Determine the Axis of Symmetry

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 122 views

**Which is the graph of the function $f(x)=\frac{1}{2} x^2+2 x-6$?**

Understanding the Function

The given function is a quadratic function in the form of $f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c$ , where $a = \frac{1}{2}$ , $b = 2$ , and $c = -6$ . To determine the graph of this function, we need to analyze its properties and behavior.

Properties of the Function

Coefficient of $x^2$ : The coefficient of $x^2$ is $\frac{1}{2}$ . Since it is positive, the parabola will open upwards.
Coefficient of $x$ : The coefficient of $x$ is $2$ . This will shift the parabola to the left or right.
Constant Term: The constant term is $-6$ . This will shift the parabola up or down.

Graph of the Function

To graph the function, we can use the following steps:

Find the Vertex: The vertex of the parabola is given by the formula $x = -\frac{b}{2a}$ . In this case, $x = -\frac{2}{2(\frac{1}{2})} = -1$ .
Find the y-Coordinate of the Vertex: Substitute $x = -1$ into the function to find the y-coordinate of the vertex: $f(-1) = \frac{1}{2}(-1)^2 + 2(-1) - 6 = -\frac{11}{2}$ .
Determine the Axis of Symmetry: The axis of symmetry is the vertical line that passes through the vertex. In this case, the axis of symmetry is $x = -1$ .
Plot Points: Choose several values of $x$ and substitute them into the function to find the corresponding values of $y$ . Plot these points on a coordinate plane.
Draw the Graph: Use the points plotted in step 4 to draw the graph of the function.

Example Points

$x$	$f(x)$
$-3$	$\frac{1}{2}(-3)^2 + 2(-3) - 6 = -\frac{23}{2}$
$-2$	$\frac{1}{2}(-2)^2 + 2(-2) - 6 = -\frac{15}{2}$
$-1$	$\frac{1}{2}(-1)^2 + 2(-1) - 6 = -\frac{11}{2}$
$0$	$\frac{1}{2}(0)^2 + 2(0) - 6 = -6$
$1$	$\frac{1}{2}(1)^2 + 2(1) - 6 = -\frac{9}{2}$
$2$	$\frac{1}{2}(2)^2 + 2(2) - 6 = -\frac{1}{2}$

Q&A

Q: What is the vertex of the parabola? A: The vertex of the parabola is $(-1, -\frac{11}{2})$ .

Q: What is the axis of symmetry of the parabola? A: The axis of symmetry of the parabola is $x = -1$ .

Q: How do I determine the graph of the function? A: To determine the graph of the function, find the vertex, determine the axis of symmetry, plot points, and draw the graph.

Q: What are some key points to plot on the graph? A: Some key points to plot on the graph are $(-3, -\frac{23}{2})$ , $(-2, -\frac{15}{2})$ , $(-1, -\frac{11}{2})$ , $(0, -6)$ , $(1, -\frac{9}{2})$ , and $(2, -\frac{1}{2})$ .

Q: How do I draw the graph of the function? A: To draw the graph of the function, use the points plotted in step 4 to draw the graph.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the graph of the function $f(x)=\frac{1}{2} x^2+2 x-6$ is a parabola that opens upwards, with a vertex at $(-1, -\frac{11}{2})$ and an axis of symmetry at $x = -1$ . By following the steps outlined in this article, you can determine the graph of the function and plot key points to draw the graph.