Final answer:
To graph the quadratic function y = -x^2 - 4x - 3, find the vertex, plot additional points, and connect them with a curve.
Step-by-step explanation:
To graph the quadratic function y = -x2 - 4x - 3, follow these steps:
- Identify the coefficients and constant term: a = -1, b = -4, c = -3.
- Find the x-coordinate of the vertex using the formula x = -b/(2a):
- x = -(-4)/(2*(-1)) = -4/(-2) = 2
Substitute the x-coordinate of the vertex into the equation to find the y-coordinate:
- y = -(2)2 - 4(2) - 3 = -4 - 8 - 3 = -15
Plot the vertex at (2, -15) on the graph paper.Use the symmetry of the parabola to plot two additional points, equidistant from the vertex:
- If we move 1 unit to the right of the vertex (x = 3), we find y = -(3)2 - 4(3) - 3 = -9 - 12 - 3 = -24.
- If we move 1 unit to the left of the vertex (x = 1), we find y = -(1)2 - 4(1) - 3 = -1 - 4 - 3 = -8.
Connect the three points with a smooth curve to complete the graph.Label x-axis, y-axis, the vertex, and any other relevant points or lines.