Question

On the set of axes below, draw the graph of y=x^2-4x-1

Answer 1

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Answer:

  axis of symmetry: x = 2

  see below for a graph

Step-by-step explanation:

You can complete the square to put the equation in vertex form.

  y = (x^2 -4x +4) -1 -4

  y = (x -2)^2 -5 . . . . . . vertex is (2, -5)

The equation of the axis of symmetry is the equation of the vertical line through the vertex:

  x = 2 . . . . . axis of symmetry

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Points on the graph are easily found by using integer values on either side of x=2. Points on one side of the axis of symmetry are mirrored on the other side of it.