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Access these online resources for additional instruction and practice with quadratic equations.

Key equations

general form of a quadratic function f ( x ) = a x 2 + b x + c
the quadratic formula x = b ± b 2 4 a c 2 a
standard form of a quadratic function f ( x ) = a ( x h ) 2 + k

Key concepts

  • A polynomial function of degree two is called a quadratic function.
  • The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola. A parabola is a U-shaped curve that can open either up or down.
  • The axis of symmetry is the vertical line passing through the vertex. The zeros, or x - intercepts, are the points at which the parabola crosses the x - axis. The y - intercept is the point at which the parabola crosses the y - axis. See [link] , [link] , and [link] .
  • Quadratic functions are often written in general form. Standard or vertex form is useful to easily identify the vertex of a parabola. Either form can be written from a graph. See [link] .
  • The vertex can be found from an equation representing a quadratic function. See [link] .
  • The domain of a quadratic function is all real numbers. The range varies with the function. See [link] .
  • A quadratic function’s minimum or maximum value is given by the y - value of the vertex.
  • The minimum or maximum value of a quadratic function can be used to determine the range of the function and to solve many kinds of real-world problems, including problems involving area and revenue. See [link] and [link] .
  • Some quadratic equations must be solved by using the quadratic formula. See [link] .
  • The vertex and the intercepts can be identified and interpreted to solve real-world problems. See [link] .

Section exercises

Verbal

Explain the advantage of writing a quadratic function in standard form.

When written in that form, the vertex can be easily identified.

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How can the vertex of a parabola be used in solving real world problems?

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Explain why the condition of a 0 is imposed in the definition of the quadratic function.

If a = 0 then the function becomes a linear function.

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What is another name for the standard form of a quadratic function?

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What two algebraic methods can be used to find the horizontal intercepts of a quadratic function?

If possible, we can use factoring. Otherwise, we can use the quadratic formula.

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Algebraic

For the following exercises, rewrite the quadratic functions in standard form and give the vertex.

f ( x ) = x 2 12 x + 32

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g ( x ) = x 2 + 2 x 3

f ( x ) = ( x + 1 ) 2 2 , Vertex ( 1 , 4 )

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f ( x ) = x 2 + 5 x 2

f ( x ) = ( x + 5 2 ) 2 33 4 , Vertex ( 5 2 , 33 4 )

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h ( x ) = 2 x 2 + 8 x 10

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k ( x ) = 3 x 2 6 x 9

f ( x ) = 3 ( x 1 ) 2 12 , Vertex ( 1 , 12 )

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f ( x ) = 3 x 2 5 x 1

f ( x ) = 3 ( x 5 6 ) 2 37 12 , Vertex ( 5 6 , 37 12 )

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For the following exercises, determine whether there is a minimum or maximum value to each quadratic function. Find the value and the axis of symmetry.

y ( x ) = 2 x 2 + 10 x + 12

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f ( x ) = 2 x 2 10 x + 4

Minimum is 17 2 and occurs at 5 2 . Axis of symmetry is x = 5 2 .

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f ( x ) = x 2 + 4 x + 3

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f ( x ) = 4 x 2 + x 1

Minimum is 17 16 and occurs at 1 8 . Axis of symmetry is x = 1 8 .

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h ( t ) = 4 t 2 + 6 t 1

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f ( x ) = 1 2 x 2 + 3 x + 1

Minimum is 7 2 and occurs at 3. Axis of symmetry is x = 3.

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Source:  OpenStax, Precalculus. OpenStax CNX. Jan 19, 2016 Download for free at https://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11667/1.6
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