Graph the quadratic y=x^2+2x+4

. What is the y-value of the y-intercept?

1 answer

To find the \( y \)-intercept of the quadratic equation \( y = x^2 + 2x + 4 \), we set \( x = 0 \):

\[ y = (0)^2 + 2(0) + 4 = 0 + 0 + 4 = 4 \]

Thus, the \( y \)-value of the \( y \)-intercept is \( 4 \).

To visualize the graph, we can summarize the key points:

  1. Vertex: The vertex of the quadratic can be found using the formula \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). Here, \( a = 1 \) and \( b = 2 \):

    \[ x = -\frac{2}{2 \cdot 1} = -1 \]

    Plugging this back into the equation to find the \( y \)-coordinate of the vertex:

    \[ y = (-1)^2 + 2(-1) + 4 = 1 - 2 + 4 = 3 \]

    So, the vertex is at \( (-1, 3) \).

  2. Y-Intercept: As calculated, the \( y \)-intercept is \( (0, 4) \).

  3. X-Intercepts: To find the \( x \)-intercepts, we set the equation to zero:

    \[ x^2 + 2x + 4 = 0 \]

    The discriminant \( b^2 - 4ac \) will tell us if there are real roots:

    \[ 2^2 - 4(1)(4) = 4 - 16 = -12 \]

    Since the discriminant is negative, there are no real \( x \)-intercepts.

This quadratic opens upwards (as \( a > 0 \)), has a vertex at \( (-1, 3) \), and a \( y \)-intercept at \( (0, 4) \).

Summary

  • Y-Intercept: \( 4 \)
  • Vertex: \( (-1, 3) \)
  • No Real X-Intercepts

You can graph this information accordingly, showing the vertex and the intercepts. The graph will be a parabola opening upwards, crossing the \( y \)-axis at \( (0, 4) \).