Question

Okay, so I'm asked to "Complete the table for each function".

1. f(x) = x^2
x = 0, +/-1, +/-2, +/-3
y = 0, 1, 4, 9

So, I plugged each of the x values into the equation and got the y values that are shown above? Are those correct, or did I do something wrong? We are also asked to graph the function. My problem is that when I graph it, it doesn't look like a parabola. I'm so confused.

There are two other tables that I was asked to fill out and graph. They don't make sense either.

2. g(x) = -2x^2
x = 0, +/-1, +/-2, +/-3

y = 0, -2, -8, -18


3. h(x) = 1/4x^2
x = 0, +/-1, +/-2, +/-3
y = 0, 1/4, 1. 2 1/4

Answer 1

You can get excellent graphing help at

http://rechneronline.de/function-graphs/

You can plot up to three functions at the same time, and set the x- and y- boundaries as desired.

I expect that you plotted the points wrong, if it didn't look like a parabola. Your tables look ok.

Answer 2

My problem was that I didn't understand that they wanted me to plot the positive AND the negative x values (hence why they labeled them +/-)to form the parabola. Thank you for your help!