Find the axis of symmetry for the quadratic function

𝒚 = −𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏𝟐𝒙 − 𝟓.

1.1.1 Given a quadratic equation

To find the axis of symmetry for a quadratic function, we use a methodical approach.
Let's illustrate this using the example quadratic function y = 2x^2 - 5x - 3 . The axis
of symmetry of a parabola is a vertical line that divides the parabola into two
mirror-image halves. Here are the steps to find it:

• Understand the General Form of a Quadratic Function: A quadratic function is

typically written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 . The axis of symmetry can be
found from the coefficients of this equation.

• Formula for the Axis of Symmetry: The axis of symmetry is given by the
𝑏
formula 𝑥 = − , where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are the coefficients from the quadratic
2𝑎
equation 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 .

• Identifying Coefficients: From the given equation 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 3 , identify 𝑎

and 𝑏 . In this case, 𝑎 = 2 and 𝑏 = −5 .

• Applying the Formula: Substitute the values of a and b into the formula
𝑏 −5
𝑥=− . For our example, this becomes 𝑥 = − .
2𝑎 2×2

• Calculating the Axis of Symmetry: Perform the calculation to find the value of 𝑥
that represents the axis of symmetry. For the example, it will be a specific number.

• Interpreting the Result: The resulting value of 𝑥 is the 𝑥 −coordinate of the axis
of symmetry. This line is vertical, so it can be expressed as 𝑥 = [calculated value]

1.1.2 Knowing the x-Intercepts

The x-intercepts (roots) of a parabola are the points where it crosses the x-axis. If you
know these two points, the axis of symmetry lies exactly in the middle of them.

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• Identify the X-Intercepts: Let's say the 𝑥 − values of the 𝑥 −intercepts are at 𝑥1
and 𝑥2 .
• Calculate the Midpoint: The axis of symmetry will be at the 𝑥 −coordinate that is
the midpoint of 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 .

Use the formula:

𝑥1 +𝑥2
𝑥axis of symmetry =
2

Interpreting the Result: The result gives you the axis of symmetry of the parabola.

Example with 𝒙 −intercepts

• Scenario: Suppose a parabola has 𝑥 −intercepts at 𝑥1 = 2 and 𝑥2 = 6 . These

are the points where the parabola crosses the 𝑥 −axis.

• Calculate the Midpoint: The axis of symmetry lies exactly midway between these
𝑥 −intercepts. To find it, calculate the average of 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 :

𝑥1 +𝑥2 2+6
𝑥axis of symmetry = = =4
2 2

• Conclusion: The axis of symmetry for this parabola is the line 𝑥 = 4 .

1.1.3 Knowing Two Points with the Same y-value (on a horizontal line)

If you know two points on the parabola that have the same y-value but different
𝑥 −values, the axis of symmetry is again exactly midway between these two points.

• Identify the Points: Suppose the points are (𝑥1 ; 𝑦) and (𝑥2 ; 𝑦) , with the
same 𝑦 −value but different 𝑥 −values.

• Calculate the Midpoint: As before, the axis of symmetry is at the midpoint of

these two x-values. Use the same formula:

𝑥1 +𝑥2
𝑥axis of symmetry =
2

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Interpreting the Result: The calculation gives you the x-coordinate of the axis of
symmetry.

Example with Two Points Having the Same 𝒚 −value

Scenario: Consider a parabola on which the points (1 ; 3) and (7 ; 3) lie. These

points have the same y-value but different 𝑥 −values.

Calculate the Midpoint: Since these two points are symmetric about the axis of
symmetry, it will be exactly in the middle of their x-coordinates. Calculate the
average of these x-coordinates:

1+7
𝑥axis of symmetry = =4
2

In both examples, the axis of symmetry is determined by finding the midpoint

between either the x-intercepts or the x-coordinates of two symmetric points with
the same y-value. The principle relies on the symmetric nature of parabolas, where
the axis of symmetry is a vertical line that divides the parabola into two mirror-image
halves.

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