Question
How many real solutions does f(x)=−2x2−1 have, based on the graph? (1 point) Responses one real solution because the graph touches y-axis at y=−1 one real solution because the graph touches y -axis at y equals negative 1 one real solution because the graph intersects the y-axis once one real solution because the graph intersects the y -axis once two real solutions because the graph is symmetric about the y-axis two real solutions because the graph is symmetric about the y -axis no real solutions because the graphs neither touches nor crosses the x-axis no real solutions because the graphs neither touches nor crosses the x -ax
Answers
GPT-4o mini
To determine how many real solutions the function \( f(x) = -2x^2 - 1 \) has, we can analyze the characteristics of the function, specifically its graph.
1. **Function Type**: This is a quadratic function in the form \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \) where \( a = -2 \), \( b = 0 \), and \( c = -1 \).
2. **Direction of Opening**: Since \( a < 0 \), the parabola opens downwards.
3. **Vertex**: The vertex of the parabola is located at \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} = -\frac{0}{2(-2)} = 0 \). Plugging \( x = 0 \) into the function, we find the vertex:
\[
f(0) = -2(0)^2 - 1 = -1
\]
This means the vertex is at the point (0, -1).
4. **Y-Intercept**: The value of \( f(0) \) also gives us the y-intercept, which is \( -1 \). The graph intersects the y-axis at this point.
5. **X-Intercepts**: To find the x-intercepts (real solutions), we need to set \( f(x) = 0 \):
\[
-2x^2 - 1 = 0
\]
Rearranging gives:
\[
-2x^2 = 1 \implies x^2 = -\frac{1}{2}
\]
The equation \( x^2 = -\frac{1}{2} \) has no real solutions because the square of a real number cannot be negative.
Based on this analysis, the graph of \( f(x) = -2x^2 - 1 \):
- Has a vertex at (0, -1).
- Is a downward-opening parabola.
- Does not intersect the x-axis, as indicated by the negative value for \( x^2 \).
Thus, there are **no real solutions** because the graph neither touches nor crosses the x-axis.
The correct response is:
**no real solutions because the graphs neither touches nor crosses the x-axis.**
1. **Function Type**: This is a quadratic function in the form \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \) where \( a = -2 \), \( b = 0 \), and \( c = -1 \).
2. **Direction of Opening**: Since \( a < 0 \), the parabola opens downwards.
3. **Vertex**: The vertex of the parabola is located at \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} = -\frac{0}{2(-2)} = 0 \). Plugging \( x = 0 \) into the function, we find the vertex:
\[
f(0) = -2(0)^2 - 1 = -1
\]
This means the vertex is at the point (0, -1).
4. **Y-Intercept**: The value of \( f(0) \) also gives us the y-intercept, which is \( -1 \). The graph intersects the y-axis at this point.
5. **X-Intercepts**: To find the x-intercepts (real solutions), we need to set \( f(x) = 0 \):
\[
-2x^2 - 1 = 0
\]
Rearranging gives:
\[
-2x^2 = 1 \implies x^2 = -\frac{1}{2}
\]
The equation \( x^2 = -\frac{1}{2} \) has no real solutions because the square of a real number cannot be negative.
Based on this analysis, the graph of \( f(x) = -2x^2 - 1 \):
- Has a vertex at (0, -1).
- Is a downward-opening parabola.
- Does not intersect the x-axis, as indicated by the negative value for \( x^2 \).
Thus, there are **no real solutions** because the graph neither touches nor crosses the x-axis.
The correct response is:
**no real solutions because the graphs neither touches nor crosses the x-axis.**