Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
- 1. Measuring Angles39m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions
Graphs of the Sine and Cosine Functions
Problem 69
Textbook Question
Graph each function. See Examples 6 – 8. h(x) = 2x² - 1

1
Identify the type of function: The given function \( h(x) = 2x^2 - 1 \) is a quadratic function, which is a type of polynomial function.
Determine the shape of the graph: Since the coefficient of \( x^2 \) is positive (2), the parabola opens upwards.
Find the vertex of the parabola: The vertex form of a quadratic function is \( y = a(x-h)^2 + k \). For \( h(x) = 2x^2 - 1 \), the vertex is at \( (0, -1) \) because the function is already in the form \( y = 2(x-0)^2 - 1 \).
Identify the axis of symmetry: The axis of symmetry for a parabola in the form \( y = ax^2 + bx + c \) is given by \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). Here, \( b = 0 \), so the axis of symmetry is \( x = 0 \).
Plot additional points: Choose values for \( x \) (e.g., \( x = 1, -1, 2, -2 \)) and calculate corresponding \( h(x) \) values to plot additional points, then sketch the parabola using the vertex, axis of symmetry, and these points.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Quadratic Functions
A quadratic function is a polynomial function of degree two, typically expressed in the form h(x) = ax² + bx + c. The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola, which can open upwards or downwards depending on the sign of the coefficient 'a'. In the given function h(x) = 2x² - 1, the parabola opens upwards since 'a' is positive.
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Vertex of a Parabola
The vertex of a parabola is the highest or lowest point on the graph, depending on its orientation. For the function h(x) = 2x² - 1, the vertex can be found using the formula x = -b/(2a). In this case, since there is no 'b' term, the vertex occurs at x = 0, leading to the vertex coordinates (0, -1).
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Graphing Techniques
Graphing a quadratic function involves plotting key points, including the vertex, axis of symmetry, and intercepts. For h(x) = 2x² - 1, the y-intercept can be found by evaluating h(0), which gives -1. Additionally, symmetry about the vertex allows for easy plotting of points on either side of the vertex, creating a complete graph of the function.
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