Question

Graph the function f(x)=5x^2.
Plot the vertex. Then plot another point on the parabola. If you make a mistake, you can erase your parabola by selecting the second point and placing it on top of the first.

Answer 1

I can’t draw directly here, but I’ll give exact points and simple instructions so you can plot f(x) = 5x^2 yourself.

1. Vertex:
- Vertex is at (0, 0). Plot that point.

2. Another point (and a symmetric one):
- For x = 1: f(1) = 5(1)^2 = 5 → point (1, 5).
- By symmetry, x = −1 gives (−1, 5).

3. A couple more points to shape the parabola:
- x = 2 → f(2) = 20 → (2, 20)
- x = −2 → (−2, 20)

4. How to draw:
- Mark the origin (0,0). Mark (1,5) and (−1,5), and optionally (2,20) and (−2,20).
- Connect the points with a smooth U-shaped curve opening upward. Because the coefficient 5 is large, the parabola is fairly narrow (steep).

5. Erasing tip (per your note):
- If your graphing tool supports it, select the second point and drag it onto the first (place it on top of the vertex) to remove the parabola or reset those plotted points.

If you want, tell me what tool you’re using and I can give step-by-step actions specific to that app.