Question

How do you solve `m^2 - 2m - 3 = 0` graphically?

Answer 1

Either create a table of values and plot them or see below

Explanation:

The y intercept is (0,3)

`(-b)/(2a)=2/2=1` this is the x coordinate of the vertex. When x=1, y=-4
(1,-4) is the vertex

`m^2-2m-3=0 => (m-3)(m+1)=0`

m=3 or m=-1 these are the x intercepts

The graph is a `uu` shaped parabola, with a line of symmetry at x=1, a minimum at (1,-4), y intercept at -3 and x intercepts at -1 & 3