SOLUTION: I don't understand what each number in a quadratic equation represents. For instance, in the equation {{{y=x^2-2x-8}}} , I can't figure out what the 2 will show up as on a graph,

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: I don't understand what each number in a quadratic equation represents. For instance, in the equation {{{y=x^2-2x-8}}} , I can't figure out what the 2 will show up as on a graph,      Log On


   

Question 324192: I don't understand what each number in a quadratic equation represents. For instance, in the equation y=x%5E2-2x-8 , I can't figure out what the 2 will show up as on a graph, or the 8. Can you please give me a breakdown of a quadratic equation?
Thank you
-Meli
Answer by checkley77(12844) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
y=x^2-2x-8
y=(x-4)(x+2)
x-4=0
x=4
x+2=0
x=-2
y=(0,8)
+graph%28+300%2C+200%2C+-6%2C+5%2C+-10%2C+10%2C+x%5E2+-2x+-8%29+ (graph 300x200 pixels, x from -6 to 5, y from -10 to 10, x^2 -2x -8).