Identify the vertex, axis of symmetry, \( y \)-intercept, \( x \)-intercepts, and opening of the parabola, then sketch the graph. \( y=x^{2}-x \)
Solución de inteligencia artificial de Upstudy
Responder
Solución
Respondido por UpStudy AI y revisado por un tutor profesional


Beyond the Answer
To find the vertex of the parabola given by the equation \( y = x^2 - x \), we can complete the square or use the vertex formula. The formula \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \) gives us the x-coordinate of the vertex, where \( a = 1 \) and \( b = -1 \). So, \( x = -\frac{-1}{2 \cdot 1} = \frac{1}{2} \). Substituting \( x = \frac{1}{2} \) back into the equation, \( y = \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 - \frac{1}{2} = -\frac{1}{4} \). Thus, the vertex is \( \left(\frac{1}{2}, -\frac{1}{4}\right) \). The axis of symmetry is the vertical line that passes through the vertex, which is given by \( x = \frac{1}{2} \). To find the \( y \)-intercept, set \( x = 0 \): \( y = 0^2 - 0 = 0\), giving us the \( y \)-intercept at \( (0, 0) \). For the \( x \)-intercepts, set \( y = 0 \): \( 0 = x^2 - x \), which factors to \( x(x - 1) = 0 \). Thus, the \( x \)-intercepts are \( (0, 0) \) and \( (1, 0) \). The parabola opens upwards because the leading coefficient \( a = 1 \) is positive. Now, for a sketch: plot the vertex at \( \left(\frac{1}{2}, -\frac{1}{4}\right) \), draw the axis of symmetry as a dashed line through \( x = \frac{1}{2} \), mark the \( y \)-intercept at \( (0, 0) \) and the two \( x \)-intercepts at \( (0, 0) \) and \( (1, 0) \). The graph will be symmetric across the line \( x = \frac{1}{2} \), forming a classic upward-opening parabola. As a fun fact, parabolas have appeared in art and architecture for centuries! The ancient Greeks studied the properties of conic sections, and this shape can be seen in the design of certain amphitheaters and bridges, where the arch shape optimally distributes weight. For anyone diving deeper into quadratic functions, exploring the discriminant can be quite enlightening! The discriminant \( b^2 - 4ac \) helps you determine the number of real roots (intercepts) the quadratic has. If it’s positive, you get two real roots; if zero, one real root; and if negative, no real roots. It's like a mathematical crystal ball!
