Quadratic and

9 Exponential Functions

• Graph quadratic functions.

• Solve quadratic equations.

• Graph exponential functions.

• Solve problems involving growth

and decay.

Key Vocabulary
completing the square (p. 487)
exponential function (p. 502)
parabola (p. 471)
Quadratic Formula (p. 493)

Real-World Link
Dinosaurs Exponential decay is one type of exponential
function. Carbon dating uses exponential decay to
determine the age of fossils and dinosaurs.

Quadratic and Exponential Functions Make this Foldable to help you organize your notes. Begin with
three sheets of grid paper.

1 Fold each sheet in half 2 Unfold each sheet

along the width. and tape to form
one long piece.

5-1
5-2

3 Label each page with ™‡Ó ™‡{

5-3
5-4
™‡£ ™‡Î ™‡x
™‡È 5-5
5-6
the lesson number as 5-7
Vocabulary
shown. Refold to form
a booklet.

468 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 GET READY for Chapter 9
Diagnose Readiness You have two options for checking Prerequisite Skills.

Option 2
Take the Online Readiness Quiz at algebra1.com.
Option 1
Take the Quick Check below. Refer to the Quick Review for help.

Use a table of values to graph each EXAMPLE 1

equation. (Lesson 3-3)
Use a table of values to graph y = 2x - 2.
1. y = x + 5 2. y = 2x - 3
y
3. y = 0.5x + 1 4. y = -3x - 2 x y = 2x - 2 y
y ⫽ 2x ⫺ 2
5. 2x - 3y = 12 6. 5y = 10 + 2x -1 2(-1) - 2 -4
0 2(0) - 2 -2
O x
7. SAVINGS Suppose you have already 1 2(1) - 2 0
saved $200 toward the cost of a car. You
2 2(2) - 2 2
plan to save $35 each month for the next
several months. Graph the equation for
the total amount T you will have in
m months.

Determine whether each trinomial is EXAMPLE 2

a perfect square trinomial. If so factor
Determine whether x 2 - 22x + 121 is a
it. (Lesson 8-6)
perfect square trinomial. If so, factor it.
8. t 2 + 12t + 36 9. a 2 - 14a + 49 1. Is the first term a perfect square? yes
10. m 2 - 18m + 81 11. y 2 + 8y + 12 2. Is the last term a perfect square? yes
3. Is the middle term equal to 2(1x)(11)? yes
12. 9b 2 - 6b + 1 13. 6x 2 + 4x + 1
x 2 - 22x + 121 is a perfect square trinomial.
2 2
14. 4p + 12p + 9 15. 16s - 24s + 9
x 2 - 22x + 121 = (x - 11) 2

Find the next three terms of each arithmetic EXAMPLE 3

sequence. (Lesson 3-4)
Find the next three terms of the arithmetic
16. 5, 9, 13, 17, ... 17. 12, 5, -2, -9, ... sequence -104, -4, 96, 196, ... .
18. -4, -1, 2, 5, ... 19. 24, 32, 40, 48, ... Find the common difference by subtracting
successive terms.
20. GEOMETRY Write a formula that can be -4 - (-104) = 100
used to find the number of sides of a
pattern containing n triangles. The common difference is 100.
Add to find the next three terms.
196 + 100 = 296, 296 + 100 = 396,
396 + 100 = 496
SIDES SIDES SIDES The next three terms are 296, 396, 496.

Chapter 9 Get Ready For Chapter 9 469

 EXPLORE Graphing Calculator Lab
9-1 Exploring Graphs of
Quadratic Functions
Not all functions are linear. The graphs of nonlinear functions have
different shapes. One type of nonlinear function is a quadratic function.
The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola. You use a data collection
device to conduct an experiment and investigate quadratic functions.

• Set up the data collection device

to collect data every 0.2 second
for 4 seconds.
• Connect the motion sensor to your
data collection device. Position
the motion detector on the floor
pointed upward.

ACTIVITY
Step 1 Have one group member
hold a ball about 3 feet above
the motion detector. Another
group member will operate the data collection device.
Step 2 When the person operating the data collection device says “go,”
he or she should press the start button to begin data collection.
At the same time, the ball should be tossed straight upward.
Step 3 Try to catch the ball at about the same height at which it was
tossed. Stop collecting data when the ball is caught.

ANALYZE THE RESULTS

1. The domain contains values represented by the independent variable,
time. The range contains values represented by the dependent
variable, distance. Use the graphing calculator to graph the data.
2. Write a sentence that describes the shape of the graph. Is the graph
linear? Explain.
3. Describe the position of the point on the graph that represents the
starting position of the ball.
4. Use the TRACE feature of the calculator to find the maximum height
of the ball. At what time was the maximum height achieved?
5. Repeat the experiment and toss the ball higher. Compare and
contrast the new graph and the first graph.
6. Conduct an experiment in which the motion detector is held at a
height of 4 feet and pointed downward at a dropped ball. How does
the graph for this experiment compare to the other graphs?

470 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 9-1 Graphing Quadratic Functions

Main Ideas
• Graph quadratic Boston’s Fourth of July
iˆ}…ÌʜvÊ,œVŽiÌ
functions. celebration includes a fireworks
• Find the equation of display set to music. If a rocket H
(firework) is launched with an nä
the axis of symmetry
and the coordinates initial velocity of 39.2 meters per

iˆ}…ÌÊ­“iÌiÀî
Èä
of the vertex of second at a height of 1.6 meters
a parabola.
above the ground, the equation {ä
h = -4.9t 2 + 39.2t + 1.6
New Vocabulary
represents the rocket’s height h in Óä
quadratic function meters after t seconds. The rocket
parabola will explode at approximately ä Ó { È n T
minimum the highest point.
maximum /ˆ“iÊ­ÃiVœ˜`î
vertex
symmetry
axis of symmetry
Graph Quadratic Functions The function describing the height of the
rocket is an example of a quadratic function. A quadratic function can be
written in the form y = ax 2 + bx + c, where a ≠ 0. This form of equation is
called standard form. The graph of a quadratic function is called a parabola.

Quadratic Function
Words A quadratic function can be described by an equation of the form
y = ax 2 + bx + c, where a ≠ 0.
Models y y Y

O x O x / X
Y 
X ÓÊ

Parent Graph
The parent graph of
the family of quadratic
functions is y = x 2. EXAMPLE Graph Opens Upward
Use a table of values to graph y = 2x 2 - 4x - 5. What are the domain
and range of this function? domain
x y y
Graph these ordered
pairs and connect them -2 11 10
with a smooth curve. -1 1
6
Because the parabola 0 -5
range

extends infinitely, the 1 -7 2

domain is all real numbers. 2 -5 4 2 O 2 4x
The range is all real 4
3 1
numbers greater than
4 11
or equal to -7. y  2x 2  4x  5

Lesson 9-1 Graphing Quadratic Functions 471

 1. Use a table of values to graph y = x 2 + 3. What are the domain and
range of this function?

Consider the standard form y = ax 2 + bx + c. Notice that the value of a in

Example 1 is positive and the curve opens upward. The graph of any
quadratic function in which a is positive opens upward. The lowest point, or
minimum, of this graph is located at (1, -7).

Graph Opens Downward

FLYING DISKS The equation y = -x 2 + 4x + 3 represents the height y of
a flying disk x seconds after it is tossed.
a. Use a table of values to graph x y
y
2
y = -x + 4x + 3.
-1 -2
Graph these ordered pairs and 0 3
connect them with a smooth curve.
1 6
b. What are the domain and range 2 7
of this function? y  x 2  4x  3
3 6 O x
D: {x|x is a real number.} 4 3
R: {y|y ≤ 7} 5 -2

c. Describe reasonable domain and range values for this situation.

The flying disk is in the air for about 4.6 seconds, so a reasonable domain
is {x|0 ≤ x ≤ 4.6}. The height of the flying disk ranges from 0 to 7 feet, so
a reasonable range is {y|0 ≤ y ≤ 7}.

2. Use a table of values to graph y = -2x 2 + x + 1. What are the domain

and range of this function?

Notice that the value of a in Example 2 is negative and the curve opens
Reading Math
downward. The graph of any quadratic function in which a is negative opens
Vertex The plural downward. The highest point, or maximum, of the graph is located at (2, 3).
of vertex is vertices. The maximum or minimum point of a parabola is called the vertex.
In math, vertex has
several meanings.
For example, there Symmetry and Vertices Parabolas possess a geometric property called
are the vertex of an symmetry. Symmetrical figures are those in which each half of the figure
angle, the vertices of matches the other exactly.
a polygon, and the
vertex of a parabola.
The line that divides a parabola into two halves Y
is called the axis of symmetry. Each point on the
" X
parabola that is on one side of the axis of symmetry
has a corresponding point on the parabola on the
other side of the axis. The vertex is the only point
on the parabola that is on the axis of symmetry. >݈Ãʜv
Notice the relationship between the values a and b Ãޓ“iÌÀÞ
Y 
X ÓÊ
X Ê
È X Ê £
and the equation of the axis of symmetry. Ó

472 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 Axis of Symmetry of a Parabola
Words The equation of the axis of Model y
symmetry for the graph of
y = ax 2 + bx + c,
where a ≠ 0, is x = -_.
b
2a O x
b
x   2a

EXAMPLE Vertex and Axis of Symmetry

Consider the graph of y = -3x 2 - 6x + 4.
a. Write the equation of the axis of symmetry.
In y = -3x 2 - 6x + 4, a = -3 and b = -6.
x = -_
b
Equation for the axis of symmetry of a parabola
2a
_
x = - -6 or -1 a = -3 and b = -6
2 (-3)
The equation of the axis of symmetry is x = -1.
b. Find the coordinates of the vertex.
Since the equation of the axis of symmetry is x = -1 and the vertex lies
Coordinates
on the axis, the x-coordinate for the vertex is -1.
of Vertex
Notice that you can y = -3x 2 - 6x + 4 Original equation
find the x-coordinate y = -3 (-1) 2 - 6 (-1) + 4 x = -1
by knowing the axis of
symmetry. However, to y = -3 + 6 + 4 Simplify.
find the y-coordinate, y=7 Add.
you must substitute
the value of x into the The vertex is at (-1, 7).
quadratic equation.
c. Identify the vertex as a maximum or minimum.
Since the coefficient of the x 2 term is negative, the parabola opens
downward and the vertex is a maximum point.
d. Graph the function.
You can use the symmetry of the parabola (1, 7)
y
to help you draw its graph. On a coordinate
plane, graph the vertex and the axis of y  3x 2  6x  4
symmetry. Choose a value for x other x  1
than -1. For example, choose 1 and find
the y-coordinate that satisfies the equation.
y = -3x 2 - 6x + 4 Original equation O x

y = -3 (1) 2 - 6 (1) + 4 Let x = 1.

y = -5 Simplify. 2 2
(3, 5) (1, 5)
Graph (1, -5). Since the graph is symmetrical
about its axis of symmetry x = -1, you can find
another point on the other side of the axis of symmetry. The point at (1, -5)
is 2 units to the right of the axis. Go 2 units to the left of the axis and
plot the point (-3, -5). Repeat this for several other points. Then sketch
the parabola.

Extra Examples at algebra1.com Lesson 9-1 Graphing Quadratic Functions 473

 Consider the graph of y = x 2 + 2x + 18.
3A. Write the equation of the axis of symmetry.
3B. Find the coordinates of the vertex.
3C. Identify the vertex as a maximum or minimum.
3D. Graph the function.

Match Equations and Graphs

Which is the graph of y + 1 = (x + 1) 2?

A y B y C y D y
O x
O x

O x
O x

Read the Test Item

Substituting Values You are given a quadratic function, and you are asked to choose its graph.
The ordered pair
(0, 0) satisfies Solve the Test Item
the equation
y + 1 = (x + 1) 2. Step 1 First write the equation in standard form.
Since the point at y + 1 = (x + 1) 2 Original equation
(0, 0) is on the
graph, choices A y + 1 = x 2 + 2x + 1 (x + 1) 2 = x 2 + 2x + 1
and D can be y + 1 - 1 = x 2 + 2x + 1 - 1 Subtract 1 from each side.
eliminated.
y = x 2 + 2x Simplify.

Step 2 Then find the axis of symmetry of the graph of y = x 2 + 2x.

x = -_
b
Equation for the axis of symmetry
2a
x = -_2
or -1 a = 1 and b = 2
2( 1)
The axis of symmetry is x = -1. Look at the graphs. Since only choices
C and D have x = -1 as their axis of symmetry, you can eliminate choices
A and B. Since the coefficient of the x 2 term is positive, the graph opens
upward. Eliminate choice D. The answer is C.

