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Advanced MathHardVertex and intercepts from vertex form

Advanced Math practice question

The function w is defined by w(x) = (x + 1)² − 4. Which statement about the graph of y = w(x) is true?

  1. A. Its vertex is (−1, −4), and it crosses the x-axis at x = 1 and x = −3.Correct
  2. B. Its vertex is (1, −4), and it crosses the x-axis at x = −1 and x = 3.
  3. C. Its vertex is (−1, 4), and it does not cross the x-axis.
  4. D. Its vertex is (−1, −4), and it crosses the x-axis at x = 2 and x = −2.

Answer: A. Its vertex is (−1, −4), and it crosses the x-axis at x = 1 and x = −3.

Vertex form (x − h)² + k with h = −1, k = −4. Zeros: (x + 1)² = 4, x + 1 = ±2, x = 1 or −3.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Its vertex is (1, −4), and it crosses the x-axis at x = −1 and x = 3.
(x + 1)² has its vertex at x = −1, not 1.
C. Its vertex is (−1, 4), and it does not cross the x-axis.
The −4 puts the vertex below the axis, so it does cross.
D. Its vertex is (−1, −4), and it crosses the x-axis at x = 2 and x = −2.
±2 are the values of x + 1, not of x.

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