Find the vertex, \( x \)-intercepts and \( y \)-intercepts of the parabola \( f(x)=x^{2}-6 x+8 \) Solution:
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Beyond the Answer
To find the vertex of the parabola given by the equation \( f(x) = x^2 - 6x + 8 \), we can use the vertex formula \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). Here, \( a = 1 \) and \( b = -6 \). Plugging in the values gives us \( x = -\frac{-6}{2 \cdot 1} = 3 \). To find the \( y \)-coordinate of the vertex, substitute \( x = 3 \) back into \( f(x) \): \[ f(3) = 3^2 - 6(3) + 8 = 9 - 18 + 8 = -1. \] So, the vertex is at \( (3, -1) \). To find the \( x \)-intercepts, set \( f(x) = 0 \): \[ x^2 - 6x + 8 = 0. \] Factoring gives: \[ (x - 2)(x - 4) = 0, \] which means \( x = 2 \) and \( x = 4 \). Thus, the \( x \)-intercepts are \( (2, 0) \) and \( (4, 0) \). To find the \( y \)-intercept, evaluate \( f(0) \): \[ f(0) = 0^2 - 6(0) + 8 = 8. \] So the \( y \)-intercept is at \( (0, 8) \). In summary: - Vertex: \( (3, -1) \) - \( x \)-intercepts: \( (2, 0) \) and \( (4, 0) \) - \( y \)-intercept: \( (0, 8) \) --- Did you know that parabolas are not just mathematics? They often appear in real-life situations like the design of satellite dishes, where the shape maximizes the reception of signals due to its reflective properties! If you're working with a quadratic function, watch out for common mistakes like incorrectly determining the vertex. Remember, rewriting the equation in vertex form, \( f(x) = a(x-h)^2 + k \), can clarify the vertex's position and transform the parabola in a more understandable way!