Question

Please Help!
Graph the function f(x)=1/2x^2
I don't know how to start it! Please help.

Answer 1

kyle, do you still need some help with this problem?

Answer 2

Yes, I honestly am stuck. Nothing is making any sense to me.

Answer 3

ok, well, first i would like to ask for some clarification. then i think we can do the problem

Answer 4

so this a rational function, where the numerator is 1 and the denominator is 2x^2. Is that correct?

Answer 5

The Denominator is 2 with an x^2 off to the side. Sorry, Its just not making any sense to me.

Answer 6

Oh wait, yeah its next to the 2 i guess?

Answer 7

ok. it is 1 over the product of 2 x squared?

Answer 8

Yes.

Answer 9

perfect. now it is a quick road home

Answer 10

first, if you are stuck you can always graph point by point til you figure it out

Answer 11

something that might be a little faster is to consider what happens to this thing as it approaches x=0 from the left and from the right. that is where we can start

Answer 12

now, kyle, what happens when the graph is close to x=0 from the right?

Answer 13

now, bear in mind that because the denominator has an even power of x, the graph is symmetric around the y axis

Answer 14

so if we can figure what happens on the right, we know it is mirrored on the left side of the y axis

Answer 15

does this make sense?

Answer 16

Sorry, I was away. Let me read

Answer 17

sure

Answer 18

I'm sorry I'm lost. I understand that it will match on both sides. That's about it.

Answer 19

given the values, x=2, 1, 1/4, tell me their y coordinates

Answer 20

What? I understand the part where you get:
Then what?