4. Which is the equation of the graph? Y

F y - 1 = (x + 2) 2
G y - 1 = (x - 2) 2
H y + 2 = (x - 1) 2 " X
J y - 2 = (x + 1) 2

Personal Tutor at algebra1.com

474 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 Examples 1, 2 Use a table of values to graph each function.
(pp. 471–472) 1. y = x 2 - 5 2. y = x 2 + 2
3. y = -x 2 + 4x + 5 4. y = x 2 + x - 1

Example 3 Write the equation of the axis of symmetry, and find the coordinates of the
(pp. 473–474) vertex of the graph of each function. Identify the vertex as a maximum or
minimum. Then graph the function.
5. y = x 2 + 4x - 9 6. y = -x 2 + 5x + 6
7. y = -(x - 2) 2 + 1 8. y = (x + 3) 2 - 4

Example 4 9. STANDARDIZED TEST PRACTICE Which is the graph of y = -_

1 2
x + 1?
(p. 474)
2
A y C y

O
x
O x

B y D y

O x
O x

HOMEWORK HELP Use a table of values to graph each function.

For See 10. y = x 2 - 3 11. y = -x 2 + 7
Exercises Examples
12. y = x 2 - 2x - 8 13. y = x 2 - 4x + 3
10–15 1, 2
14. y = -3x 2 - 6x + 4 15. y = -3x 2 + 6x + 1
16–29 3

Write the equation of the axis of symmetry, and find the coordinates of the
vertex of the graph of each function. Identify the vertex as a maximum or
minimum. Then graph the function.
16. y = 4x 2 17. y = -2x 2
18. y = x 2 + 2 19. y = -x 2 + 5
20. y = -x 2 + 2x + 3 21. y = -x 2 - 6x + 15
22. y = 3x 2 - 6x + 4 23. y = 9 - 8x + 2x 2

24. What is the equation of the axis of symmetry of the graph of

y = -3x 2 + 2x - 5?
25. Find the equation of the axis of symmetry of the graph of y = 4x 2 - 5x + 16.

Lesson 9-1 Graphing Quadratic Functions 475

 ENTERTAINMENT For Exercises 26 and 27, use the winner
following information.
A carnival game involves striking a lever that forces
a weight up a tube. If the weight reaches 20 feet to
ring the bell, the contestant wins a prize. The equation
h = -16t 2 + 32t + 3 gives the height of the weight if
the initial velocity is 32 feet per second.
26. Find the maximum height of the weight.
27. Will a prize be won? Explain.

PETS For Exercises 28 and 29, use the following 20  x

information.
Miriam has 40 meters of fencing to build a pen for her dog.
x x
28. Use the diagram to write an equation for the area A
of the pen. Describe a reasonable domain and range
for this situation. 20  x
29. What value of x will result in the greatest area?
What is the greatest possible area of the pen?

Write the equation of the axis of symmetry, and find the coordinates of the
Real-World Link vertex of the graph of each function. Identify the vertex as a maximum or
The Gateway Arch is minimum. Then graph the function.
part of a tribute to 30. y = -2(x - 4) 2 - 3 31. y + 2 = x 2 - 10x + 25
Thomas Jefferson, the
Louisiana Purchase, and 32. y - 5 = _
1
(x + 2) 2 33. y + 1 = _
1
(x + 1) 2
the pioneers who 3 3
settled the West. Each
year about 2.5 million
34. The vertex of a parabola is at (-4, -3). If one x-intercept is -11, what is the
people visit the arch. other x-intercept?
Source: World Book 35 . What is the equation of the axis of symmetry of a parabola if its x-intercepts
Encyclopedia are -6 and 4?

ARCHITECTURE For Exercises 36–38, use the following information.

The shape of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is a catenary curve.
It resembles a parabola with the equation h = -0.00635x 2 + 4.0005x - 0.07875,
where h is the height in feet and x is the distance from one base in feet.
36. What is the equation of the axis of symmetry?
37. What is the distance from one end of the arch to the other?
38. What is the maximum height of the arch?

FOOTBALL For Exercises 39–41, use the following information.

A football is kicked from ground level at an initial velocity of 90 feet per
second. The equation h = -16t 2 + 90t gives the height h of the football
after t seconds.
EXTRA PRACTICE 39. What is the height of the ball after one second?
See pages 735, 752.
40. When is the ball 126 feet high?
Self-Check Quiz at 41. When is the height of the ball zero feet? Describe the events these
algebra1.com
represent.

H.O.T. Problems 42. OPEN ENDED Sketch a parabola that models a real-life situation and describe
what the vertex represents. Determine reasonable domain and range values
for this type of situation.

43. REASONING Sketch the parent graph of the function y = 3x 2 - 5x - 2.

476 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 REASONING Let f(x) = x 2 - 9.
44. What is the domain of f(x)?
45. What is the range of f(x)?
46. For what values of x is f(x) negative?
47. When x is a real number, what are the domain and range of f(x) = √
x2 - 9?
48. REASONING Determine the range of f(x) = (x - 5) 2 - 6.
49. CHALLENGE Write and graph a quadratic equation whose graph has the
axis of symmetry x = -_
3
. Summarize the steps that you took to determine
8
the equation.

50. Writing in Math Use the information about a rocket’s path on page 471
to explain how a fireworks display can be coordinated with recorded music.
Include an explanation of how to determine when the rocket will explode
and how to find the height of the rocket when it explodes.

51. In the graph of the function y = x 2 - 3, 52. REVIEW The costs of two packs of
which describes the shift in the vertex Brand A gum and two packs of Brand
of the parabola if, in the function, -3 is B gum are shown in the table. What
changed to 1? percent of the cost of Brand B gum
does James save by buying two packs
A 2 units up
of Brand A gum?
B 4 units up
Gum Cost of Two Packs
C 2 units down
Brand A $1.98
D 4 units down Brand B $2.50

F 11.6% H 26.3%
G 20.8% J 79.2%

Factor each polynomial, if possible. (Lessons 8-5 and 8-6)

53. x 2 + 6x - 9 54. a 2 + 22a + 121 55. 4m 2 - 4m + 1
56. 4q 2 - 9 57. 2a 2 - 25 58. 1 - 16g 2

Find each sum or difference. (Lesson 7-5)

59. (13x + 9y) + 11y 60. (8 - 2c 2) + (1 + c 2) 61. (7p 2 - p - 7) - (p 2 + 11)

62. RECREATION At a recreation facility, 3 members and 3 nonmembers pay

a total of $180 to take an aerobics class. A group of 5 members and
3 nonmembers pay $210 to take the same class. How much does it
cost each to take an aerobics class? (Lesson 5-3)

PREREQUISITE SKILL Find the x-intercept of the graph of each equation. (Lesson 3-3)
63. 3x + 4y = 24 64. 2x - 5y = 14 65. -2x - 4y = 7

Lesson 9-1 Graphing Quadratic Functions 477

 EXTEND Graphing Calculator Lab
9-1 The Family of
Quadratic Functions

The parent function of the family of quadratic functions is y = x 2.

ACTIVITY 1 Animation algebra1.com

Graph each group of equations on the same screen. Use the standard
viewing window. Compare and contrast the graphs.
KEYSTROKES: Review graphing equations on pages 162 and 163.
a. y = x 2, y = 2x 2, y = 4x 2 b. y = x 2, y = 0.5x 2, y = 0.2x 2

y ⫽ 4x 2 y ⫽ x2
y ⫽ 2x 2 y ⫽ 0.5x 2

y ⫽ x2 y ⫽ 0.2x 2

Each graph opens upward and has its Each graph opens upward and has
vertex at the origin. The graphs of its vertex at the origin. The graphs of
y = 2x 2 and y = 4x 2 are narrower than y = 0.5x 2 and y = 0.2x 2 are wider than
the graph of y = x 2. the graph of y = x 2.

1A. How does the value of a in y = ax 2 affect the shape of the graph?

c. y = x 2, y = x 2 + 3, y = x 2 - 2, d. y = x 2, y = (x - 3) 2, y = (x + 2) 2,
y = x2 - 4 y = (x + 4) 2

y ⫽ x2 ⫹ 3

y ⫽ x2 y ⫽ x2

y ⫽ x2 ⫺ 2 y ⫽ (x ⫹ 4)2
y ⫽ (x ⫺ 3)2
y ⫽ x2 ⫺ 4 y ⫽ (x ⫹ 2)2

Each graph opens upward and has Each graph opens upward and has
the same shape as y = x 2. However, the same shape as y = x 2. However,
each parabola has a different vertex, each parabola has a different vertex
located along the y-axis. located along the x-axis.

1B. How does the value of the constant affect the position of the graph?
1C. How is the location of the vertex related to the equation of the graph?

478 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions Other Calculator Keystrokes at algebra1.com
Suppose you graph the same equation using different windows. How will
the appearance of the graph change?

ACTIVITY 2
Graph y = x 2 - 7 in each viewing window. What conclusions can you draw
about the appearance of a graph in the window used?
a. standard viewing window b. [-10, 10] scl: 1 by [-200, 200] scl: 50

c. [-50, 50] scl: 5 by [-10, 10] scl: 1 d. [-0.5, 0.5] scl: 0.1 by [-10, 10] scl: 1

Without knowing the window, graph b might be of the family y = ax 2, where

0 < a < 1. Graph c looks like a member of y = ax 2 - 7, where a > 1. Graph d looks
more like a line. However, all are graphs of the same equation.

EXERCISES
Graph each family of equations on the same screen. Compare and contrast
the graphs.
1. y = -x 2 2. y = -x 2 3. y = -x 2 4. y = -x 2
y = -3x 2 y = -0.6x 2 y = -(x + 5) 2 y = -x 2 + 7
y = -6x 2 y = -0.4x 2 y = -(x - 4) 2 y = -x 2 - 5

Use the graphs on page 478 and Exercises 1–4 above to predict the appearance
of the graph of each equation. Then draw the graph.
5. y = -0.1x 2 6. y = (x + 1) 2 7. y = 4x 2 8. y = x 2 - 6

Describe how each change in y = x 2 would affect the graph of y = x 2. Be sure to

consider all values of a, h, and k.
9. y = ax 2 10. y = (x + h) 2 11. y = x 2 + k 12. y = (x + h) 2 + k

Extend 9–1 Graphing Calculator Lab: The Family of Quadratic Functions 479
 9-2 Solving Quadratic Equations
by Graphing

Main Idea
• Solve quadratic A golf ball follows a path much
equations by like a parabola. Because of this
graphing. property, quadratic functions
• Estimate solutions of can be used to simulate parts
quadratic equations of a computer golf game. One
by graphing. of the x-intercepts of the
quadratic function represents
New Vocabulary the location where the ball
quadratic equation will hit the ground.
roots
zeros
double root
Solve by Graphing A quadratic equation is an equation that can be
written in the form ax 2 + bx + c = 0, where a ≠ 0. The value of the
related quadratic function is 0.
Quadratic Equation Related Quadratic Function
x 2 - 2x - 3 = 0 f(x) = x 2 - 2x - 3
The solutions of a quadratic equation are called the roots of the
equation. The roots of a quadratic equation can be found by finding
the x-intercepts or zeros of the related quadratic function.

EXAMPLE Two Roots

Solve x 2 + 6x - 7 = 0 by graphing.
Graph the related function f(x) = x 2 + 6x - 7. The equation of
the axis of symmetry is x = -_ 6
or x = -3. When x equals -3,
2(1)
2
f(x) equals (-3) + 6(-3) - 7 or -16. So, the coordinates of the
vertex are (-3, -16). Make a table of values to find other points
to sketch the graph.
f(x)
x f(x)
Animation algebra1.com 4
-8 9
-6 -7
8 6 4 2 O 2x
-4 -15 4
-3 -16
8
-2 -15
0 -7 12
2 9
16
x-intercepts
The x-intercepts of
a graph are also To solve x 2 + 6x - 7 = 0, you need to know where the value
called the horizontal of f(x) is 0. This occurs at the x-intercepts. The x-intercepts of
intercepts. the parabola appear to be -7 and 1.

480 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 CHECK Solve by factoring.
x 2 + 6x - 7 = 0 Original equation
Common
Misconception (x + 7)(x - 1) = 0 Factor.
Although solutions
found by graphing
x+7=0 or x-1=0 Zero Product Property
may appear to be x = -7 ✔ x=1✔ The solutions are -7 and 1.
exact, you cannot be
sure that they are
exact. Solutions need
to be verified by 1. Solve -c 2 + 5c - 4 = 0 by graphing.
substituting into the
equation and checking,
or by using the
Quadratic equations always have two roots. However, these roots are not
algebraic methods that
you will learn in this always two distinct numbers. Sometimes the two roots are the same number,
chapter. called a double root. In other cases the roots are not real numbers.

