Sunday, October 11, 2009

Amy's Reflection #8

Parabolas:

how to find the axis of symmetry, vertex, focus, & directrx??

1.) to find the axis of symmetry: x = -b/2a

2.) for the vertex: (-b/2a, f(-b/2a)) or use complete the square:

y = (x+a)^2 + b.....a & b are numbers and (-a,b) = vertex

3.) to find the focus: 1/4p= the coefficient of x^2 and then add p

Note:

*If opens up, add to y value from vertex, if opens down, subtract

*If opens right, add to x value to vertex, if opens left, subtract)

4.) directrix: is p units behind the vertex

Note:

*If opens up, subtract; if opens down, add from y-value of vertex.
*If opens right, subtract x-value
*If opens left, add x-value

Example: x^2 + 1

~vertex:

x = -b/2a

x = 0/2(1) = 0

0^2 + 1 = 1

(0,1)

~Focus:

1/4p = 1

4p = 1

p = 1/4

(0, 1 + 1/4)

(0, 5/4)

~directrix:

y = 1 - 1/4

y = 3/4

guys, im really nervous about the exam tomorrow. i have a feeling im gonna freak out and forget half of it...btw, does anyone know how to do #12 on the chapter 5 test: solve for x: log(x+7)=2..if anyone can help me out with that problem then that would be great...

1 comment:

  1. for this problem, you would write it as an exponential. I know that many times we forget that the base of a log is 10 just because it is not written.

    10^2=x+7
    100=x+7
    -7 -7
    x=93

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