Example 4

Sketch a graph of the quadratic function [math]y = (x + 3)^2 – 8[/math]. Label the vertex, the axis of symmetry, the [math]y[/math]-intercept, and one pair of symmetric points.

[list=1] [*]Identify the vertex and the equation of the axis of symmetry. [*]Find the [math]y[/math]-intercept. [*]Find an extra point to the left or right of the axis of symmetry. [*]Plot the points you found in steps 2 and 3 and their symmetric points over the axis of symmetry. [/list] This applet is provided by Walch Education as supplemental material for their mathematics programs. Visit [url="http://www.walch.com"]www.walch.com[/url] for more information on their resources.