Need help sketching a quadratic function

[mirandaemalee]

Everytime I try to work out this problem I come out with a really weird number anyone care to help me see how to work it out?

f(x)=2x^2-10x+13

I have to find the vertex, axis of symmetry, and x-intercept. I keep getting fractions for my answers, just wanting to know if I am attempting it right.

 

[DrPhil]

Everytime I try to work out this problem I come out with a really weird number anyone care to help me see how to work it out?

f(x)=2x^2-10x+13

I have to find the vertex, axis of symmetry, and x-intercept. I keep getting fractions for my answers, just wanting to know if I am attempting it right.

There is nothing inherently wrong with fractions, especially since the coefficient of x^2 is not 1.

The first thing I do when confronted with a quadratic is find the "discriminant,"
b^2 - 4ac = (-10)^2 - 4(2)(13) = ...
What does it mean if this number is positive, negative, or 0?

Do you have a formula to use to find the axis of symmetry? That will tell you the value of x for the axis of symmetry, then to find the y-value of the vertex, plug that value of x into the function.

We can't tell whether you have it right unless we see your work!

 

[HallsofIvy]

Everytime I try to work out this problem I come out with a really weird number anyone care to help me see how to work it out?

f(x)=2x^2-10x+13

I have to find the vertex, axis of symmetry, and x-intercept. I keep getting fractions for my answers, just wanting to know if I am attempting it right.

We can't tell you if you are "attempting it right" if you don't show us how you are attempting it!