Question 331593: Please graph the parabola and the axis of symmetry for the provided quadratic function. make certain to show all phases of the construction of your final graph. also, make certain to label the coordinates of the vertex and write the equation of the axis of symmetry.
Answer by texttutoring(324)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! You should compare it to the equation for a parabola:
y = a(x-p)^2 + q.
You know that (p,q) is the vertex, and a determines the 'steepness' and direction of the parabola.
For your equation, a=-1/3, which means it opens down, and it is wider, and less steep, than the normal y=x^2 graph. It's a negative number, so it means that the parabola opens down.
Your vertex will be found at (2,1). This means that the axis of symmetry is x=2.
The easiest way to construct the graph (if you don't have a graphing calculator) is to make a table of values.
Try this site to get an image of what it should look like, and try to make your graph look like it.
http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=y+%3D+-1/3(x-2)^2+%2B+1
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