Graphing functions: f(x) = -1/2x^2

G

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Guest
Im not sure how to graph f(x)= -1/2x^2....

I dont know how to do the graphing when the problem involves fractions.

Someone please help.
 
What difference do fractions make?

Pick some values and substitute.

f(0) is usually good.
f(1) and f(-1) might be simple enough.

Are you familiar with how to graph single points?
 
What am I suppose to do with f(0)
f(1) and f(-1). Im not sure how to do this with fractions.
 
Re: Graphing functions

brianpadilla said:
f(x)= -1/2x^2
Strictly speaking, that's \(\displaystyle f(x) = \frac{-1}{2*x^{2}}\). If that's not your actual intent, your results will differ.

f(0) = -1/(2*0^2) = -1/(2*0) = -1/0 -- Well, THAT doesn't work. f(0) doesn't exist.
f(1) = -1/(2*1^2) = -1/(2*1) = -1/2 -- Graph (1,-1/2)
f(-1) = f(1) -- Graph (-1,-1/2)

Try a few more.
 
isnt the problem : (1/2)x^2
well if it is then you can make a "t" chart .
X//////////Y
______________
-2 /
-1 /
0 /
1 /
2 /

then you substitute in the numbers above and you solve. you will get five different ordered pairs . the first one would be(-2,2). do you understand it now ? :D
 
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