What is the axis of symmetry on a graph?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking for the definition or explanation of the axis of symmetry in the context of graphing. The axis of symmetry typically refers to a line that divides a figure into two mirror-image halves. In the case of a parabola, it is the vertical line that passes through the vertex of the parabola.

Answer

The axis of symmetry is given by $x = -\frac{b}{2a}$.

Steps to Solve

Definition of Axis of Symmetry

The axis of symmetry for a parabola is a vertical line that divides the parabola into two equal halves. This line passes through the vertex of the parabola.

Finding the Axis of Symmetry

For a parabolic equation in the standard form (y = ax^2 + bx + c), the axis of symmetry can be found using the formula:

$$ x = -\frac{b}{2a} $$

Here, (a) and (b) are the coefficients of the quadratic equation.

Example Calculation

For example, if we have the equation (y = 2x^2 + 3x + 1), we identify (a = 2) and (b = 3). Plugging the values into the formula gives:

$$ x = -\frac{3}{2 \cdot 2} = -\frac{3}{4} $$

So the equation of the axis of symmetry is (x = -\frac{3}{4}).

The axis of symmetry for a parabola is a vertical line defined by the equation (x = -\frac{b}{2a}).

More Information

The axis of symmetry is essential in graphing parabolas, as it helps to determine the vertex and the direction of the parabola. This concept plays a significant role in quadratic functions in algebra.

Tips

Confusing the axis of symmetry with the vertex of the parabola. Remember, the axis of symmetry is a line, while the vertex is a point on the graph.
Incorrectly applying the formula (x = -\frac{b}{2a}) by mixing up the values of (a) and (b). Always verify the given quadratic equation's coefficients.

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