How do you graph the function, label the vertex, axis of symmetry, and x-intercepts. #y=x^2-16x + 63#?

1 Answer
May 7, 2015

#y=x^2-16x+63#

  1. Has a y-intercept at #y=63# as determined by setting #x=0# (and, yes; I know this wasn't asked for but it might help in graphing)

  2. Since #(x^2-16x+63)# can be factored as
    #(x-7)(x-9)#, the x-intercepts are at #7# and #9#

  3. The vertex occurs at the point where #y'=0#
    #y'=2x-16= 0 rarr x=8# (This could also be determined as the mid x coordinate between the two x-intercepts).
    At #x=8#
    #y=8^2-16(8)+63 = 0#
    So the vertex is at #(8,0)#

  4. This equation is that of a standard parabola so the axis of symmetry is the vertical line through the vertex:
    #x=8#
    graph{x^2-16x+63 [-5.47, 22.99, -2, 12.25]}

I'm not very good at drawing smooth curves so I've used an external tool; the labeling is up to you)