Write the equation, in vertex form, of a parabola that is shifted 4 units to the left and 8 units down.

Algebra and Trigonometry (6th Edition)
6th Edition
ISBN:9780134463216
Author:Robert F. Blitzer
Publisher:Robert F. Blitzer
ChapterP: Prerequisites: Fundamental Concepts Of Algebra
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1MCCP: In Exercises 1-25, simplify the given expression or perform the indicated operation (and simplify,...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question
Math
**Title: How to Write the Equation of a Shifted Parabola**

**Lesson Overview:**

In this lesson, we'll learn how to write the equation, in vertex form, of a parabola that is shifted horizontally and vertically. Specifically, we'll focus on a parabola that is shifted 4 units to the left and 8 units down.

**Understanding Vertex Form:**

The vertex form of a parabola's equation is:

\[ y = a(x-h)^2 + k \]

where \((h, k)\) represents the vertex of the parabola, and \(a\) affects the width and direction of the parabola.

**Given Shifts:**

1. **Shift 4 units to the left**: To shift a parabola horizontally to the left, we adjust \(h\) in the vertex form equation by adding 4 to the value of \(x\). That means if we shift it 4 units to the left, \(h\) will be -4 since \(-(-4) = 4\).

2. **Shift 8 units down**: To shift a parabola vertically downward, we subtract 8 from \(k\). So \(k\) will be -8.

**Constructing the Equation:**

Substituting \(h = -4\) and \(k = -8\) into the vertex form equation, we get:

\[ y = a(x + 4)^2 - 8 \]

(Note: The value of \(a\) is not specified, so we will leave it as \(a\). If the parabola's orientation is not changed, assume \(a = 1\).)

**Final Equation:**

Thus, the equation of a parabola shifted 4 units to the left and 8 units down is:

\[ y = a(x + 4)^2 - 8 \]

Be sure to adjust \(a\) if the problem specifies any changes in the width or direction of the parabola.
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: How to Write the Equation of a Shifted Parabola** **Lesson Overview:** In this lesson, we'll learn how to write the equation, in vertex form, of a parabola that is shifted horizontally and vertically. Specifically, we'll focus on a parabola that is shifted 4 units to the left and 8 units down. **Understanding Vertex Form:** The vertex form of a parabola's equation is: \[ y = a(x-h)^2 + k \] where \((h, k)\) represents the vertex of the parabola, and \(a\) affects the width and direction of the parabola. **Given Shifts:** 1. **Shift 4 units to the left**: To shift a parabola horizontally to the left, we adjust \(h\) in the vertex form equation by adding 4 to the value of \(x\). That means if we shift it 4 units to the left, \(h\) will be -4 since \(-(-4) = 4\). 2. **Shift 8 units down**: To shift a parabola vertically downward, we subtract 8 from \(k\). So \(k\) will be -8. **Constructing the Equation:** Substituting \(h = -4\) and \(k = -8\) into the vertex form equation, we get: \[ y = a(x + 4)^2 - 8 \] (Note: The value of \(a\) is not specified, so we will leave it as \(a\). If the parabola's orientation is not changed, assume \(a = 1\).) **Final Equation:** Thus, the equation of a parabola shifted 4 units to the left and 8 units down is: \[ y = a(x + 4)^2 - 8 \] Be sure to adjust \(a\) if the problem specifies any changes in the width or direction of the parabola.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Points, Lines and Planes
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, algebra and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Algebra and Trigonometry (6th Edition)
Algebra and Trigonometry (6th Edition)
Algebra
ISBN:
9780134463216
Author:
Robert F. Blitzer
Publisher:
PEARSON
Contemporary Abstract Algebra
Contemporary Abstract Algebra
Algebra
ISBN:
9781305657960
Author:
Joseph Gallian
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction
Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction
Algebra
ISBN:
9781285463247
Author:
David Poole
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Algebra And Trigonometry (11th Edition)
Algebra And Trigonometry (11th Edition)
Algebra
ISBN:
9780135163078
Author:
Michael Sullivan
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction to Linear Algebra, Fifth Edition
Introduction to Linear Algebra, Fifth Edition
Algebra
ISBN:
9780980232776
Author:
Gilbert Strang
Publisher:
Wellesley-Cambridge Press
College Algebra (Collegiate Math)
College Algebra (Collegiate Math)
Algebra
ISBN:
9780077836344
Author:
Julie Miller, Donna Gerken
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education