What is the axis of symmetry and vertex for the graph #y = x^2 − 4#?

1 Answer
Sep 5, 2017

Axis of symmetry is #0#
Vertex is #-4#

Explanation:

#y = x^2 - 4 # is just # y = x^2# translated 4 units in the -y direction.

The axis of symmetry of #y = x^2# is 0 so there will be no change in the axis of symmetry when this is translated in the y direction.

When a quadratic equation is arranged in the form #a( x - h )^2 + k#

#a# is the coefficient of #x^2# , #h# is the axis of symmetry and #k# is the maximum or minimum value of the function( this is also the y coordinate of the vertex).

From example;

#y = x^2 -4# would be #( x - 0 )^2 - 4 #

See graph for translation:
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