Q. If y=(x−1)(x+5) is graphed in the xy-plane, which of the following characteristics of the graph is displayed as a constant in the equation?
Expand the equation: The equation y=(x−1)(x+5) is a quadratic equation in standard form y=ax2+bx+c. To identify the constant characteristic, we need to expand the equation.y=(x−1)(x+5)=x(x+5)−1(x+5)=x2+5x−x−5=x2+4x−5
Identify constant term: Now that we have the expanded form of the equation, y=x2+4x−5, we can identify the constant term in the quadratic equation.The constant term is the term without the variable x, which is −5 in this case.
Constant term significance: The constant term in a quadratic equation does not affect the shape of the parabola but determines the y-intercept of the graph. The y-intercept is the point where the graph crosses the y-axis, which occurs when x=0.
Find y-intercept: Substituting x=0 into the equation y=x2+4x−5, we find the y-intercept:y=(0)2+4(0)−5y=−5
Graph interpretation: The y-intercept, which is −5, is the constant characteristic displayed in the equation when graphed in the xy-plane. It is the point (0,−5) on the graph.