Find the vertex and axis of symmetry and intercepts for a quadratic equation y = x² + 6x + 5

To analyze the quadratic equation y = x² + 6x + 5, we need to find the vertex, axis of symmetry, and intercepts.

1. Vertex

The vertex of a quadratic function in the standard form y = ax² + bx + c can be found using the formula:

x = -b / (2a)

In our equation, a = 1 and b = 6.

Plugging in the values:

x = -6 / (2 * 1) = -6 / 2 = -3

To find the y-coordinate of the vertex, substitute x = -3 back into the original equation:

y = (-3)² + 6(-3) + 5

y = 9 – 18 + 5 = -4

Thus, the vertex is at the point (-3, -4).

2. Axis of Symmetry

The axis of symmetry is a vertical line that passes through the vertex. It can be written as:

x = -3

This means the graph is symmetric around this line.

3. Intercepts

To find the intercepts, we will calculate both the x-intercepts and y-intercept.

A. Y-Intercept

The y-intercept occurs where x = 0. Substitute x = 0 into the equation:

y = (0)² + 6(0) + 5 = 5

Thus, the y-intercept is at the point (0, 5).

B. X-Intercepts

The x-intercepts occur where y = 0. To find these, set the equation to zero:

0 = x² + 6x + 5

This can be factored as:

0 = (x + 1)(x + 5)

Setting each factor to zero gives:

x + 1 = 0 → x = -1

x + 5 = 0 → x = -5

Thus, the x-intercepts are at the points (-1, 0) and (-5, 0).

Summary

In conclusion:

  • Vertex: (-3, -4)
  • Axis of Symmetry: x = -3
  • Y-Intercept: (0, 5)
  • X-Intercepts: (-1, 0) and (-5, 0)

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