger X intercepts and the Y intercepts...? The problem is also asking for axis or origin symmetry.
Thank you for your help.
Answer by fcabanski(1391) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The x intercepts are the x values when y=0. These values are also known as the roots of the equation.


0+=x%5E2+-2


2+=+x%5E2


sqrt%282%29+=+x It is + or - square root of 2, but I don't know how to code the + or - part.


y intercept is the value when x = 0.


y = 0^2 - 2 = -2


ax%5E2+%2B+bx+%2B+c+=+y is the standard form of a parabola equation, where a, b, and c are the coefficients, or numbers in front of, the squared variable (a), variable (b), and for c is the constant. x=-b/2a is the equation for the axis of symmetry. This is the line that runs through the center of the parabola.


For this example a=1, b=0 and c=-2.


-b/2a = -0/2 = 0. x=0 is the equation for the axis of symmetry.


You can easily tell that from the standard equation. If there is no x element, just x squared and a constant, then the axis of symmetry is x=0.