Graphing the Parabola
2
1)
a) Graph y = -2x + x + 3
b) Is the vertex a minimum or maximum?
c) Find the axis of symmetry, the vertex, and the roots.
The first thing you should do is put the equation into the calculator. While you are in the y= screen,
you might as well put in y = 0 for the second line (you will need it to find the roots).
Min or Max?
LOOK AT THE PICTURE
Axis of Symmetry:
[a is the coefficient of x2 (-2) and b is the coef. of x (1)]
x = -b .
2a
x = -(1) .
2(-2)
x = .25
Finding the vertex: If the axis of symm. is an integer, then you can find the ordered pair for the
vertex in the table. If not, we will use the calculator.
2nd CALC 1 (for value) Type in the value for x (.25 ) and hit ENTER
The ordered pair for the vertex will appear on the bottom of the screen. (.25, 3.125)
Finding the roots:
The roots are where the equation or y = 0. (Where it crosses the x-axis).
This is why we put y = 0 into the calculator. The x-axis is y = 0.
There are usually 2 roots. To find the first root:
2nd CALC 5 (for intersect) ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
The ordered pair will be at the bottom.
(-1, 0)
To find the 2nd root:
2nd CALC 5 (for intersect) DO NOT HIT ENTER!!!!!
You must move the cursor using the blue left and right arrows (not up and down) close to the 2nd
root.
Once close: ENTER
Graph the parabola:
x
y
-2
-7
-1
0
1
2
0
3
2
-3
ENTER
ENTER
The ordered pair will be at the bottom. (1.5,0)
Plot the vertex. Estimate as best
you can.
Plot the points from the
table.
Draw as smooth a curve as
possible.
Label with the equation.