Identify the boundary curve by replacing the inequality with an equation: \(y = 3x^2 + 2\). This is a parabola opening upwards.
Graph the parabola \(y = 3x^2 + 2\) on the coordinate plane. Since the inequality is strict (\(<\)), draw the parabola as a dashed curve to indicate points on the curve are not included.
Choose a test point not on the parabola to determine which side of the curve satisfies the inequality. A common test point is \((0,0)\).
Substitute the test point into the inequality: check if \$0 < 3(0)^2 + 2\(, which simplifies to \)0 < 2\(. Since this is true, shade the region of the graph that contains the test point \)(0,0)$.
Label the graph clearly, showing the dashed parabola and the shaded region below it, representing all points where \(y < 3x^2 + 2\).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Graphing Quadratic Functions
A quadratic function is a polynomial of degree two, typically written as y = ax^2 + bx + c. Its graph is a parabola that opens upward if a > 0 and downward if a < 0. Understanding the shape and position of the parabola y = 3x^2 + 2 is essential for graphing the related inequality.
Graphing an inequality like y < 3x^2 + 2 involves first graphing the boundary curve y = 3x^2 + 2, usually as a solid or dashed line. Since the inequality is strict (<), the boundary is dashed, and the solution region includes all points where y-values are less than the parabola, which is shaded accordingly.
To determine which side of the boundary curve to shade, select a test point not on the curve (commonly (0,0)) and substitute it into the inequality. If the inequality holds true, shade the region containing that point; otherwise, shade the opposite side. This helps accurately represent the solution set of the inequality.