How do you find the axis of symmetry, vertex and x intercepts for y=x^2-5x+6?

1 Answer
Dec 13, 2017

This function is not symmetric to any of the axis.
The vertex is (5/2,-1/4)
The x intercepts are (2,0) and (3,0)

Explanation:

First, to find the axis of symmetry, we need to find whether this function is even or odd.

A function is even if f(x)=f(-x)
A function is odd if -f(x)=f(-x)

If a function is even, it is symmetric to the y axis. If it is odd, it is symmetric to the origin. Also, it is possible for a function to be neither.

Now, we test the possibilities.
If f(x)=x^2-5x+6, then f(-x)=x^2+5x+6 and -f(x)=-x^2+5x-6

We see that none of them are equal to each other. Therefore, this function is not symmetric to any axis.

To find the vertex of a quadratic function, we need to find the (h,k). To do this, remember that h=(-b)/(2a) and k can be found if you plug h into the function. This is a useful trick if the function is in the form of ax^2+bx+c=y

Therefore, h=5/2

Plugging this into our equation, we get k=-1/4

The vertex is (5/2,-1/4)

To find the x intercepts, we need to find the zeros of this function.Zeros of the function are the values of x that when put into the function, results y=0.

Now, we need to solve the equation x^2-5x+6=0

We can factor this to get (x-2)(x-3)=0

This means that the x intercepts are (2,0) and (3,0)