How do you graph #y = -x^2 - 4x - 3#?
1 Answer
Apr 21, 2015
To start with the basic idea, this is a quadratic function with a negative leading term. It would therefore represent a vertical parabola, opening downward. Rewrite it in the following form:
y=
=
= -
This shows the vertex of the parabola (-2,1) and the axis of symmetry x=-2.
The graph would have two x intercepts, given by
The graph would have one y intercept given by y=-3.
Mark all the points given above on a graph and sketch the symmetrical figure of parabola on either side of the axis of symmetry.
