Parabola: graph y = (x + 3)^2 - 1; identify vertex

[justin35]

Hi I am trying to help my son with a homework problem and it has been a long time since I have had to do these. Can you please help?

They say to graph the parabola and identify the vertix. Identify the domain and range:

f(x)-1x^2 and y=(x+3)^2-1

Any help would be appreciated.

thanks

jpk

 

[skeeter]

http://www.webmath.com/parabolas.html

 

[stapel]

Hi I am trying to help my son with a homework problem and it has been a long time since I have had to do these....

Trying to work through a "translator" who doesn't know the material pretty much never works.

Please have your son post what he's tried thus far, specifying where he is stuck, so the tutors can know how to help.

Thank you.

Eliz.

 

[Guest]

I am also just learning this now (self-study) and so far I would understand that the -1 in the equation is the y-intercept and the (x+3) simply means that it is a translation of the parabola 3 units to the left. So without this translation, the normal equation for the parabola would be: y = x^2 - 1, of which its vertex would be (0,-1). However with the translation, the form of the equation changes into y=(x+3)^2-1 and the parabola on the graph simply moves 3 to the left. So its vertex is (-3, -1).

Please correct me if I am wrong. Good luck!