Question

graph the parabola $y = x^2$. plot the vertex. then plot another point on the parabola. if you make a mistake, you can erase your parabola by selecting the second point and placing it on top of the first.

Explanation:

Step1: Find the vertex

For $y=x^2$, the vertex form is $y=a(x-h)^2+k$ where $(h,k)$ is the vertex. Here $h=0, k=0$, so vertex is $(0,0)$.

Step2: Find another point

Choose $x=2$, substitute into $y=x^2$:
$y=(2)^2=4$, so the point is $(2,4)$.

Step3: Use symmetry for a third point

Since the parabola is symmetric over the y-axis, the point corresponding to $(2,4)$ is $(-2,4)$.

Answer:

1. Plot the vertex at $(0,0)$.
2. Plot the point $(2,4)$ (or $(-2,4)$) on the grid.
3. Draw a smooth, U-shaped curve passing through these points, symmetric across the y-axis.