Match the Quadratic Function y = x²/4 + 2 to Its Graph

Quadratic Functions with Vertex Form Analysis

One function

y=x24+2 y=\frac{x^2}{4}+2

to the corresponding graph:

4442221234

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Match the function to the appropriate graph
00:03 Notice that X's coefficient is squared and positive, so the function is smiling
00:09 We want to find the intersection point with the Y-axis
00:13 We'll substitute X=0 and solve to find the intersection point with Y-axis
00:19 This is the intersection point with the Y-axis
00:22 According to the function type and intersection point
00:25 We can conclude there's no intersection point with the X-axis
00:28 Let's draw the graph according to the function type and intersection point we found
00:31 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

One function

y=x24+2 y=\frac{x^2}{4}+2

to the corresponding graph:

4442221234

2

Step-by-step solution

The function given is y=x24+2 y = \frac{x^2}{4} + 2 , which is a quadratic function with a vertex at (0,2) (0, 2) . The function is in the form y=a(xh)2+k y = a(x-h)^2 + k , where a=14 a = \frac{1}{4} , h=0 h = 0 , and k=2 k = 2 . This tells us that the parabola opens upwards with its vertex at (0,2) (0, 2) , and it's wider than the standard parabola y=x2 y = x^2 because 14 \frac{1}{4} is less than 1.

To find the correct graph, look for the one featuring a vertex at (0,2) (0, 2) with an upward opening, and wider spread due to the smaller coefficient. When comparing the graphs, the graph labeled as choice 1 clearly shows these characteristics, indicating the correct match for the function.

Therefore, the solution corresponds to the graph labeled as choice 1.

3

Final Answer

1

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Vertex Form: y=a(xh)2+k y = a(x-h)^2 + k identifies vertex at (h, k)
  • Technique: Coefficient a=14 a = \frac{1}{4} makes parabola wider than y=x2 y = x^2
  • Check: Test vertex point (0, 2): y=024+2=2 y = \frac{0^2}{4} + 2 = 2

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing vertex coordinates with y-intercept
    Don't think the vertex is at (0, 0) just because there's no x-term = wrong graph selection! The +2 shifts the entire parabola up 2 units. Always identify that the vertex is at (0, 2), not the origin.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Find the ascending area of the function

\( f(x)=2x^2 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I find the vertex from y=x24+2 y = \frac{x^2}{4} + 2 ?

+

This is already in vertex form y=a(xh)2+k y = a(x-h)^2 + k ! Here, h = 0 and k = 2, so the vertex is at (0, 2).

Why does the coefficient 14 \frac{1}{4} make the parabola wider?

+

When 0 < a < 1, the parabola stretches horizontally, making it wider. Since 14<1 \frac{1}{4} < 1 , this parabola is 4 times wider than y=x2 y = x^2 .

How can I tell which direction the parabola opens?

+

Look at the coefficient of x2 x^2 ! Since 14>0 \frac{1}{4} > 0 (positive), the parabola opens upward. Negative coefficients open downward.

What's the difference between this and y=x2+2 y = x^2 + 2 ?

+

Both have vertex at (0, 2), but y=x24+2 y = \frac{x^2}{4} + 2 is much wider. At x = 4, our function gives y = 6, while y=x2+2 y = x^2 + 2 gives y = 18!

How do I verify I picked the right graph?

+

Check key points! The vertex should be at (0, 2), and test another point like x = 2: y=44+2=3 y = \frac{4}{4} + 2 = 3 . The point (2, 3) should be on your chosen graph.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Parabola Families questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations