1.2.3 Parabolas Flashcards

1
Q

Parabolas

A
  • The graph of a second-degree polynomial expression is a parabola. A parabola consists of the set of all points in a plane that are equidistant from a fixed line (the directrix) and a fixed point not on the line (the focus).
  • When graphing functions, start by looking for ways to simplify their expressions. Always promise that the denominator will not equal zero when you cancel.
  • The distance formula is an application of the Pythagorean theorem. d = square root (x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1)^2
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2
Q

note

A
  • In general, a parabola can be expressed by
    f(x) = ax2 + bx + c. Each of the constants a, b, and c has a
    different effect on the appearance of the parabola.
  • If the coefficient of the x-squared term is positive, the
    parabola will open upwards. You can think of it as a
    happy-faced parabola. If the coefficient of x-squared is
    negative, the parabola will open downwards as a sad-faced parabola.
  • If the coefficient of the x-squared term is greater than 1 or less than –1, the parabola will be stretched vertically, making it look thinner and tighter.
  • Conversely, if the coefficient of the x-squared term is between 0 and 1 or between 0 and –1, the parabola will be compressed vertically, making it look wider.
  • The presence of the constant c has the effect of shifting the parabola vertically. For the function on the far left, the constant 1 moves the parabola upwards one unit. A negative constant would move the parabola downwards.
  • Changing the value of the coefficient of x has the effect of moving the parabola around in a manner that is a bit more difficult to predict.
  • Here is a function expression that does not resemble the general form for a parabola.
  • Notice that you can factor x from the numerator. When you cancel it with the x in the denominator, you must agree not to evaluate the function at x = 0.
  • The expression that results from the cancellation is that of a happy-faced parabola shifted up one unit. Make sure to leave a hole in the graph at x = 0. The function is not defined at that point.
  • To determine the distance between the two points (x1
    , y1) and (x2, y2), use the Pythagorean theorem. By connecting the points with a line segment you can construct a right triangle whose legs are parallel to the x- and y-axes. The lengths of the legs are given by x2 – x1 and y2 – y1 . You can then solve for the length of the hypotenuse d, which is the distance between the two points.
  • The formula you produce is called the distance formula. You can either memorize the formula or use the Pythagorean theorem to derive it when you need it.
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3
Q
Does the parabola described by the  
function  
f(x)= -2(x^2+7) -4x^2  -9(5-x^2) open upwards or downwards?
A

upwards

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4
Q

A line intersects a parabola at the points (−2, 3) and (4, 11). What is the distance between the two points of intersection?

A

d = 10

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5
Q

Which of the following is the quadratic function whose graph is the parabola shown?

A

f(x) = x^2 -2x+2

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6
Q

Amanda and Laura are in the middle of a hiking trip and had a disagreement as to which direction to travel. Laura decides to hike due east in search of civilization and Amanda begins moving due south. In two hours Laura has moved 4 miles and Amanda has moved 5 miles. How far apart are the hikers at this time?

A

d = √41

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7
Q

What is the y-intercept of the graph of

f(x) = -(x-2)^2 +3x +1

A

-3

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8
Q

Does the parabola described by the
function
f(x) = 3(x^2-2)-6x^2-(2+x^2)
open upwards or downwards?

A

downwards

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9
Q

What is the distance between the two points depicted in this graph?

A

d=√52

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10
Q

Which of the following is the graph of the parabola y = −2x ^2 + 4x ?

A

right side of y-axis, opens down

0,0), (1,2), (2,0

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11
Q

What is the distance between the two points (−1, 4) and (2, 5)?

A

√10

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12
Q

Find the distance between the two points

-2,5) and (-3,7

A

√5

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13
Q

Which of the following is the quadratic function whose graph is the parabola shown?

A

None of the above

actual answer -4x^2-8x-4

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14
Q

What is the distance between the two points (1, 5) and (−3, 10)?

A

√41

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15
Q

Does the parabola described by the function
f(x) = -(1-4x^2)+7x^2-(4-10x^2)
open upwards or downwards?

A

Upwards

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