Math  /  Geometry

Question4. The points (3,8)(-3,8) and (9,8)(9,8) lie on opposite sides of a parabola. Determine the equation of the axis of symmetry.

Studdy Solution

STEP 1

What is this asking? Find the line that splits the parabola perfectly in half, given two points on opposite sides of it. Watch out! Don't assume the points are the *vertex* of the parabola!
They're just on opposite sides.

STEP 2

1. Find the x-coordinate of the vertex.
2. Write the equation of the axis of symmetry.

STEP 3

The axis of symmetry goes right through the vertex of a parabola.
Since our points are on opposite sides, the x-coordinate of the vertex is exactly halfway between the x-coordinates of our given points.
Think of it like balancing a seesaw!

STEP 4

To find the midpoint between two x-coordinates, we **add** them together and **divide** by 2\bf{2}.
It's like finding the average!
We have (3)\bf{(-3)} and 9\bf{9}.
(3)+92=62=3 \frac{(-3) + 9}{2} = \frac{6}{2} = \bf{3}

STEP 5

So, the x-coordinate of our vertex is 3\bf{3}!

STEP 6

The axis of symmetry is a vertical line, and its equation always looks like x=somethingx = \text{something}.

STEP 7

We just found that the x-coordinate of the vertex is 3\bf{3}.
This means the equation of our axis of symmetry is x=3x = 3.
Boom!

STEP 8

The equation of the axis of symmetry is x=3x = 3.

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