EXAMPLE A Double Root

Solve b 2 + 4b = -4 by graphing.
First rewrite the equation so one side is equal to zero.
b 2 + 4b = -4 Original equation

b 2 + 4b + 4 = 0 Add 4 to each side.

Graph the related function f(b) = b 2 + 4b + 4. f (b )

Notice that the vertex of the parabola is the

b-intercept. Thus, one solution is -2. What is the
other solution?
Try solving the equation by factoring.
O b
b 2 + 4b + 4 = 0 Original equation f (b)  b 2  4b  4

(b + 2)(b + 2) = 0 Factor.

b+2=0 or b+2=0 Zero Product Property

b = -2 b = -2 The solution is -2.

2. Solve 0 = x 2 - 6x + 9 by graphing.

EXAMPLE No Real Roots

Solve x 2 - x + 4 = 0 by graphing. x f(x) f (x)

Graph the related function -1 6

Empty Set
f(x) = x 2 - x + 4. 0 4
The symbol ,
indicating an empty The graph has no x-intercept. 1 4
set, is often used to Thus, there are no real number 2 6 f (x)  x2  x  4
represent no real
solutions for this equation.
solutions.
O x

3. Solve -t 2 - 3t = 5 by graphing.

Extra Examples at algebra1.com Lesson 9-2 Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing 481
 Factoring can be used to determine whether the graph of a quadratic function
intersects the x-axis in zero, one, or two points.

EXAMPLE Factoring
Use factoring to determine how many times the graph of
f(x) = x 2 + x - 12 intersects the x-axis. Identify each root.
The graph intersects the x-axis when f(x) = 0.
x 2 + x - 12 = 0 Original equation

(x - 3)(x + 4) = 0 Factor.

Since the trinomial factors into two distinct factors, the graph of the
function intersects the x-axis 2 times. The roots are x = 3 and x = -4.

4. Use factoring to determine how many times the graph of

f(x) = x 2 - 10x + 25 intersects the x-axis. Identify each root.

Estimate Solutions In Examples 1 and 2, the roots of the equation were

integers. Usually the roots of a quadratic equation are not integers. In these
cases, use estimation to approximate the roots of the equation.

EXAMPLE Rational Roots

Solve n 2 + 6n + 7 = 0 by graphing. If integral roots cannot be found,
estimate the roots by stating the consecutive integers between which
the roots lie.
Graph the related function f(n) = n 2 + 6n + 7.
n f(n)
Location of
Roots -6 7 f (n )
Notice that the
Since quadratic -5 2 value of the
functions are function changes
-4 -1 f(n )  n 2  6n  7
continuous, there must from negative to
be a zero between -3 -2 positive between
x-values when their -2 -1 the n values of
function values have 5 and 4 and
-1 2 between 2 and O n
opposite signs.
0 7 1.

The n-intercepts are between -5 and -4 and between -2 and -1. So, one
root is between -5 and -4, and the other root is between -2 and -1.

5. Solve 2a 2 + 6a - 3 = 0 by graphing. If integral roots cannot be found,

estimate the roots by stating the consecutive integers between which
the roots lie.
Personal Tutor at algebra1.com

482 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 SOCCER If a goalie kicks a soccer ball with an upward velocity of
65 feet per second and his foot meets the ball 3 feet off the ground,
the function y = -16t 2 + 65t + 3 represents the height of the ball y in
feet after t seconds. Approximately how long is the ball in the air?
You need to find the solution of the equation
Real-World Link 0 = -16t 2 + 65t + 3. Use a graphing calculator
The game of soccer, to graph the related function y = -16t 2 + 65t + 3.
called “football” in
countries other than
The x-intercept is about 4. Therefore, the ball is in
North America, began the air about 4 seconds.
in 1857 in Britain. It
is played on every
continent of the world. [2, 7] scl: 1 by [20, 80] scl: 10
Source:
6. NUMBER THEORY Use a quadratic equation
worldsoccer.about.com to find two numbers whose sum is 5 and whose product is -24.

Examples 1–3 Solve each equation by graphing.

(pp. 480–481)
1. x 2 - 7x + 6 = 0 2. -a 2 - 10a = 25 3. c 2 + 3 = 0

Example 4 Use factoring to determine how many times the graph of each function
(p. 482) intersects the x-axis. Identify each root.
4. f(x) = x 2 + 2x - 24 5. f(x) = x 2 + 14x + 49

Example 5 Solve each equation by graphing. If integral roots cannot be found, estimate
(p. 482) the roots by stating the consecutive integers between which the roots lie.
6. -t 2 - 5t + 1 = 0 7. 0 = x 2 - 16 8. w 2 - 3w = 5

Example 6 9. NUMBER THEORY Two numbers have a sum of 4 and a product of -12. Use
(p. 483) a quadratic equation to determine the two numbers.

HOMEWORK HELP Solve each equation by graphing.

For See 10. c 2 - 5c - 24 = 0 11. 5n 2 + 2n + 6 = 0 12. 0 = x 2 + 6x + 9
Exercises Examples
13. -b 2 + 4b = 4 14. x 2 + 2x + 5 = 0 15. -2r 2 - 6r = 0
10–17 1–3
18–21 4 16. The roots of a quadratic equation are -2 and -6. The minimum point of the
22–30 5 graph of its related function is at (-4, -2). Sketch the graph of the function and
31, 32 6 compare the graph to the graph of the parent function y = x 2.
17. The roots of a quadratic equation are -6 and 0. The maximum point of the
graph of its related function is at (-3, 4). Sketch the graph of the function
and compare the graph to the graph of the parent function y = x 2.

Use factoring to determine how many times the graph of each function
intersects the x-axis. Identify each root.
18. g(x) = x 2 - 8x + 16 19. h(x) = x 2 + 12x + 32
20. f(x) = x 2 + 3x + 4 21. g(x) = x 2 + 3x + 4

Lesson 9-2 Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing 483

 Solve each equation by graphing. If integral roots cannot be found, estimate
the roots by stating the consecutive integers between which the roots lie.
22. a 2 - 12 = 0 23. -n 2 + 7 = 0 24. 2c 2 + 20c + 32 = 0
25. 3s 2 + 9s - 12 = 0 26. 0 = x 2 + 6x + 6 27. 0 = -y 2 + 4y - 1
28. -a 2 + 8a = -4 29. x 2 + 6x = -7 30. m 2 - 10m = -21

31. NUMBER THEORY Use a quadratic equation to find two numbers whose sum
is 9 and whose product is 20.

The graph 32. COMPUTER GAMES In a computer football game, the function -0.005d 2 +
of the surface 0.22d = h simulates the path of a football at the kickoff. In this equation,
areas of the h is the height of the ball and d is the horizontal distance in yards. What
planets can be modeled
is the horizontal distance the ball will travel before it hits the ground?
by a quadratic equation.
Visit algebra1.com
to continue work 33. HIKING While hiking in the mountains, Monya and Kishi stop for lunch on a
on your project. ledge 1000 feet above a valley. Kishi decides to climb to another ledge 20 feet
above Monya. Monya throws an apple up to Kishi, but Kishi misses it. The
equation h = -16t 2 + 30t + 1000 represents the height in feet of the apple
t seconds after it was thrown. How long did it take for the apple to reach
the ground?

THEATER For Exercises 34–37, use the

following information.
The drama club is building a backdrop using
arches whose shape can be represented by the
function f(x) = -x 2 + 2x + 8, where x is the
length in feet. The area under each arch is to
be covered with fabric.
34. Graph the quadratic function and determine its x-intercepts.
35. What is the length of the segment along the floor of each arch?
36. What is the height of the arch?
37. The formula A = _ 2
bh can be used to estimate the area A under a parabola. In
3
this formula, b represents the length of the base, and h represents the height.
If there are five arches, calculate the total amount of fabric that is needed.

WORK For Exercises 38–40, use the following x

information.
Kirk and Montega mow the soccer playing fields. 1
2
area 400 ft
They must mow an area 500 feet long and 400 feet x x
wide. They agree that each will mow half the area.
x
Kirk will mow around the edge in a path of equal
width until half the area is left. 500 ft

38. What is the area each person will mow?

EXTRA PRACTICE 39. Write a quadratic equation that could be used to find the width x that Kirk
See pages 735, 752. should mow. What width should Kirk mow?
40. The mower can mow a path 5 feet wide. To the nearest whole number, how
Self-Check Quiz at
algebra1.com many times should Kirk go around the field?

H.O.T. Problems 41. OPEN ENDED Draw a graph to show a counterexample to the following
statement. Explain. All quadratic equations have two different solutions.
x 3 + 2x 2 - 3x
42. CHALLENGE Describe the zeros of f(x) = __. Explain your reasoning.
x+5

484 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 43. CHALLENGE The graph shown is a quadratic y
inequality. Similar to a linear inequality, the
quadratic equation is a boundary between two
half-planes. Analyze the graph and determine
Look Back whether the inequality is always, sometimes, or O x
To review linear never greater than 2. Explain.
inequalities, see
Lesson 6–6.
44. Writing in Math Use the information about
computer games on page 480 to explain how
quadratic equations can be used in computer
simulations. Describe what the roots of a simulation
equation for a computer golf game represent.

45. The graph of the y 46. REVIEW Q-Mart has 1200 blue towels
equation in stock. If they sell half of their
y = x 2 + 10x + 21 O x towels every three months and do not
is shown. For receive any more shipments of
what value or towels, how many towels will they
values of x is have left after a year?
y = 0?
F 60 H 150
A x = -4 C x = 7 and x = 3
G 75 J 300
B x = -5 D x = -7 and x = -3

Write the equation of the axis of symmetry, and find the coordinates of the
vertex of the graph of each equation. Identify the vertex as a maximum or
minimum. Then graph the function. (Lesson 9-1)
47. y = x 2 + 6x + 9 48. y = -x 2 + 4x - 3 49. y = 0.5x 2 - 6x + 5

Solve each equation. Check your solutions. (Lesson 8-6)

50. m 2 - 24m = -144 51. 7r 2 = 70r - 175 52. 4d 2 + 9 = -12d

Simplify. Assume that no denominator is equal to zero. (Lesson 7-2)

10m 4 22a 2b 5c 7 -9m 3n 5
53. _ 54. _ 55. _
30m -11abc2 -2 5 -4
27m n y
56. SHIPPING An empty book crate weighs 30 pounds. The weight of a book is
1.5 pounds. For shipping, the crate must weigh at least 55 pounds and no
more than 60 pounds. What is the acceptable number of books that can be
packed in the crate? (Lesson 6-4)

PREREQUISITE SKILL Determine whether each trinomial is a perfect square

trinomial. If so, factor it. (Lesson 8-6)
57. a 2 + 14 + 49 58. m 2 - 10m + 25 59. t 2 + 16t - 64 60. 4y 2 + 12y + 9

Lesson 9-2 Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing 485

 9-3 Solving Quadratic Equations
by Completing the Square

Main Ideas
• Solve quadratic Al-Khwarizmi, born in Baghdad in 780, is considered to be one of the
equations by finding foremost mathematicians of all time. He wrote algebra in sentences
the square root. instead of using equations, and he explained the work with geometric
• Solve quadratic sketches. Al-Khwarizmi would have described x 2 + 8x = 35 as “A
equations by square and 8 roots are equal to 35 units.” He would solve the problem
completing the using the following sketch.
square.

2x 4 4 The area of the shaded

New Vocabulary portion is x 2 ⫹ 8x or 35.
x2 x 2x x2 2x 35 Four squares each with
completing the square an area of 4 are used to
x 2x 4 4 complete the square.

To solve problems this way today, you might use algebra tiles
or a method called completing the square.

Find the Square Root Some equations can be solved by taking

the square root of each side.

EXAMPLE Irrational Roots

Solve x 2 - 10x + 25 = 7 by taking the square root of each side.
Round to the nearest tenth if necessary.
x 2 - 10x + 25 = 7 Original equation

(x - 5) 2 = 7 x 2 - 10x + 25 is a perfect square trinomial.

√
(x - 5) 2 = √7 Take the square root of each side.
|x - 5| = √
7 Simplify.

x - 5 = ± √
7 Definition of absolute value

x - 5 + 5 = ± √
7+5 Add 5 to each side.
x = 5 ± √
7 Simplify.

