This lesson will teach you how to test for symmetry. You can test the graph of a relation for symmetry with respect to the x-axis, y-axis, and the origin. In this lesson, we will confirm symmetry algebraically.
The graph of a relation is symmetric with respect to the x-axis if for every point (x,y) on the graph, the point (x, -y) is also on the graph. To check for symmetry with respect to the x-axis, just replace y with -y and see if you still get the same equation. If you do get the same equation, then the graph is symmetric with respect to the x-axis.
Example #1:
is x = 3y4 - 2 symmetric with respect to the x-axis?
Replace y with -y in the equation.
X = 3(-y)4 - 2
X = 3y4 - 2
Since replacing y with -y gives the same equation, the equation x = 3y4 - 2 is symmetric with respect to the x-axis.
The graph of a relation is symmetric with respect to the y-axis if for
every point (x,y) on the graph, the point (-x, y) is also on the graph.
To check for symmetry with respect to the y-axis, just replace x with -x and see if you still get the same equation. If you do get the same equation, then the graph is symmetric with respect to the y-axis.
Example #2:
is y = 5x2 + 4 symmetric with respect to the x-axis?
Replace x with -x in the equation.
Y = 5(-x)2 + 4
Y = 5x2 + 4
Since replacing x with -x gives the same equation, the equation y = 5x2 + 4 is symmetric with respect to the y-axis.
The graph of a relation is symmetric with respect to the origin if for
every point (x,y) on the graph, the point (-x, -y) is also on the graph.
To check for symmetry with respect to the origin, just replace x with -x and y
with -y and see if you still get the same equation. If you do get the same equation, then the graph is symmetric with respect to the origin.
Example #3:
is 2xy = 12 symmetric with respect to the origin?
Replace x with -x and y with -y in the equation.
2(-x × -y) = 12
2xy = 12
Since replacing x with -x and y with -y gives the same equation, the equation
2xy = 12 is symmetric with respect to the origin.
Nov 18, 20 01:20 PM
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