How do you graph y=3x²?

1 Answer
Jun 15, 2017

See explanation

Explanation:

color(blue)("General comments")

The general shape of quadratics is uu"; "nn"; "sub"; "sup

However sub and sup are special cases. The main thing to remember is that it is a bit like the horse shoe shape.

Most of the ones you come across will be of shape type uu and nn.

The turning point has a specific name and that is 'vertex'.

The line that 'goes up the centre' for type uu and nn is called 'the axis of symmetry'.

The line that goes across the centre of types sub and sup is also called 'the axis of symmetry'.
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color(blue)("Thinking about specific points/shape")

With this particular equation you should note that if x is 0 then:
y=3xx0^2 = 0

Given that x is zero when y is zero this mat be shown as:
(x,y)->(0,0) This is called an ordered pair and this case is the 'vertex'. As the line of symmetry passes through the vertex then this particular graph is symmetrical about the y-axis

As 3x^2 is positive the shape is that of uu

Note that color(red)("if") it had been negative then the graph would have had the shape of nn
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One way would to build a table of values, mark them on the paper and then join up the dots as neatly as you can with a curve.

As we know the vertex is at (0,0) we should include that point in our table. These are values I choose. You may choose others if you wish.

Tony B

Tony B