Use a calculator to evaluate each value of x.

x = 5 + √
7 or x = 5 - √
7 Write each solution.
≈ 7.6 ≈ 2.4 Simplify.

The solution set is {2.4, 7.6}.

1. Solve m 2 + 18m + 81 = 90 by taking the square root of each

side. Round to the nearest tenth if necessary.

486 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 Review Complete the Square In Example 1, the quadratic expression on one side of
Vocabulary the equation was a perfect square. However, few quadratic expressions are
perfect squares. To make any quadratic expression a perfect square, a method
Perfect Square called completing the square may be used.
Trinomial a trinomial
that is the square of
a binomial; Example: Consider the pattern for squaring a binomial such as x + 6.
x 2 + 12x + 36 is (x + 6) 2 = x 2 + 2(6)(x) + 6 2
a perfect square
trinomial because it is
= x 2 + 12x + 36

←
←
the square of (x + 6).
(Lesson 8-6) 2
(_2)
12 ←
62 Notice that one half of 12 is 6 and 6 2 is 36.

Completing the Square

To complete the square for a quadratic expression of the form x 2 + bx, you can
follow the steps below.
Step 1 Find _
1
of b, the coefficient of x.
2
Step 2 Square the result of Step 1.

Step 3 Add the result of Step 2 to x 2 + bx, the original expression.

EXAMPLE Complete the Square

Find the value of c that makes x 2 + 6x + c a perfect square.
Method 1 Use algebra tiles.

!RRANGETHETILES X
Ó
X X X X
Ó
X X X
FORX XSO 4OMAKE
THATTHETWOSIDES THEFIGUREA
OFTHEFIGUREARE X X £ £ £ SQUAREADD
Animation
CONGRUENT X X £ £ £ POSITIVE
algebra1.com
X X £ £ £  TILES

x 2 + 6x + 9 is a perfect square.

Method 2 Complete the square.

Step 1 Find _
1
of 6. _6 = 3
2 2
Step 2 Square the result of Step 1. 32 = 9
Step 3 Add the result of Step 2 to x 2 + 6x. x 2 + 6x + 9
Thus, c = 9. Notice that x 2 + 6x + 9 = (x + 3) 2.

2. Find the value of c that makes r 2 + 8r + c a perfect square.

You can use the technique of completing the square to solve quadratic
equations.

Extra Examples at algebra1.com Lesson 9-3 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square 487
 EXAMPLE Solve an Equation by Completing the Square
Solve a 2 - 14a + 3 = -10 by completing the square.
Isolate the a 2 and a terms. Then complete the square and solve.
a 2 - 14a + 3 = -10 Original equation
a 2 - 14a + 3 - 3 = -10 - 3 Subtract 3 from each side.
2
a - 14a = -13 Simplify.
2
Since _(2)
-14
a 2 - 14a + 49 = -13 + 49 = 49, add 49 to each side.
2 2
(a - 7) = 36 Factor a - 14a + 49.
a - 7 = ±6 Take the square root of each side.
a=7±6 Add 7 to each side.
a = 7 + 6 or a = 7 - 6 Separate the solutions.
= 13 =1 Simplify.

The solution set is {1, 13}.

3. Solve x 2 - 8x = 4 by completing the square. Round to the nearest

tenth if necessary.

To solve a quadratic equation in which the leading coefficient is not 1, first

divide each term by the coefficient. Then complete the square.

Solve a Quadratic Equation in Which a ≠ 1

ENTERTAINMENT The path of debris from fireworks when the wind
is about 15 miles per hour can be modeled by the quadratic function
h = -0.04x 2 + 2x + 8, where h is the height and x is the horizontal
distance in feet. How far away from the launch site will the debris land?

Explore You know the function that relates the horizontal and vertical
distances. You want to know how far away the debris will land.

Real-World Link Plan The debris will hit the ground when h = 0. Complete the square
One of the exploded to solve -0.04x 2 + 2x + 8 = 0.
fireworks for the Lake
Toya Festival in Japan Solve -0.04x 2 + 2x + 8 = 0 Equation for where debris will land
on July 15, 1988, broke 2
a world record. The __
-0.04x + 2x + 8
=_0
Divide each side by –0.04.
diameter of the burst -0.04 -0.04
was 3937 feet. x 2 - 50x - 200 = 0 Simplify.
Source: The Guinness Book
of Records x 2 - 50x - 200 + 200 = 0 + 200 Add 200 to each side.
2
x - 50x = 200 Simplify.
2
Since _
(2)
50
x 2 - 50x + 625 = 200 + 625 = 625, add 625 to each side.
2
x - 50x + 625 = 825 Simplify.
(x - 25) 2 = 825 Factor x 2 - 50x + 625.
x - 25 = ± √
825 Take the square root of each side.
x = 25 ± √
825 Add 25 to each side.

488 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 Use a calculator to evaluate each value of x.
x = 25 + √
825 or x = 25 - √
825 Separate the solutions.
≈ 53.7 ≈ -3.7 Evaluate.

Check Since you are looking for a distance, the negative number is not
reasonable. The debris will land about 53.7 feet from the launch site.

4. Solve 3n 2 - 18n = 30 by completing the square. Round to the nearest

tenth if necessary.
Personal Tutor at algebra1.com

Example 1 Solve each equation by taking the square root of each side. Round to
(p. 486) the nearest tenth if necessary.
1. b 2 - 6b + 9 = 25 2. m 2 + 14m + 49 = 20

Example 2 Find the value of c that makes each trinomial a perfect square.
(p. 487)
3. a 2 - 12a + c 4. t 2 + 5t + c

Example 3 Solve each equation by completing the square. Round to the nearest tenth
(p. 488) if necessary.
5. c 2 - 6c = 7 6. x 2 + 7x = -12 7. v 2 + 14v - 9 = 6
8. r 2 - 4r = 2 9. 4a 2 + 9a - 1 = 0 10. 7 = 2p 2 - 5p + 8

Example 4 11. GEOMETRY The area of a square can be doubled by increasing the length
(pp. 488–489) by 6 inches and the width by 4 inches. What is the length of the side of
the square?

HOMEWORK HELP Solve each equation by taking the square root of each side. Round to
For See the nearest tenth if necessary.
Exercises Examples 12. b 2 - 4b + 4 = 16 13. t 2 + 2t + 1 = 25
12–15 1 14. g 2 - 8g + 16 = 2 15. w 2 + 16w + 64 = 18
16–19 2
20–27 3 Find the value of c that makes each trinomial a perfect square.
28–33 4
16. s 2 - 16s + c 17. y 2 - 10y + c
18. p 2 - 7p + c 19. c + 11k + k 2

Solve each equation by completing the square. Round to the nearest tenth
if necessary.
20. s 2 - 4s - 12 = 0 21. d 2 + 3d - 10 = 0 22. y 2 - 19y + 4 = 70
23. d 2 + 20d + 11 = 200 24. a 2 - 5a = -4 25. p 2 - 4p = 21
26. x 2 + 4x + 3 = 0 27. d 2 - 8d + 7 = 0 28. 5s 2 - 10s = 23
29. 9r 2 + 49 = 42r 30. 4h 2 + 25 = 20h 31. 9w 2 - 12w - 1 = 0

Lesson 9-3 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square 489

 32. PARK PLANNING A rectangular garden of wild
flowers is 9 meters long by 6 meters wide. A
pathway of constant width goes around the
garden. If the area of the path equals the area 6m
of the garden, what is the width of the path?
9m
x m

33. NUTRITION The consumption of bread and cereal in the United States is
increasing and can be modeled by the function y = 0.059x 2 - 7.423x + 362.1,
where y represents the consumption of bread and cereal in pounds and x
represents the number of years since 1900. If this trend continues, in what
future year will the average American consume 300 pounds of bread and
cereal?

Solve each equation by completing the square. Round to the nearest tenth
if necessary.
34. 0.3t 2 + 0.1t = 0.2 35. 0.4v 2 + 2.5 = 2v
36. _
1 2 _
d - 5d - 3 = 0 37. _
1 2 _
f - 7f + _
1
=0
2 4 3 6 2
Real-World Career
38. Find all values of c that make x 2 + cx + 81 a perfect square.
Photographer
39. Find all values of c that make x 2 + cx + 144 a perfect square.
Photographers must
consider lighting, lens
setting, and composition Solve each equation for x in terms of c by completing the square.
to create the best
photograph. 40. x 2 + 4x + c = 0 41. x 2 - 6x + c = 0

42. PHOTOGRAPHY Emilio is placing a photograph 12 in.

For more information, behind a 12-inch-by-12-inch piece of matting.
go to algebra1.com. 2x in.
The photograph is to be positioned so that
the matting is twice as wide at the top and x in.

x in.
bottom as it is at the sides. If the area of the
EXTRA PRACTICE photograph is to be 54 square inches, what
12 in.
See pages 735, 752.
are the dimensions?
2x in.
Self-Check Quiz at
algebra1.com

H.O.T. Problems 43. OPEN ENDED Make a square using one or more of each of the following
types of tiles.
• x 2-tile • x-tile • 1-tile
Describe the area of your square using an algebraic expression.

44. REASONING Compare and contrast the following strategies for solving
x 2 - 5x - 7 = 0: completing the square, graphing the related function,
and factoring.

45. CHALLENGE Without graphing, describe the solution of x 2 + 4x + 12 = 0.

Explain your reasoning. Then describe the graph of the related function.

46. Which One Doesn’t Belong? Identify the expression that does not belong with
the other three. Explain your reasoning.

n2 - n + _
1
4
n2 + n + _
1
4
n2 - _
2
3
n+_
1
9 n2 + _
1
3
n+_
1
9

490 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 47. Writing in Math Use the information about Al-Khwarizmi on page 486 to
explain how ancient mathematicians used squares to solve algebraic equations.
Include an explanation of Al-Khwarizmi’s drawings for x 2 + 8x = 35 and a
step-by-step algebraic solution with justification for each step of the equation.

48. What are the solutions to the 49. REVIEW If a = -5 and b = 6, then
quadratic equation p 2 - 14p = 32? 3a - 2ab =
A 16 C -2, 16 F -75 H 30
B -3, 14 D -4, 7 G -55 J 45

Solve each equation by graphing. (Lesson 9-2)

50. x 2 + 7x + 12 = 0 51. x 2 - 16 = 0 52. x 2 - 2x + 6 = 0

PARKS For Exercises 53 and 54, use the following information.

(Lesson 9-1)
A city is building a dog park that is rectangular in shape and x
measures 280 feet around three of the four sides as shown in
the diagram.
53. If the width of the park in feet is x, write an equation that models
the area A of the park.
54. Analyze the graph of the related function by finding the coordinates
of the vertex and describing what this point represents.

