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Graphs Interpretation

The document explains how to determine the values of 'a' and 'q' for parabolas and hyperbolas using given points and their intercepts. It provides examples of calculating intercepts, points of intersection, and distances between points on the graphs. The final results for the examples show that for the parabola, a = -1 and q = 1, and for the hyperbola, a = -1 and q = 1, with additional calculations for specific coordinates and distances.

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Paula Fana
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9 views4 pages

Graphs Interpretation

The document explains how to determine the values of 'a' and 'q' for parabolas and hyperbolas using given points and their intercepts. It provides examples of calculating intercepts, points of intersection, and distances between points on the graphs. The final results for the examples show that for the parabola, a = -1 and q = 1, and for the hyperbola, a = -1 and q = 1, with additional calculations for specific coordinates and distances.

Uploaded by

Paula Fana
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INTERPRETATION OF GRAPHS

Use the sketch below to determine the values of a and q for the parabola of the form 𝑦 =
𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑞.

Answer
Examine the sketch
From the sketch we see that the shape of the graph is a “frown”, therefore 𝑎 < 0. We also
see that the graph has been shifted vertically upwards, therefore 𝑞 > 0.
Determine q using the y-intercept
The 𝑦 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 is the point (0; 1).
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑞 1 = 𝑎(0)2 + 𝑞 ∴ 𝑞 = 1
Use the other given point to determine a
Substitute point (−1;0) into the equation:
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑞 0 = 𝑎(−1)2 + 1 ∴ 𝑎 = −1
Write the final answer
𝒂 = −1 and 𝒒 = 1, so the equation of the parabola is 𝒚 = −𝒙𝟐 + 1.

1
Example 2: Determining the equation of a hyperbola
Question
Use the sketch below to determine the values of a and q for the hyperbola of the form 𝒚 =
𝒂
+ 𝒒.
𝒙

Answer
Examine the sketch
The two curves of the hyperbola lie in the second and fourth quadrant,
therefore 𝑎 < 0.
We also see that the graph has been shifted vertically upwards, therefore q>0.
Substitute the given points into the equation and solve
Substitute the point (−1; 2):
𝑎
𝑦= +𝑞
𝑥
𝑎
2= +𝑞
−1
∴ 2 = −𝑎 + 𝑞
Substitute the point (1; 0):
𝑎
𝑦= +𝑞
𝑥
𝑎
0 = +𝑞
1
∴ 𝑎 = −𝑞
Solve the equations simultaneously using substitution
2 = −𝑎 + 𝑞 ; 𝑎 = −𝑞
∴ 2 = −(−𝑞 ) + 𝑞 2 = 2𝑞
∴ 𝑞 = 1 ; ∴ 𝑎 = −1
Write the final answer
−𝟏
𝒂 = −1 and 𝒒 = 1, the equation of the hyperbola is 𝒚 + 1.
𝒙

2
Question
The graphs of 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 + 4 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 2 are given. Calculate the following:
1. coordinates of A, B, C, D
2. coordinates of E
3. distance CD

Answer
Calculate the intercepts
For the parabola, to calculate the 𝑦 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡, let 𝑥 = 0:
𝑦 = −𝑥 2 + 4 = −02 + 4 = 4
This gives the point 𝐶(0; 4).
To calculate the 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡, let 𝑦 = 0:
𝑦 = −𝑥 2 + 4 = −𝑥 2 + 4
𝑥2 − 4 = 0
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2) = 0
∴ 𝑥 = ±2

This gives the points 𝐴(−2; 0) and 𝐵(2; 0).


For the straight line, to calculate the y-intercept, let 𝑥 = 0:
𝑦=𝑥−2
= 0 − 2 = −2
This gives the point 𝐷(0; −2).

3
For the straight line, to calculate the 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡, let 𝑦 = 0:
𝑦=𝑥−2
0= 𝑥−2
𝑥=2
This gives the point 𝐵(2; 0).
Calculate the point of intersection E
At E the two graphs intersect so we can equate the two expressions:
𝑥 − 2 = 𝑥2 + 4
∴ 𝑥2 + 𝑥 − 6 = 0
∴ (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 3) = 0
∴ 𝑥 = 2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 3
At E, 𝑥 = −3, therefore 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 2 = −3 − 2 = −5. This gives the point 𝐸(−3; −5).
Calculate distance CD
𝐶𝐷 = 𝐶𝑂 + 𝑂𝐷 = 4 + 2 = 6
Distance CD is 6 units.

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