Choosing the Correct Answer

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 58 views

Introduction

In mathematics, a quadratic function is a polynomial function of degree two, which means the highest power of the variable is two. The general form of a quadratic function is f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants. In this article, we will focus on the function f(x) = -2x^2 + 4x - 6 and explore its axis of symmetry and vertex.

Axis of Symmetry

The axis of symmetry of a quadratic function is a vertical line that passes through the vertex of the parabola. It is a line of symmetry, meaning that if we were to fold the graph along this line, the two halves would match perfectly. The axis of symmetry can be found using the formula x = -b / 2a.

Step 1: Identify the values of a and b

In the given function f(x) = -2x^2 + 4x - 6, we can see that a = -2 and b = 4.

Step 2: Plug in the values of a and b into the formula

Now that we have the values of a and b, we can plug them into the formula x = -b / 2a.

x = -4 / (2 * -2) x = -4 / -4 x = 1

Conclusion

Therefore, the axis of symmetry of the function f(x) = -2x^2 + 4x - 6 is x = 1.

Vertex of the Graph

The vertex of a quadratic function is the maximum or minimum point of the parabola. It is the point where the axis of symmetry intersects the graph. The vertex can be found using the formula (h, k), where h is the x-coordinate of the vertex and k is the y-coordinate.

Step 1: Find the x-coordinate of the vertex

We already found the x-coordinate of the vertex in the previous section, which is x = 1.

Step 2: Find the y-coordinate of the vertex

To find the y-coordinate of the vertex, we need to plug the x-coordinate into the function and evaluate it.

f(1) = -2(1)^2 + 4(1) - 6 f(1) = -2 + 4 - 6 f(1) = -4

Conclusion

Therefore, the vertex of the graph of the function f(x) = -2x^2 + 4x - 6 is (1, -4).

Graph of the Function

The graph of the function f(x) = -2x^2 + 4x - 6 is a downward-facing parabola with its vertex at (1, -4) and axis of symmetry x = 1.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the axis of symmetry of the function f(x) = -2x^2 + 4x - 6 is x = 1, and the vertex of the graph is (1, -4). Understanding the axis of symmetry and vertex of a quadratic function is crucial in mathematics, as it helps us analyze and graph the function.

Choosing the Correct Answer

Based on the calculations above, we can conclude that:

The axis of symmetry is x = 1.
The vertex of the graph is (1, -4).
The graph has a downward-facing parabola.

Therefore, the correct answers are:

x = 1
(1, -4)
downward-facing parabola
Quadratic Function Q&A ==========================

Frequently Asked Questions

In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about quadratic functions.

Q: What is a quadratic function?

A: A quadratic function is a polynomial function of degree two, which means the highest power of the variable is two. The general form of a quadratic function is f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Q: What is the axis of symmetry of a quadratic function?

A: The axis of symmetry of a quadratic function is a vertical line that passes through the vertex of the parabola. It is a line of symmetry, meaning that if we were to fold the graph along this line, the two halves would match perfectly.

Q: How do I find the axis of symmetry of a quadratic function?

A: To find the axis of symmetry of a quadratic function, you can use the formula x = -b / 2a, where a and b are the coefficients of the quadratic function.

Q: What is the vertex of a quadratic function?

A: The vertex of a quadratic function is the maximum or minimum point of the parabola. It is the point where the axis of symmetry intersects the graph.

Q: How do I find the vertex of a quadratic function?

A: To find the vertex of a quadratic function, you can use the formula (h, k), where h is the x-coordinate of the vertex and k is the y-coordinate. You can find the x-coordinate of the vertex by using the formula x = -b / 2a, and then plug the x-coordinate into the function to find the y-coordinate.

Q: What is the difference between a quadratic function and a linear function?

A: A quadratic function is a polynomial function of degree two, while a linear function is a polynomial function of degree one. The general form of a linear function is f(x) = mx + b, where m and b are constants.

Q: Can a quadratic function have a maximum or minimum value?

A: Yes, a quadratic function can have a maximum or minimum value. If the coefficient of the x^2 term is positive, the function will have a minimum value. If the coefficient of the x^2 term is negative, the function will have a maximum value.

Q: How do I graph a quadratic function?

A: To graph a quadratic function, you can use the following steps:

Find the axis of symmetry of the function.
Find the vertex of the function.
Plot the vertex on the graph.
Plot two points on either side of the vertex, one on the axis of symmetry and one on the opposite side.
Draw a smooth curve through the points to form the graph of the function.

Q: What are some real-world applications of quadratic functions?

A: Quadratic functions have many real-world applications, including:

Projectile motion: The trajectory of a projectile, such as a thrown ball or a rocket, can be modeled using a quadratic function.
Optimization problems: Quadratic functions can be used to model optimization problems, such as finding the maximum or minimum value of a function.
Electrical circuits: Quadratic functions can be used to model the behavior of electrical circuits, such as the voltage and current in a circuit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, quadratic functions are an important concept in mathematics, with many real-world applications. Understanding the axis of symmetry and vertex of a quadratic function is crucial in analyzing and graphing the function. We hope this article has helped to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about quadratic functions.