Find the GCF for each set of monomials. (Lesson 8-1)

55. 14a 2b 3, 20a 3b 2c, 35ab 3c 2 56. 32m 2n 3, 8m 2n, 56m 3n 2

Write an inequality for each graph. (Lesson 6-4)

57. 58.
⫺6 ⫺5 ⫺4 ⫺3 ⫺2 ⫺1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 ⫺6 ⫺5 ⫺4 ⫺3 ⫺2 ⫺1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Use substitution to solve each system of equations. If the system does not
have exactly one solution, state whether it has no solution or infinitely many
solutions. (Lesson 5-2)
59. y = 2x 60. x = y + 3 61. x - 2y = 3
x+y=9 2x - 3y = 5 3x + y = 23

PREREQUISITE SKILL Evaluate √

b 2 - 4ac for each set of values. Round to
the nearest tenth if necessary. (Lesson 1–2)
62. a = 1, b = -2, c = -15 63. a = 2, b = 7, c = 3
64. a = 1, b = 5, c = -2 65. a = -2, b = 7, c = 5

Lesson 9-3 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square 491

 APTER
CH

9 Mid-Chapter Quiz
Lessons 9-1 through 9-3

Write the equation of the axis of symmetry, Solve each equation by graphing. If integral
and find the coordinates of the vertex of the roots cannot be found, estimate the roots by
graph of each function. Identify the vertex stating the consecutive integers between which
as a maximum or minimum. Then graph the the roots lie. (Lesson 9-2)
function. (Lesson 9-1)
5. x 2 + 6x + 10 = 0
2
1. y=x -x-6 6. x 2 - 2x - 1 = 0
2. y = 2x 2 + 3 7. x 2 - 5x - 6 = 0
3. y = -3x 2 - 6x + 5
4. MULTIPLE CHOICE Which graph shows a 8. SOFTBALL In a softball game, Lola hit the
function y = x 2 + b when b > 1? (Lesson 9-1) ball straight up with an initial upward
A y velocity of 47 feet per second. The height
h of the softball in feet above ground after
t seconds can be modeled by the equation
h = -16t 2 + 47t + 3. How long was the
softball in the air before it hit the ground?
(Lesson 9-2)
O x
Solve each equation by completing the square.
Round to the nearest tenth if necessary. (Lesson 9-3)
B y 9. s 2 + 8s = -15
10. a 2 - 10a = -24
11. y 2 - 14y + 49 = 5
12. 2b 2 - b - 7 = 14

O x 13. ROCKETS A model rocket is launched from

the ground with an initial upward velocity
of 475 feet per second. About how many
seconds will it take to reach the ground?
C y
Use the formula h = -16t 2 + 175t, where
h is the height of the rocket and t is the time
in seconds. Round to the nearest tenth if
x
necessary. (Lesson 9-3)
O

14. GEOMETRY The length and width of the

rectangle are increased by the same amount
so that the new area is 154 square centimeters.
D y Find the dimensions of the new rectangle.
(Lesson 9-3)

x cm

O x
5 cm

8 cm

492 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 9-4 Solving Quadratic Equations by
Using the Quadratic Formula

Main Ideas
• Solve quadratic In the past few decades, there has
Percent Born
equations by using been a dramatic increase in the Outside the U.S.
the Quadratic percent of people living in the
Formula. United States who were born in P
• Use the discriminant other countries. This trend can be 20
to determine the 16

Percent
modeled by the quadratic function
number of solutions 12
for a quadratic P = 0.006t 2 - 0.080t + 5.281, where 8
equation. P is the percent born outside the 4
United States and t is the number P  0.006t 2  0.080t  5.281
of years since 1960. 0 10 20 30 40 50 x
New Vocabulary Years Since 1960
Quadratic Formula To predict when 15% of the population
discriminant will be people who were born outside
of the U.S., you can solve the equation 15 = 0.006t 2 - 0.080t + 5.281.
This equation would be impossible or difficult to solve using
factoring, graphing, or completing the square.

Quadratic Formula You can solve the standard form of the quadratic
equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 for x. The result is the Quadratic Formula.

The Quadratic Formula

The solutions of a quadratic equation in the form ax 2 + bx + c = 0, where
a ≠ 0, are given by the Quadratic Formula.
-b ± √
b 2 - 4ac
x = __
2a

You can solve quadratic equations by factoring, graphing, completing

the square, or using the Quadratic Formula.

EXAMPLE Solve Quadratic Equations

Solve each equation. Round to the nearest tenth if necessary.
a. x 2 - 2x - 24 = 0
Method 1 Factoring
Quadratic x 2 - 2x - 24 = 0 Original equation
Formula
(x + 4)(x - 6) = 0 Factor x 2 - 2x - 24.
The Quadratic
Formula is proved x + 4 = 0 or x-6=0 Zero Product Property
in Lesson 10–1.
x = -4 x=6 Solve for x.

(continued on the next page)

Lesson 9-4 Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula 493
 Method 2 Quadratic Formula
For this equation, a = 1, b = -2, and c = -24.
-b ± √
b 2 - 4ac
x = __ Quadratic Formula
2a
- (-2) ± √
(-2) 2 - 4 (1) (-24)
= ___ a = 1, b = -2, and c = -24
2 (1)
2 ± √
4 + 96
= __ Multiply.
2
√
2 ± 
100
=_ _
2 ± 10
or Add and simplify.
2 2

x=_ x=_
2 - 10 2 + 10
or Separate the solutions.
2 2
= -4 =6 Simplify.

The solution set is {-4, 6}.

b. 24x 2 - 14x = 6
Step 1 Rewrite the equation in standard form.
The Quadratic 24x 2 - 14x = 6 Original equation
Formula
You may want to
24x 2 - 14x - 6 = 0 Subtract 6 from each side.
simplify this equation Step 2 Apply the Quadratic Formula.
by dividing each side
by 2 before applying -b ± √
b 2 - 4ac
the Quadratic Formula. x = __ Quadratic Formula
2a
However, the
- (-14) ± √
(-14) - 4 (24) (-6)2
= ___
Quadratic Formula can
help you find the a = 24, b = -14, and c = -6
2 (24)
solution of any
14 ± √
196 + 576
= __
quadratic equation.
Multiply.
48
14 ± √
=_
772
Add.
48
14 - √ 14 + √
x=_ x=_
772 772
or Separate the solutions.
48 48
≈ -0.3 ≈ 0.9 Simplify.

Check the solutions by using the CALC menu on a graphing calculator to

determine the zeros of the related quadratic function.

QÎ]ÊÎRÊÃV\Ê£ÊLÞÊQ£ä°Ê£äRÊÃV\Ê£ QÎ]ÊÎRÊÃV\Ê£ÊLÞÊQ£ä°Ê£äRÊÃV\Ê£

To the nearest tenth, the solution set is {-0.3, 0.9}.

1A. x 2 + 3x - 18 = 0 1B. 4x 2 + 2x = 17
Personal Tutor at algebra1.com

494 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 The table summarizes the five methods for solving quadratic equations.

Solving Quadratic Equations

Method Can Be Used Comments Lesson(s)

factoring sometimes Use if constant term is 0 or factors are easily determined. 8-2 to 8-6
using a sometimes Not always exact; use only when an approximate solution is 9-2
table sufficient.
graphing always Not always exact; use only when an approximate solution is 9-2
sufficient.
completing always Useful for equations of the form x 2 + bx + c = 0, 9-3
the square where b is an even number.
Quadratic always Other methods may be easier to use in some cases, but this 9-4
Formula method always gives accurate solutions.

Use the Quadratic Formula to Solve a Problem

SPACE TRAVEL The height H of an object t seconds after it is propelled
2
upward with an initial velocity v is represented by H = - 1 gt + vt + h,_
2
where g is the gravitational pull and h is the initial height. Suppose
an astronaut on the Moon throws a baseball upward with an initial
velocity of 10 meters per second, letting go of the ball 2 meters above
the ground. Use the information at the left to find how much longer
the ball will stay in the air than a similarly thrown baseball on Earth.
In order to find when the ball hits the ground, you must find when H = 0.
Write two equations to represent the situation on the Moon and on Earth.
Real-World Link
Baseball Thrown on the Moon Baseball Thrown on Earth
Astronauts have found
walking on the Moon
to be very different
H = -_
1 2
gt + vt + h H = -_
1 2
gt + vt + h
2 2
from walking on Earth
because the gravitational _
0 = - 1 (1.6)t 2 + 10t + 2 0 = -_
1( ) 2
9.8 t + 10t + 2
pull of the Moon is 2 2
only 1.6 meters per
second squared. The
0 = -0.8t 2 + 10t + 2 0 = -4.9t 2 + 10t + 2
gravitational pull on
Earth is 9.8 meters To find accurate solutions, use the Quadratic Formula.
per second squared.
-b ± √
b 2 - 4ac -b ± √
b 2 - 4ac
Source: World Book t = __ t = __
Encyclopedia 2a 2a

-10 ± √10 2
- 4 (-0.8) (2) 
-10 ± √10 2
- 4 (-4.9) (2)
= ___ = ___
2 (-0.8) 2 (-4.9)
-10 ± √
106.4 -10 ± √
139.2
= __ = __
-1.6 -9.8
t ≈ 12.7 or t ≈ -0.2 t ≈ 2.2 or t ≈ -0.2
Since a negative time is not reasonable, use the positive solutions. The ball
will stay in the air about 12.7 - 2.2 or 10.5 seconds longer on the Moon.

2. GEOMETRY The perimeter of a rectangle is 60 inches. Find the

dimensions of the rectangle if its area is 221 square inches.

Lesson 9-4 Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula 495
 The Discriminant In the Quadratic Formula, the expression under the radical
sign, b 2 - 4ac, is called the discriminant. The value of the discriminant can be
used to determine the number of real roots for a quadratic equation.

Using the Discriminant

Discriminant negative zero positive

Example 2x 2 + x + 3 = 0 x 2 + 6x + 9 = 0 x 2 - 5x + 2 = 0

2
-1 ± √1 - 4(2)(3) 
2
-6 ± √6 - 4(1)(9) 
-(-5) ± √(-5) - 4(1)(2)2
x = __ x = __ x = ___
2(2) 2(1) 2(1)

=_ =_
-6 ± √
0 5 ± √
17
= __
-1 ± √
-23
4 2 2
= _ or -3
There are no real roots -6
2 There are two roots,
since no real number
can be the square root There is a double root, -3. _
5 + √
17
and _.
5 - √
17
2 2
of a negative number.
Graph of f (x )  x 2  6x  9 f (x )  x 2  5x  2
Related f (x ) f (x ) f (x )
Function
O x

f (x )  2x 2  x  3
O x O x

The graph does not The graph touches the The graph crosses the
cross the x-axis. x-axis in one place. x-axis twice.
Number of
0 1 2
Real Roots

EXAMPLE Use the Discriminant

State the value of the discriminant for each equation. Then determine
the number of real roots of the equation.
a. 2x 2 + 10x + 11 = 0
b 2 - 4ac = 10 2 - 4 (2) (11) a = 2, b = 10, and c = 11
= 12 Simplify.
Since the discriminant is positive, the equation has two real roots.
b. 3m 2 + 4m = -2
Step 1 Rewrite the equation in standard form.
3m 2 + 4m = -2 Original equation
3m 2 + 4m + 2 = -2 + 2 Add 2 to each side.
2
3m + 4m + 2 = 0 Simplify.

Step 2 Find the discriminant.

b 2 - 4ac = 4 2 - 4 (3) (2) a = 3, b = 4, and c = 2
= -8 Simplify.
Since the discriminant is negative, the equation has no real roots.

496 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 3A. 4n 2 - 20n + 25 = 0 3B. 5x 2 - 3x + 8 = 0 3C. 2x 2 + 11x + 15 = 0

Example 1 Solve each equation by using the Quadratic Formula. Round to the nearest
(pp. 493–494) tenth if necessary.
1. x 2 + 7x + 6 = 0 2. t 2 + 11t = 12
3. r 2 + 10r + 12 = 0 4. 3v 2 + 5v + 11 = 0

Example 2 5. MANUFACTURING A pan is to be formed by cutting 2 2

(p. 495) 2-centimeter-by-2-centimeter squares from each
corner of a square piece of sheet metal and then x

folding the sides. If the volume of the pan is to be x4

441 square centimeters, what should the dimensions 2
2
of the original piece of sheet metal be?

Example 3 State the value of the discriminant for each equation. Then determine the
(p. 496) number of real roots of the equation.
6. m 2 + 5m - 6 = 0 7. s 2 + 8s + 16 = 0 8. 2z 2 + z = -50

HOMEWORK HELP Solve each equation by using the Quadratic Formula. Round to the nearest
For See tenth if necessary.
Exercises Examples 9. v 2 + 12v + 20 = 0 10. 3t 2 - 7t - 20 = 0 11. 5y 2 - y - 4 = 0
9–20 1, 2 12. x 2 - 25 = 0 13. r 2 + 25 = 0 14. 2x 2 + 98 = 28x
21, 22 3
15. 4s 2 + 100 = 40s 16. 2r 2 + r - 14 = 0 17. 2n 2 - 7n - 3 = 0
23–28 4
18. 5v 2 - 7v = 1 19. 11z 2 - z = 3 20. 2w 2 = -(7w + 3)

21. GEOMETRY What are the dimensions of Rectangle ABCD

rectangle ABCD? perimeter 42 cm
area 80 cm2

22. PHYSICAL SCIENCE A projectile is shot vertically up in the air from ground
level. Its distance s, in feet, after t seconds is given by s = 96t - 16t 2. Find
the values of t when s is 96 feet.

