Question

Find the equation of the axis of symmetry of the following parabola using graphing technology.
y, equals, minus, x, squared, minus, 12, x, minus, 38
y=−x Find the equation of the axis of symmetry of the following parabola using graphing technology.
y, equals, minus, x, squared, minus, 12, x, minus, 38
y=−x
2
−12x−38
2
−12x−38

Answer 1

The parabola is y = −x^2 − 12x − 38.
Use x = −b/(2a) with a = −1, b = −12:

x = −(−12)/(2·(−1)) = 12/(−2) = −6.

(Completing the square: y = −(x^2+12x)−38 = −(x+6)^2 −2, vertex (−6,−2), so axis x = −6.)