Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
8. Conic Sections
Parabolas
Problem 59a
Textbook Question
In Exercises 57–62, use the vertex and the direction in which the parabola opens to determine the relation's domain and range. Is the relation a function? y = - x^2 + 4x - 3
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<Step 1: Identify the form of the quadratic equation. The given equation is in the form of y = ax^2 + bx + c, where a = -1, b = 4, and c = -3.>
<Step 2: Determine the direction in which the parabola opens. Since the coefficient of x^2 (a) is negative, the parabola opens downwards.>
<Step 3: Find the vertex of the parabola. Use the vertex formula x = -b/(2a) to find the x-coordinate of the vertex.>
<Step 4: Calculate the y-coordinate of the vertex by substituting the x-coordinate back into the original equation.>
<Step 5: Determine the domain and range. The domain of any quadratic function is all real numbers. Since the parabola opens downwards, the range is all real numbers less than or equal to the y-coordinate of the vertex.>
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Vertex of a Parabola
The vertex of a parabola is the highest or lowest point on its graph, depending on the direction it opens. For the quadratic equation in standard form, y = ax^2 + bx + c, the vertex can be found using the formula x = -b/(2a). In this case, the vertex helps determine the maximum or minimum value of the function, which is crucial for identifying the range.
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Direction of Opening
The direction in which a parabola opens is determined by the coefficient 'a' in the quadratic equation. If 'a' is positive, the parabola opens upwards, indicating that the vertex is the minimum point. Conversely, if 'a' is negative, as in this case, the parabola opens downwards, meaning the vertex is the maximum point, which affects the range of the function.
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Domain and Range
The domain of a function refers to all possible input values (x-values) that can be used, while the range refers to all possible output values (y-values). For quadratic functions, the domain is typically all real numbers, but the range is determined by the vertex and the direction of opening. Understanding these concepts is essential for determining whether the relation is a function and for identifying its characteristics.
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