What is the axis of symmetry for -12(y-2)=(x+1)^2

Question

Find the axis of symmetry for the following:

-12(y-2)=(x+1)²

Answer 1

Hi Jayland,

 

This looks like a parabola equation.

-12(y-2)=(x+1)^2

It has a vertical axis of symmetry at x = h.

standard equation is (x-h)^2=4p(y-k)

let's write it in that form:

4*-3(y - 2) = (x - (-1))^2

h = -1

The axis of symmetry is x = -1

 

 

 

Answer 2

The axis of symmetry must always go through the turning pont.

 

So your turning point is (-1,2)

 

Now since the x term is the one being squared, it means that the parabola is either opening up or down. In either case, the axis of symmetry would be a vertical line.

 

So a vertical line that passes through (-1,2) would have the equation x = -1.

 

Hope this helped.