State the value of the discriminant for each equation. Then determine
the number of real roots of the equation.
23. x 2 + 3x - 4 = 0 24. y 2 + 3y + 1 = 0 25. 4p 2 + 10p = -6.25
26. 1.5m 2 + m = -3.5 27. 2r 2 = _
1
r-_
2
28. _
4 2
n + 4n = -3
2 3 3

Solve each equation by using the Quadratic Formula. Round to the nearest
tenth if necessary.
2 9. 1.34d 2 - 1.1d = -1.02 30. -2x 2 + 0.7x = -0.3
31. 2y 2 - _
5
y=_
1
32. w 2 + _
2
=_
3
w
4 2 25 5
Lesson 9-4 Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula 497
 Without graphing, determine the x-intercepts of the graph of each function.
2
33. f(x) = 4x 2 - 9x + 4 34. f(x) = 13x - 16x - 4

Without graphing, determine the number of x-intercepts of the graph

of each function.
35. f(x) = 7x 2 - 3x - 1 36. f(x) = x 2 + 4x + 7

RECREATION For Exercises 37 and 38, use the

following information.
As Darius is skiing down a ski slope, Jorge is on
Real-World Link
the chairlift on the same slope. The chair lift has
Downhill skiing is the
most popular type of
stopped. Darius stops directly below Jorge and
25 ft
snow skiing. Skilled attempts to toss a disposable camera up to him.
skiers can obtain speeds If the camera is thrown with an initial velocity of
of about 60 miles per 35 feet per second, the equation for the height of
hour as they race down
mountain slopes. the camera is h = -16t 2 + 35t + 5, where h
Source: World Book
represents the height in feet and t represents the
Encyclopedia time in seconds.
37. If the chairlift is 25 feet above the ground, will Jorge have 0, 1, or 2 chances
to catch the camera?
38. If Jorge is unable to catch the camera, when will it hit the ground?

EXTRA PRACTICE 39. AMUSEMENT PARKS The Demon Drop ride at Cedar Point takes riders to the
See pages 736, 752.
top of a tower and drops them 60 feet at speeds reaching 80 feet per second.
A function that models this ride is h = -16t 2 + 64t - 60, where h is the height
Self-Check Quiz at
algebra1.com in feet and t is the time in seconds. About how many seconds does it take for
riders to drop from 60 feet to 0 feet?

H.O.T. Problems 40. REASONING Use the Quadratic Formula to show that f(x) = 3x 2 - 2x - 4 has
two real roots.

41. FIND THE ERROR Lakeisha and Juanita are determining the number of
solutions of 5y 2 - 3y = 2. Who is correct? Explain your reasoning.

Lakeisha Juanita
2
5y - 3y = 2 5y 2 – 3y = 2
b 2 - 4ac = (-3) 2 - 4(5)(2) 5y 2 – 3y – 2 = 0
= -31 b 2 – 4ac = (–3) 2 – 4(5)(–2)
Since the discriminant is = 49
negative, there are no real Since the discriminant is positive,
solutions. there are two real roots.

42. OPEN ENDED Write a quadratic equation with no real solutions. Explain how
you know there are no solutions.

43. REASONING Use factoring techniques to determine the number of real roots of
the function f(x) = x 2 - 8x + 16. Compare this method to using the
discriminant.

2
44. Writing in Math Describe three different ways to solve x - 2x - 15 = 0.
Which method do you prefer and why?

498 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 45. Which statement best describes why 46. REVIEW In the system of equations
there is no real solution to the quadratic 6x - 3y =12 and 2x + 5y = 9, which
equation y = x 2 - 6x + 13? expression can be correctly
substituted for y in the equation
A The value of (-6) 2 - 4 · 1 · 13 is a
2x + 5y = 9?
perfect square.
F 12 + 2x
B The value of (-6) 2 - 4 · 1 · 13 is
equal to zero. G 12 - 2x
2
C The value of (-6) - 4 · 1 · 13 is H -4 + 2x
negative.
J 4 - 2x
D The value of (-6) 2 - 4 · 1 · 13 is
positive.

Solve each equation by completing the square. Round to the nearest tenth
if necessary. (Lesson 9-3)
47. x 2 - 8x = -7 48. a 2 + 2a + 5 = 20 49. n 2 - 12n = 5

Solve each equation by graphing. If integral roots cannot be found, estimate the
roots by stating the consecutive integers between which the roots lie. (Lesson 9-2)
50. x 2 - x = 6 51. 2x 2 + x = 2 52. -x 2 + 3x + 6 = 0

53. GEOMETRY The triangle has an area of

96 square centimeters. Find the base b of
the triangle. (Lesson 8-3) ­ÓBÊ
n®ÊV“

BÊV“

Factor each polynomial. (Lesson 8-2)

54. 24r + 6s 55. 15xy 3 + y 4 56. 2ax + 6xc + ba + 3bc

Solve each inequality. Then check your solution. (Lesson 6-3)

57. 2m + 7 > 17 58. -2 - 3x ≥ 2 59. -20 ≥ 8 + 7k

Write an equation of the line that passes through each point with the given
slope. (Lesson 4-4)
60. (2, 13), m = 4 61. (-2, -7), m = 0 62. (-4, 6), m = _
3
2

PREREQUISITE SKILL Evaluate c(a x) for each of the given values. (Lesson 1-1)
63. a = 2, c = 1, x = 4 64. a = 7, c = 3, x = 2 65. a = 5, c = 2, x = 3

Lesson 9-4 Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula 499
 EXTEND Algebra Lab
9-4 Applying Quadratic Equations

Many of the real-world problems you solved in Chapters 8 and 9 were

physical problems involving the path of an object that is influenced by gravity.
These paths, called trajectories, can be modeled by a quadratic function. The
formula relating the height of the object H(t) and time t is shown below.

H(t) = -_
1 2
gt + vt + h Initial height of the object
2

Height of the Acceleration Initial velocity

object due to gravity of the object

The acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 meters per second squared or 32 feet per
second squared.

EXAMPLE 1
Juan kicks a football at a velocity of 25 meters per second. If the ball
makes contact with his foot 0.5 meter off the ground, how long will the
ball stay in the air?

We want to find the time t when H(t) is 0. First substitute the known values
into the motion formula. Since the known measures are written in terms of
meters and meters per second, use 9.8 meters per second squared for the
acceleration due to gravity.

H(t) = -_
1 2
gt + vt + h Motion Formula
2
_
1
0 = - (9.8)t 2 + 25t + 0.5 H(t) = 0, g = 9.8, v = 25, h = 0.5
2
0 = -4.9t 2 + 25t + 0.5 Simplify.

Use the Quadratic Formula to solve for t.

-b ± √b
2 - 4ac
t = __ Quadratic Formula
2a
-25 ± √2
5 2 - 4(-4.9)(0.5)
= ___ a = -4.9, b = 25, c = 0.5
2(-4.9)
-25 ± √634.8

= __ Simplify.
-9.8
t ≈ -0.02 or t ≈ 5.12 Use a calculator.

Since time cannot be a negative value, discard the negative solution. The
football will be in the air about 5 seconds.

500 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 If an object were projected downward, the initial velocity of the object is negative.

EXAMPLE 2
Katharine is on a bridge 12 feet above a pond. She throws a handful of fish
food straight down with a velocity of 8 feet per second. In how many seconds
will it reach the surface of the water?

Since the units given are in feet, use g = 32 ft/s 2. Katharine throws the food
down, so the initial velocity is negative. When the food hits the water, H(t) will
be 0 feet.

H(t) = -_
1 2
gt + vt + h Motion Formula
2
0 = -_(32)t 2 - 8t + 12
1
H(t) = 0, g = 32, v = -8, h = 12
2
0 = -16t 2 - 8t + 12 Simplify.

0 = -4t 2 - 2t + 3 Divide each side by 4.

Use the Quadratic Formula to solve for t.

-b ± √b
2 - 4ac
t = __ Quadratic Formula
2a

± √(-2) 2 - 4(-4)(3)
2__
= a = -4, b = -2, c = 3
2(-4)
2 ± √52

=_ Simplify.
-8

t ≈ -1.15 or t ≈ 0.65 Use a calculator.

Discard the negative solution. The fish food will hit the water in 0.65 second.

EXERCISES
1. Darren swings at a golf ball on the ground with a velocity of 10 feet
per second. How long was the ball in the air?
2. Amalia hits a volleyball at a velocity of 15 meters per second. If the
ball was hit from a height of 1.8 meters, determine the time it takes
for the ball to land on the floor. Assume that the ball is not hit by
another player.
3. Michael is repairing the roof on a shed. He accidentally dropped a box
of nails from a height of 14 feet. How long did it take for the box to land
on the ground? Since the box was dropped and not thrown, v = 0.
4. Carmen threw a penny into a fountain. She threw it from a height of
1.2 meters and at a velocity of 6 meters per second. How long did it take
for the penny to hit the surface of the water?

Extend 9–4 Algebra Lab: Applying Quadratic Equations 501

 9-5 Exponential Functions

Main Ideas
• Graph exponential Earnest “Mooney” Warther
functions. was a whittler and a carver.
• Identify data that For one of his most unusual
displays exponential carvings, Mooney carved a
behavior. large pair of pliers in a tree.
From this original carving, he
New Vocabulary
carved another pair of pliers
exponential function in each handle of the original.
Then he carved another pair
of pliers in each of those handles. He continued this pattern to create
the original pliers and 8 more layers of pliers. Even more amazing is
the fact that all of the pliers work.

Graph Exponential Functions The number of pliers on each level is

given in the table below.
Level Number of Pliers Power of 2
Original 1 20

First 1(2) = 2 21

Second 2(2) = 4 22

Third 2(2)(2) = 8 23

Fourth 2(2)(2)(2) = 16 24

Fifth 2(2)(2)(2)(2) = 32 25

Sixth 2(2)(2)(2)(2)(2) = 64 26

Seventh 2(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2) = 128 27

Eighth 2(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2) = 256 28

Study the last column above. Notice that the exponent matches the level.
So we can write an equation to describe y, the number of pliers for any
given level x as y = 2 x. This function is neither linear nor quadratic. It is
in the class of functions called exponential functions in which the
variable is the exponent.

Exponential Function
An exponential function is a function that can be described by
an equation of the form y = a x, where a > 0 and a ≠ 1.

As with other functions, you can use ordered pairs to graph an

exponential function.

502 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

Don Gibson
 EXAMPLE Graph an Exponential Function with a > 1
a. Graph y = 4 x. State the y-intercept.
y
x 4x y 16

-2 4 -2
_
1
16 12 (1.8, 12)

-1 4 -1 _1 8
4
0 40 1 4
Exponential y  4x
Graphs 1 4 1 4
Notice that the 2 42 16 4 2 O 2 4x
y-values change little
3 43 64
for small values of x,
but they increase
quickly as the values Graph the ordered pairs and connect the points with a smooth curve.
of x become greater. The y-intercept is 1.
b. Use the graph to determine the approximate value of 4 1.8.
The graph represents all real values of x and their corresponding
values of y for y = 4 x. So, the value of y is about 12 when x = 1.8.
Use a calculator to confirm this value. 4 1.8 ≈ 12.12573253

1A. Graph y = 7 x. State the y-intercept.

1B. Use the graph to determine the approximate value of y = 7 0.1 to
the nearest tenth. Use a calculator to confirm the value.

The graphs of functions of the form y = a x, where a > 1, all have the same
shape as the graph in Example 1, rising faster and faster as you move from
left to right.

EXAMPLE Graph Exponential Functions with 0 < a < 1

(_2 )
x
a. Graph y = 1 . State the y-intercept.

(_)
x y
x 1 y
2
-3
-3 (_12 ) 8
-2
-2 (_12 ) 4
x
y ( 12 )
-1 ()_1 -1 2
2 O x
0
0 (_12 ) 1
1 The y-intercept is 1. Notice that the
1 (_12 ) _1
2 y-values decrease less rapidly as x increases.
2
2 (_12 ) _1
4

(_2 )
-2.5
b. Use the graph to determine the approximate value of 1 .
The value of y is about 5_
1
when x = -2.5. Use a calculator to confirm
-2.5 2
_1
this value. (2) ≈ 5.656854249

Extra Examples at algebra1.com Lesson 9-5 Exponential Functions 503

 x
2A. Graph y = _
1
(3)
+ 2. State the y-intercept.
-1.5
2B. Use the graph to determine the approximate value of y = _ 1
() +2
3
to the nearest tenth. Use a calculator to confirm the value.

