Additional Examples

1
EXAMPLE

Lesson 5-3

Graph y 2 (x 1)2 2.
3 3

The graph of y 2 (x 1)2 2 is a translation of the graph of the parent function y 2 x2. You can graph it by
3

translating the parent function or by nding the vertex and the axis of symmetry. Step 1: Graph the vertex (1, 2). Draw the axis of symmetry x 1.
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(4, 4)

y 2

(2, 4)

Step 2: Find another point. When x 2, y 2 (2 1)2 2 4. Graph (2, 4).

3

x 4 2
(1, 2)

O 2
x 1

Step 3: Graph the point corresponding to (2, 4). It is three units to the left of the axis of symmetry at (4, 4). Step 4: Sketch the curve.
2
EXAMPLE

Write the equation of the parabola shown below.

2 2 O

y x 2 4

(0, 3) 4 (2, 5)

y a(x h)2 k y a(x 2)2 5 2 4a

1 a 2

Use the vertex form. Substitute h 2 and k 5. Simplify. Solve for a.

3 a(0 2)2 5 Substitute (0, 3).

The equation of the parabola is y 1 (x 2)2 5. 2

Algebra 2, Chapter 5

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Additional Examples
3
EXAMPLE

Lesson 5-3

A long strip of colored paper is attached as a party decoration at exactly opposite corners of the back wall of a rectangular party room. The strip approximates a parabola with equation y 0.008(x 25)2 10. The bottom left corner of the wall is the origin and x and y are measured in feet. How far apart are the corners? How high are they?
y

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Start by drawing a diagram. The function is in vertex form. Since h 25 and k 10, the vertex is at (25, 10). The vertex is halfway between the two corners of the wall, so the width of the wall is 2(25 ft) 50 ft. To nd the walls height, nd y for x 0. y 0.008 (0 25)2 10 y 0.008 (25)2 10 15 The wall is 50 ft long and 15 ft high.
4
EXAMPLE

(25, 10)

Write y 7x2 70x 169 in vertex form. Find the x-coordinate of the vertex. Substitute for a and b.

b x 2 a (270) 2(27) 5 6 The vertex is at (5, 6). y a(x h)2 k 7(x (5))2 6 7(x 5)2 6

y 7(5)2 70(5) 169 Find the y-coordinate of the vertex.

Write in vertex form. Substitute for a, h and k.

The vertex form of the function is y 7(x 5)2 6.

Algebra 2, Chapter 5

94