How do you find the axis of symmetry of:
y = x^2 - 7x + 10
(by the way the x^2 means x raised to the 2nd power)
2007-06-16 09:12:40 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Since this is a simple quadratic equation, the axis of symmetry will be a vertical line that bisects the vertex. Your answer will be in the form of x = some number.
The easiest way that I know to find the vertex is to differentiate the equation, set the derivative equal to zero, and solve.
dy/dx = 2x - 7 = 0
2x = 7
x = 7/2
The axis of symmetry is x = 7/2
2007-06-16 09:31:36 · answer #1 · answered by The Tridentine Avenger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Easiest way is to find the point where the slope of the tangent is 0.
Take the derivative
dy/dx = 2x - 7
2x - 7 = 0
2x = 7
x = 3.5
this is the axis of symmetry.
2007-06-16 16:54:22 · answer #2 · answered by johnnizanni 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
x² - 7x + 10 = (x² - 7x + 49/4) - 49/4
y = (x - 7/2)² - 49/4
Axis of symmetry is x = 7/2
2007-06-17 05:03:19 · answer #3 · answered by Como 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