Answer
The function \( f(x) = -\frac{1}{4}(x+1)^{2} + 5 \) is a downward-opening parabola with its vertex at \( (-1, 5) \). It has an axis of symmetry at \( x = -1 \), a y-intercept at \( \left(0, \frac{19}{4}\right) \), and x-intercepts at \( x = -1 + 2\sqrt{5} \) and \( x = -1 - 2\sqrt{5} \).
Solution
To analyze the function \( f(x) = -\frac{1}{4}(x+1)^{2} + 5 \), we can identify several features of the function, such as its vertex, axis of symmetry, and whether it opens upwards or downwards.
1. **Identify the vertex**: The function is in vertex form \( f(x) = a(x-h)^{2} + k \), where \( (h, k) \) is the vertex. Here, \( a = -\frac{1}{4} \), \( h = -1 \), and \( k = 5 \). Thus, the vertex is at the point \( (-1, 5) \).
2. **Determine the direction of opening**: Since \( a < 0 \) (specifically, \( a = -\frac{1}{4} \)), the parabola opens downwards.
3. **Find the axis of symmetry**: The axis of symmetry is the vertical line that passes through the vertex, given by \( x = h \). Therefore, the axis of symmetry is \( x = -1 \).
4. **Calculate the y-intercept**: To find the y-intercept, we set \( x = 0 \):
\[
f(0) = -\frac{1}{4}(0+1)^{2} + 5 = -\frac{1}{4}(1) + 5 = -\frac{1}{4} + 5 = \frac{19}{4}
\]
Thus, the y-intercept is \( \left(0, \frac{19}{4}\right) \).
5. **Find the x-intercepts**: To find the x-intercepts, we set \( f(x) = 0 \):
\[
0 = -\frac{1}{4}(x+1)^{2} + 5
\]
Rearranging gives:
\[
\frac{1}{4}(x+1)^{2} = 5
\]
Multiplying both sides by 4:
\[
(x+1)^{2} = 20
\]
Taking the square root of both sides:
\[
x + 1 = \pm \sqrt{20}
\]
Thus:
\[
x = -1 \pm 2\sqrt{5}
\]
Therefore, the x-intercepts are \( x = -1 + 2\sqrt{5} \) and \( x = -1 - 2\sqrt{5} \).
Now, let's summarize the findings:
- Vertex: \( (-1, 5) \)
- Opens: Downwards
- Axis of symmetry: \( x = -1 \)
- Y-intercept: \( \left(0, \frac{19}{4}\right) \)
- X-intercepts: \( x = -1 + 2\sqrt{5} \) and \( x = -1 - 2\sqrt{5} \)
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