How do you graph the quadratic function and identify the vertex and axis of symmetry for #y=-(x-2)^2-1#?

1 Answer
Jan 24, 2017

#(2,-1),x=2#

Explanation:

The equation of a parabola in #color(blue)"vertex form"# is.

#color(red)(bar(ul(|color(white)(2/2)color(black)(y=a(x-h)^2+k)color(white)(2/2)|)))#
where (h ,k) are the coordinates of the vertex and a is a constant.

#y=-(x-2)^2-1" is in this form"#

and by comparison #h=2" and " k=-1#

#rArr"vertex "=(2,-1)#

Since the #color(blue)"value of a is negative"#

#"That is " color(red)(-)(x-2)^2#

Then the parabola opens down vertically #color(red)(nnn#

The axis of symmetry goes through the vertex and therefore has equation #color(magenta)"x=2"#

#color(blue)"Intercepts"#

#x=0toy=-(0-2)^2-1=-4-1=-5#

#rArry=-5larrcolor(red)"y-intercept"#

#y=0to-(x-2)^2-1=0to(x-2)^2=-1#

This has no real solutions hence there are no x-intercepts.

Knowing the ' shape' of the parabola, the vertex and the y-intercept enables the graph to be sketched.
graph{-(x-2)^2-1 [-10, 10, -5, 5]}