Answer:
Option C. The flight of the bird is symmetric about the line x = 2 feet, which indicates that the bird is at the same height when it is horizontally 1 foot and 3 feet away from where it began its flight
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct function is
[tex]f(x)=(1/2)x^{2}-2x+20[/tex]
we have
[tex]f(x)=(1/2)x^{2}-2x+20[/tex]
This is a vertical parabola open upward (because the leading coefficient is positive)
The vertex is a minimum
The equation of the axis of symmetry is equal to the x-coordinate of the vertex
so
Convert the quadratic equation in vertex form
Factor the leading coefficient 1/2
[tex]f(x)=0.5(x^{2}-4x)+20[/tex]
Complete the square
[tex]f(x)=0.5(x^{2}-4x+4)+20-2[/tex]
[tex]f(x)=0.5(x^{2}-4x+4)+18[/tex]
Rewrite as perfect squares
[tex]f(x)=0.5(x-2)^{2}+18[/tex]
The vertex is the point (2,18)
The x-coordinate of the vertex is 2
therefore
The equation of the axis of symmetry is x=2
so
The flight of the bird is symmetric about the line x = 2 feet, which indicates that the bird is at the same height when it is horizontally 1 foot and 3 feet away from where it began its flight
Verify
For x=1
[tex]f(1)=(1/2)(1)^{2}-2(1)+20=18.5\ ft[/tex]
For x=3
[tex]f(1)=(1/2)(3)^{2}-2(3)+20=18.5\ ft[/tex]
[tex]f(1)=f(3)[/tex]