Find the axis of symmetry for the parabola whose equation is given

Find the axis of symmetry for the parabola whose equation is given. Use the axis of symmetry to find a second point on the parabola whose y-coordinate is tho same. as the given point. f(x)=2(x+3)
2
−1:(−2,1) The axis of symmetry is (Type an equation Simply your answer)

The Correct Answer and Explanation is :

To find the axis of symmetry for the parabola given by the equation ( f(x) = 2(x + 3)^2 – 1 ), we can use the general form of a quadratic function, which is ( f(x) = a(x – h)^2 + k ). In this form, ((h, k)) is the vertex of the parabola, and the axis of symmetry can be represented by the vertical line ( x = h ).

Step 1: Identify the Vertex

The equation ( f(x) = 2(x + 3)^2 – 1 ) can be rewritten to identify ( h ) and ( k ):

  • Here, ( a = 2 ), ( h = -3 ), and ( k = -1 ).
  • Thus, the vertex of the parabola is at the point ((-3, -1)).

Step 2: Determine the Axis of Symmetry

The axis of symmetry for this parabola is the vertical line that passes through the vertex, given by the equation:

[
x = -3
]

Step 3: Find a Second Point

To find a second point on the parabola that has the same ( y )-coordinate as the given point ((-2, 1)), we first evaluate ( f(x) ) to find where ( f(x) = 1 ):

[
1 = 2(x + 3)^2 – 1
]

Step 4: Solve for ( x )

Rearranging the equation:

[
2(x + 3)^2 = 2 \implies (x + 3)^2 = 1
]

Taking the square root of both sides gives:

[
x + 3 = \pm 1
]

Step 5: Find the Possible Values for ( x )

  1. For ( x + 3 = 1 ):
    [
    x = 1 – 3 = -2
    ]
  2. For ( x + 3 = -1 ):
    [
    x = -1 – 3 = -4
    ]

Thus, the two ( x )-values where the ( y )-coordinate is the same (1) are ( x = -2 ) and ( x = -4 ).

Conclusion

Therefore, the axis of symmetry is ( x = -3 ), and the second point on the parabola with the same ( y )-coordinate as ((-2, 1)) is ((-4, 1)). This shows the symmetry of the parabola around its axis, as the ( x )-values of the points are equidistant from the axis of symmetry.

Scroll to Top