This week we learned how to graph 3 different types of equations. There is Standard form, Factored form, and Vertex form. When the steps say Find the zeros what it means is that when you are looking for the X- intercepts you need to make that whole bracket a zero. So if its (x-5)(x+4) to find the zeros and to get your x-intercepts it would be (5,-4). When you are trying to find the line of symmetry (middle) you take the x- intercepts and add them together and then divide that sum by two and then you get the number for the line of symmetry. Also when you are looking for the vertex place the number of the line of symmetry the the equation where ever there is an X.
When you are doing a standard form equation the y- intercept will always be the last number in the equation. The y- intercept is where the line crosses through the y axis. Also when you are getting ready to graph the standard form equation you always want to try and factor it first. But if you can see (like this equation) you won’t get “nice numbers” then you should leave it how it is and just go to making the table. The reason for making the table is to find the y value. You pick numbers and place them where the X’s are in the equation and then then you go through and do the equation and then your answer is y and you then write it in the y column of the table.
Careful when you list your zeros … there often will be two of them. This means there are two different places that the parabola intersects the x axis, which means there should be two different coordinates. In one of the examples you said they were 5 and -4 but when you wrote them together as (5, -4), this has a completely different meaning. This single point is NOT on the x axis. It should have been listed at (5,0) and (-4,0). It would be a good idea to go back and update your post so you don’t confuse yourself later 🙂