GRAPHING CALCULATOR LAB

Transformations of Exponential Functions
The graphs of y = 2 x, y = 3 · 2 x, and x
y 3·2
y = 0.5 · 2 x are shown at the right. Notice that
the y-intercept of y = 2 x is 1, the y-intercept y  2x
of y = 3 · 2 x is 3, and the y-intercept of
y = 0.5 · 2 x is 0.5. The graph of y = 3 · 2 x
y  0.5 · 2x
is steeper than the graph of y = 2 x. The graph
of y = 0.5 · 2 x is not as steep as the graph
of y = 2 x. [10, 10] scl: 1 by [1, 10] scl: 1

THINK AND DISCUSS

Graph each set of equations on the same screen. Compare and contrast
the graphs.
1. y = 2 x 2. y = 2 x 3. y = 2 x 4. y = 3 · 2 x
y = 2x + 3 y = 2x + 5 y = 3x y = 3(2 x - 1)
y = 2x - 4 y = 2x - 4 y = 5x y = 3(2 x + 1)

Use Exponential Functions to Solve Problems

MOTION PICTURES Movie ticket sales decrease each weekend after
an opening. The function E = 49.9 · 0.692 w models the earnings of
a popular movie. In this equation, E represents earnings in millions
of dollars and w represents the weekend number.
a. Graph the function. What values
of E and w are meaningful in
the context of the problem?
Use a graphing calculator to graph
Real-World Link
the function. Only values where
The first successful E ≤ 49.9 and w > 0 are meaningful
photographs of motion
were made in 1877. in the context of the problem. [0, 15] scl: 1 by [0, 60] scl: 5
Today, the motion
picture industry is big
business, with the b. How much did the movie make on the first weekend?
highest-grossing movie
making $1,835,300,000. E = 49.9 · 0.692 w Original equation
Source: imdb.com = 49.9 · 0.692 1 w=1

= 34.5308 Use a calculator.

On the first weekend, the movie grossed about $34.53 million.

504 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

Gary Buss/Getty Images
 c. How much did it make on the fifth weekend?
E = 49.9 · 0.692 w Original equation
5
= 49.9 · 0.692 w=5
≈ 7.918282973 Use a calculator.
On the fifth weekend, the movie grossed about $7.92 million.

3. BIOLOGY A certain bacteria doubles every 20 minutes. How many will

there be after 2 hours?
Personal Tutor at algebra1.com

Identify Exponential Behavior How do you know if a set of data is

exponential? One method is to observe the shape of the graph. Another
Checking way is to use the problem-solving strategy look for a pattern.
Answers
The graph of an
exponential function EXAMPLE Identify Exponential Behavior
may resemble part
of the graph of a Determine whether the set of data x 0 10 20 30 40 50
quadratic function. at the right displays exponential y 80 40 20 10 5 2.5
So be sure to check behavior. Explain why or why not.
for a pattern as well
as looking at a graph. Method 1 Look for a Pattern Method 2 Graph the Data
The domain values are at regular y
80
intervals of 10. Look for a common
factor among the range values. 60

80 40 20 10 5 2.5 40

×_
1
×_
1
×_
1
×_
1
×_
1 20
2 2 2 2 2
Since the domain values are at 20 O 20 40 60x
regular intervals and the range
values differ by a common factor, The graph shows a rapidly
the data are probably exponential. decreasing value of y as x
x increases. This is a characteristic
Its equation may involve _
1
. (2) of exponential behavior.

4. Determine whether the set of data x 0 10 20 30 40 50

displays exponential behavior. y 15 21 27 33 39 45
Explain why or why not.

Examples 1, 2 Graph each function. State the y-intercept. Then use the graph to determine
(pp. 503–504) the approximate value of the given expression. Use a calculator to confirm
the value.
1 x _ 1.7
1. y = 3 x; 3 1.2 2. y = _ ; 1 (4) (4) 3. y = 9 x; 9 0.8

Graph each function. State the y-intercept.

4. y = 2 · 3 x 5. y = 4(5 x - 10)

Lesson 9-5 Exponential Functions 505

 Example 3 6. BIOLOGY The function f(t) = 100 · 1.05 t models the growth of a fruit fly
(pp. 504–505) population, where f(t) is the number of flies and t is time in days.
a. What values for the domain and range are reasonable in the context
of this situation? Explain.
b. After two weeks, approximately how many flies are in this population?

Example 4 Determine whether the data in each table display exponential behavior.
(p. 505) Explain why or why not.
7. x 0 1 2 3 4 5 8. x 4 6 8 10 12 14
y 1 6 36 216 1296 7776 y 5 9 13 17 21 25

HOMEWORK HELP Graph each function. State the y-intercept. Then use the graph to determine
For See the approximate value of the given expression. Use a calculator to confirm
Exercises Examples the value. x
1 -1.3
9–18 1, 2 9. y = 5 x; 5 1.1 10. y = 10 x; 10 0.3 11. y = _1
; _ ( 10 ) ( 10 )
19–22 3 1 x _ 0.5
23–26 4
12. y = _
() ()
; 1 13. y = 6 ; 6x 0.3
14. y = 8 x; 8 0.8
5 5

Graph each function. State the y-intercept.

15. y = 5(2 x) 16. y = 3(5 x) 17. y = 3 x - 7 18. y = 2 x + 4

BIOLOGY For Exercises 19 and 20, use the following information.

A population of bacteria in a culture increases according to the model
p = 300 · 2.7 0.02t, where t is the number of hours and t = 0 corresponds to 9:00 A.M.
19. Use this model to estimate the number of bacteria at 11 A.M.
20. Graph the function and name the y-intercept. Describe what the y-intercept
represents and describe a reasonable domain and range for this situation.

BUSINESS For Exercises 21 and 22, use the following information.

The amount of money spent at West Outlet Mall in Midtown continues to
increase. The total T(x) in millions of dollars can be estimated by the function
T(x) = 12(1.12) x, where x is the number of years after it opened in 1995.
21. According to the function, find the amount of sales for the mall in the years
2005, 2006, and 2007.
22. Graph the function and name the y-intercept. What does the y-intercept
represent in this problem?

Determine whether the data in each table display exponential behavior.

Explain why or why not.
23. x -2 -1 0 1 24. x 0 1 2 3
y -5 -2 1 4 y 1 0.5 0.25 0.125

25. x 10 20 30 40 26. x -1 0 1 2
y 16 12 9 6.75 y -0.5 1.0 -2.0 4.0

Graph each function. State the y-intercept.

27. y = 2(3 x) - 1 28. y = 2(3 x + 1) 29. y = 3(2 x - 5)

506 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 Identify each function as linear, quadratic, or exponential.
30. y = 4 x + 3 31. y = 2x(x - 1) 32. 5x + y = 8
33. y 34. y 35. y

O x O x O x
Real-World Link
The first Boston
Marathon was held
in 1886. The distance
of this race was based TOURNAMENTS For Exercises 36–38, use the following information.
on the Greek legend In a quiz bowl competition, three schools compete, and the winner advances to
that Pheidippides ran the next round. Therefore, after each round, only _
1
of the schools remain in the
24.8 miles from 3
Marathon to Athens to competition for the next round. Suppose 729 schools start the competition.
bring the news of victory 36. Write an exponential function to describe the number of schools remaining
over the Persian army.
after x rounds.
Source:
www.bostonmarathon.org 37. How many schools are left after 3 rounds?
38. How many rounds will it take to declare a champion?

ANALYZE TABLES For Exercises 39 and 40, use the following information.
A runner is training for a marathon, running a total of 20 miles per week on a
regular basis. She plans to increase the distance D(x) in miles according to the
function D(x) = 20(1.1) x, where x represents the number of weeks of training.
EXTRA PRACTICE 39. Copy and complete the table showing the Week Distance (miles)
See pages 736, 752. number of miles she plans to run. 1
40. The runner’s goal is to work up to 50 miles 2
Self-Check Quiz at
algebra1.com per week. What is the first week that the total 3
will be 50 miles or more? 4

H.O.T. Problems 41. REASONING Determine whether the graph of y = a x, where a > 0 and a ≠ 1,
sometimes, always, or never has an x-intercept. Explain your reasoning.

42. OPEN ENDED Choose an exponential function that represents a real-world

situation and graph the function. Analyze the graph.
1 x
43. FIND THE ERROR Amalia and Hannah are graphing y = _ ()
. Who is correct?
3
Explain your reasoning.
Amalia Hannah
y y

O O
x x

CHALLENGE Describe the graph of each equation as a transformation of

the graph of y = 5 x.
x
44. y = _
(5)
1
45. y = 5 x + 2 46. y = 5 x - 4

Lesson 9-5 Exponential Functions 507

 47. Writing in Math Use the information about the carving on page 502 to
explain how exponential functions can be used in art. Include the exponential
function representing the pliers, an explanation of which x and y values are
meaningful, and the graph of this function.

48. Compare the graphs of y = 2 x 49. REVIEW KLM is similar to HIJ.

and y = 6 x. Which scale factor is used to
transform KLM to HIJ?
A The graph of y = 6 x increases at a
H
faster rate than the graph of y = 2 x.
K
B The graph of y = 2 x increases at a 7 12
faster rate than the graph of y = 6 x. 8
M J
L I 14
C The graph of y = 6 x is the graph of
y = 2 x translated 4 units up.
x F _
1
H 1_
1
D The graph of y = 6 is the graph of 2 2
y = 2 x translated 3 units up. G 1 J 2

Solve each equation by using the Quadratic Formula. Round to the nearest
tenth if necessary. (Lesson 9-4)
50. x 2 - 9x - 36 = 0 51. 2t 2 + 3t - 1 = 0 52. 5y 2 + 3 = y

Solve each equation by completing the square. Round to the nearest tenth if
necessary. (Lesson 9-3)
53. x 2 - 7x = -10 54. a 2 - 12a = 3 55. t 2 + 6t + 3 = 0

Factor each trinomial, if possible. If the trinomial cannot be factored using

integers, write prime. (Lesson 8-3)
56. m 2 - 14m + 40 57. t 2 - 2t + 35 58. z 2 - 5z - 24

Solve each inequality. (Lesson 6-1)

59. x + 7 > 2 60. 10 ≥ x + 8 61. y - 7 < -12

62. NUMBER THEORY Three times one number equals twice a second
number. Twice the first number is 3 more than the second number.
Find the numbers. (Lesson 5-4)

PREREQUISITE SKILL Evaluate p(1 + r) t for each of the given values. (Lesson 1-1)
63. p = 5, r = _
1
,t=2 64. p = 300, r = _
1
,t=3
2 4
65. p = 100, r = 0.2, t = 2 66. p = 6, r = 0.5, t = 3

508 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

EXPLORE Algebra Lab
9-6 Investigating
Exponential Functions
ACTIVITY
Step 1 Cut a sheet of notebook paper in half.
Step 2 Stack the two halves, one on top of the other.
Step 3 Make a table like the
one at the right and Number of Cuts Number of Sheets
record the number of 0 1
sheets of paper you
have in the stack after 1
one cut. 2
Step 4 Cut the two stacked
sheets in half, placing
the resulting pieces in a single stack. Record the number of sheets
of paper in the new stack after 2 cuts.
Step 5 Continue cutting the stack in half, each time putting the resulting
piles in a single stack and recording the number of sheets in the
stack. Stop when the resulting stack is too thick to cut.

ANALYZE THE RESULTS

1. Write a list of ordered pairs (x, y), where x is the number of cuts and y
is the number of sheets in the stack. Notice that the list starts with the
ordered pair (0, 1), which represents the single sheet of paper before
any cuts were made.
2. Continue the list beyond the point where you stopped cutting, until
you reach the ordered pair for 7 cuts. Explain how you calculated the
last y values for your list after you had stopped cutting.
3. Plot the ordered pairs in your list on a coordinate grid. Be sure to choose
a scale for the y-axis so that you can plot all of the points.
4. Write a function that expresses y as a function of x.
5. Evaluate the function you wrote in Exercise 4 for x = 8 and x = 9. Does it
give the correct number of sheets in the stack after 8 and 9 cuts?
6. Notebook paper usually stacks about 500 sheets to the inch. How thick
would your stack of paper be if you had been able to make 9 cuts?
7. Suppose each cut takes about 5 seconds. If you had been able to keep
cutting, you would have made 36 cuts in three minutes. At 500 sheets
to the inch, make a conjecture as to how thick you think the stack would
be after 36 cuts.
8. Calculate the thickness of your stack after Number of Cuts Area of Sheet
36 cuts. Write your answer in miles. 0 1
9. Use the results of the Activity to complete a 1 0.5
table like the one at the right for 0 to 7 cuts. 2
Then write a function to describe the area y …
after x cuts.

Explore 9-6 Algebra Lab: Investigating Exponential Functions 509

 9-6 Growth and Decay

Main Ideas
• Solve problems The number of Weblogs or “blogs” increased at a monthly rate of
involving exponential about 13.7% between November 2003 and July 2005. Let y represent
growth. the total number of blogs in millions, and let t represent the number
• Solve problems of months since November 2003. Then the average number per month
involving exponential can be modeled by y = 1.1(1 + 0.137) t or y = 1.1(1.137) t.
decay.
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Exponential Growth The equation for the number of blogs is in the

form y = C(1 + r) t. This is the general equation for exponential growth
in which the initial amount C increases by the same percent over a given
period of time.

