2/24/2011

Definition:
Two points A & B are said to be symmetric with respect to a line if
the line is the perpendicular bisector of the line segment AB. A
curve is symmetric with respect to a line if each of its points is one
of a pair of points symmetric with respect to the line.
Two points A & B are symmetric with respect to a point O if O is the
BY: midpoint of the line segment AB. A curve is symmetric with
respect to a point O if each of its points is one of a pair of points
ENGR. JEFFERSON M. CIPRIANO, CE, MET
Instructor symmetric with respect to O.

An equation can easily be tested to determine whether its graph is 2. If an equation is unchanged when x is replaced by –x, then
symmetric with respect to either coordinate axis or the origin. From the graph of the equation is symmetric with respect to the
the definition of symmetry, we have the follow tests: y-axis. y

Example: y = x4 – 10x2 + 9
15

10

Test of Symmetry: 5

y = (-x)4 – 10(-x)2 + 9
x

1. If an equation is unchanged when y is replaced by –y, then

y = x4 – 10x2 + 9
-5

the graph of the equation is symmetric with respect to the -10

x-axis. y -15

Example: x = y2
4
3. If an equation is unchanged when x is replaced by –x and
3
y by –y, then the graph of the equation is symmetric with
respect to the origin.
2
y

x = (-y)2 x = y2 1
8

x Example: xy = 6 6

4
-3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 6
2
-1
x

-2 (-x)(-y) = 6 xy = 6 -8 -6 -4 -2

-2
2 4 6 8

-4
-3
-6

-4 -8

Definition:
The abscissa of a point where a curve touches or crosses the x-axis is
called an x-intercept, and the ordinate of a point where the curve
touches or crosses the y-axis is called a y-intercept.

To solve for the x-intercept set y = 0, and to solve for the y-intercept
set x = 0.
3 y

Example: y = – 2x -2
x2
2

For x-intercept; set y=0

1

x = -0.73 & x = 2.73 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5

-1

For y-intercept; set x=0 y = -2

-2

-3