Question

Find the axis of symmetry for this parabola:

y = -x2 - 2x - 5
Write your answer as an equation.
Enter the correct answer.

Answer 1

x = - 1

Explanation:

The equation of the axis of symmetry for a parabola in standard form

y = ax² + bx + c : a ≠ 0 is found using

x = -
`(b)/(2a)`

y = - x² - 2x - 5 ← is in standard form

with a = - 1 and b = - 2, thus equation of axis of symmetry is

x = -
`(-2)/(-2)` = - 1

Equation of axis of symmetry is x = - 1