General Equation for Exponential Growth

The general equation for exponential growth is y = C(1 + r) t where
y represents the final amount, C represents the initial amount, r represents
the rate of change expressed as a decimal, and t represents time.

Exponential Growth
SPORTS In 1971, there were 294,105 females in high school sports.
Since then, the number has increased an average of 8.5% per year.
a. Write an equation to represent the number of females
participating in high school sports since 1971.
y = C(1 + r) t General equation for exponential growth
t
= 294,105(1 + 0.085) C = 294,105 and r = 8.5% or 0.085
t
= 294,105(1.085) Simplify.
An equation to represent the number of females participating in
high school sports is y = 294,105(1.085) t, where y is the number
of female athletes and t is the number of years since 1971.

510 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 b. According to the equation, how many females participated in high
school sports in 2005?
y = 294,105(1.085) t Equation for females participating in sports
= 294,105(1.085) 34 t = 2005 - 1971 or 34
≈ 4,711,004 Use a calculator.

In 2005, about 4,711,004 females participated.

TECHNOLOGY Computer use has risen 19% annually since 1980.

1A. If 18.9 million computers were in use in 1980, write an equation
for the number of computers in use for t years after 1980.
1B. Predict the number of computers in 2015.
Personal Tutor at algebra1.com

One special application of exponential growth is compound interest. The

equation for compound interest is A = P(1 + _ r nt
n ) , where A is the current
amount of the investment, P is the principal (initial amount of the
investment), r represents the annual rate of interest expressed as a decimal,
n represents the number of times the interest is compounded each year, and
t represents the number of years that the money is invested.

Compound Interest
COLLEGE Maria’s parents invested $14,000 at 6% per year compounded
monthly. How much money will there be in 10 years?
A = P(1 + _
r nt
n) Compound interest equation

= 14,000 1 + _
12(10)
( 0.06
12 ) P = 14,000, r = 6% or 0.06, n = 12, and t = 10

= 14,000(1.005) 120 Simplify.

Real-World Link
According to the ≈ 25,471.55 Use a calculator.
College Board, the
2004–2005 average There will be about $25,471.55.
costs for college were
$14,640 for students
attending 4-year public
colleges and $30,295 2. MONEY Determine the amount of an investment if $300 is invested
for students at 4-year at an interest rate of 3.5% compounded monthly for 22 years.
private colleges.
Source: World Book
Encyclopedia

Exponential Decay A variation of the growth equation can be used as the

general equation for exponential decay. In exponential decay, the original
amount decreases by the same percent over a period of time.

General Equation for Exponential Decay

The general equation for exponential decay is y = C(1 - r) t, where y represents
the final amount, C represents the initial amount, r represents the rate of decay
expressed as a decimal, and t represents time.

Extra Examples at algebra1.com Lesson 9-6 Growth and Decay 511

 Exponential Decay
SWIMMING A fully inflated raft loses 6.6% of its air every day. The raft
originally contains 4500 cubic inches of air.
a. Write an equation to represent the loss of air.
y = C(1 - r) t General equation for exponential decay
t
= 4500(1 - 0.066) C = 4500 and r = 6.6% or 0.066
t
= 4500(0.934) Simplify.
An equation to represent the loss of air is y = 4500(0.934) t, where y
represents the amount of air in the raft in cubic inches and t represents
the number of days.
b. Estimate the amount of air that will be lost after 7 days.
y = 4500(0.934) t Equation for air loss
7
= 4500(0.934) t=7
≈ 2790 Use a calculator.
The amount of air lost after 7 days will be about 2790 cubic inches.

POPULATION During the past several years, the population of Campbell

County, Kentucky, has been decreasing at an average rate of about
0.3% per year. In 2000, its population was 88,647.
3A. Write an equation to represent the population since 2000.
3B. If the trend continues, predict the population in 2010.

Example 1 ANALYZE GRAPHS For Exercises 1 and 2,

(pp. 510–511) use the graph at the right and the
following information.
The median house price in the United
States increased an average of 8.9% each
year between 2002 and 2004. Assume
this pattern continues.
D\[`Xe?flj\Gi`Z\
1. Write an equation for the median
house price for t years after 2004. ÓääÓ f£nÇ]Èää
2. Predict the median house price ÓääÎ f£™x]äää
in 2009.
Óää{ fÓÓ£]äää
Example 2 3. INVESTMENTS Determine the
(p. 511) amount of an investment if $400 -œÕÀVi\Ê,i> ÃÌ>ÌiœÕÀ˜>°Vœ“
is invested at an interest rate of 7.25%
compounded quarterly for 7 years.

Example 3 4. POPULATION In 1995, the population of West Virginia reached 1,821,000, its
(p. 512) highest in the 20th century. During the rest of the 20th century, its population
decreased 0.2% each year. If this trend continues, predict the population of
West Virginia in 2010.

512 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

HOMEWORK HELP WEIGHT TRAINING For Exercises 5 and 6, use the following information.
For See In 1997, there were 43.2 million people who used free weights.
Exercises Examples 5. Assuming the use of free weights increases 6% annually, write an equation
5–8 1 for the number of people using free weights t years from 1997.
9, 10 2 6. Predict the number of people using free weights in 2007.
11, 12 3

7. POPULATION The population of Mexico has been increasing 1.7% annually.

If the population was 100,350,000 in 2000, predict the population in 2012.

8. ANALYZE GRAPHS The increase

in the number of visitors to the >iXe[:XepfeEXk`feXcGXib
Grand Canyon National Park 8eelXcM`j`kfij

is similar to an exponential MILLION
function. If the average visitation
has increased 5.63% annually 

!NNUAL6ISITORSMILLIONS
since 1920, predict the number
of visitors to the park in 2020. 

9. INVESTMENTS Determine the 

amount of an investment if
$500 is invested at an interest 
rate of 5.75% compounded 
monthly for 25 years.




































10. INVESTMENTS Determine the
9EAR
amount of an investment if
$250 is invested at an interest 3OURCE'RAND#ANYON.ATIONAL0ARK
rate of 7.3% compounded
quarterly for 40 years.

11. POPULATION The country of Latvia has been experiencing a 1.1% annual
decrease in population. In 2005, its population was 2,290,237. If the trend
continues, predict Latvia’s population in 2015.

12. MUSIC In 1994, the sales of music cassettes reached its peak at $2,976,400,000.
Since then, cassette sales have been declining. If the annual percent of
decrease in sales is 18.6%, predict the sales of cassettes in the year 2009.

ARCHAEOLOGY For Exercises 13–15, use the following information.

The half-life of a radioactive element is defined as the time that it takes for
one-half a quantity of the element to decay. Radioactive Carbon-14 is found
in all living organisms and has a half-life of 5730 years. Archaeologists use
this information to estimate the age of fossils. Consider a living organism with
an original Carbon-14 content of 256 grams. The number of grams remaining in
_
t
the fossil of the organism after t years would be 256(0.5) 5730 .
EXTRA PRACTICE 13. If the organism died 5730 years ago, what is the amount of Carbon-14 today?
See pages 736, 752.
14. If an organism died 10,000 years ago, what is the amount of Carbon-14 today?
Self-Check Quiz at 15. If the fossil has 32 grams of Carbon-14 remaining, how long ago did it live?
algebra1.com (Hint: Make a table.)

Lesson 9-6 Growth and Decay 513

 16. RESEARCH Find the enrollment of your school district each year for the last
decade. Find the rate of change from one year to the next. Then, determine
the average annual rate of change for those years. Use this information to
estimate the enrollment for your school district in ten years.
H.O.T. Problems 17. OPEN ENDED Create a compound interest problem that could be solved by
4(6)
the equation A = 500 1 + _ (
0.07
) .
4
18. Writing in Math Use the information about Weblogs on page 510 to
explain how exponential growth can be used to predict future blogs. Include
an explanation of the equation y = 1.1(1 + 0.137) t and an estimate of the
number of blogs in January 2010.

19. Lorena is investing a $5000 inheritance 20. REVIEW Diego is building a 10-foot
from her aunt in a certificate of deposit ramp for loading heavy equipment
that matures in 4 years. The interest into the back of a semi-truck. If the
rate is 6.25% compounded quarterly. floor of the truck is 3.5 feet off the
What is the balance of the account ground, about how far from the truck
after 4 years? should the ramp be?
A $5078.13
10 ft 3.5 ft
B $5319.90
C $5321.82
D $6407.73 F 9 ft H 10.6 ft
G 10 ft J 11 ft

Graph each function. State the y-intercept. (Lesson 9-5)

x
21. y = _
1
(8) 22. y = 2 x - 5 23. y = 4(3 x - 6)

Solve each equation by using the Quadratic Formula. Round to the nearest
tenth if necessary. (Lesson 9-4)
24. m 2 - 9m - 10 = 0 25. 2t 2 - 4t = 3 26. 7x 2 + 3x + 1 = 0

27. SKIING A course for cross-country skiing is regulated so that the slope of any hill cannot
be greater than 0.33. A hill rises 60 meters over a horizontal distance of 250 meters. Does
the hill meet the requirements? Explain. (Lesson 4-1)

Algebra and Science

Out of This World It is time to complete your project. Use the infomation and data you have
gathered about the solar system to prepare a brochure, poster, or Web page. Be sure to include
the three graphs, tables, diagrams, or calculations in the presentation.

Cross-Curricular Project at algebra1.com

514 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

EXTEND Graphing Calculator Lab
9-6 Curve Fitting
Interactive Lab algebra1.com
If there is a constant increase or decrease in data values, there is a linear trend.
If the values are increasing or decreasing more and more rapidly, there may be
a quadratic or exponential trend.
Linear Trend Quadratic Trend Exponential Trend

With a TI-83/84 Plus, you can find the appropriate regression equation.

ACTIVITY 1
FARMING A study is conducted in which groups of 25 corn plants are given
a different amount of fertilizer and the gain in height after a certain time
is recorded. The table below shows the results.

Fertilizer (mg) 0 20 40 60 80
Gain in Height (in.) 6.48 7.35 8.73 9.00 8.13

Step 1 Make a scatter plot. Step 2 Find the regression equation.

• Enter the fertilizer in L1 and the height • Select DiagnosticOn from the #!4!,/' .
in L2. • Select QuadReg on the STAT CALC
KEYSTROKES: Review entering a list on menu.
page 234. KEYSTROKES: STAT 5 ENTER
• Use STAT PLOT to graph the scatter plot.
KEYSTROKES: Review statistical plots on page 234. 4HEEQUATIONIS
INTHEFORM
Use ZOOM 9 to graph. Y
AX
BX
C

The equation is about

y = -0.0008x 2 + 0.1x + 6.3.
Qn]ÊnnRÊÃV\ÊxÊLÞÊQÈ°äx£È]ʙ°{Ón{RÊÃV\Ê£ R 2 is the coefficient of determination. The
closer R 2 is to 1, the better the model. To
The graph appears to be a quadratic choose a quadratic or exponential model,
regression. fit both and use the one with the R 2 value
closer to 1.

Other Calculator Keystrokes at algebra1.com Extend 9-6 Graphing Calculator Lab: Curve Fitting 515
 Step 3 Graph the regression equation. Step 4 Predict using the equation.
• Copy the equation to the Y= list and graph. • Find the amount of fertilizer that produces
the maximum gain in height.
KEYSTROKES: VARS 5 1 ZOOM 9
KEYSTROKES: 2nd [CALC] 4

[⫺8, 88] scl: 5 by [6.0516, 9.4284] scl: 1

[⫺8, 88] scl: 5 by [6.0516, 9.4284] scl: 1

According to the graph, on average about

55 milligrams of the fertilizer produces the
maximum gain.

EXERCISES
Plot each set of data points. Determine whether to use a linear, quadratic,
or exponential regression equation. State the coefficient of determination.

1. x y 2. x y 3. x y 4. x y
0.0 2.98 1 25.9 10 35 1 3.67
0.2 1.46 2 22.2 20 50 3 5.33
0.4 0.90 3 20.0 30 70 5 6.33
0.6 0.51 4 19.3 40 88 7 5.67
0.8 0.25 5 18.2 50 101 9 4.33
1.0 0.13 6 15.9 60 120 11 2.67

TECHNOLOGY DVD players were introduced in 1997. Year DVD Players Sold
For Exercises 5–8, use the table at the right. (millions)
1997 0.32
5. Make a scatter plot of the data.
1998 1.09
6. Find an appropriate regression equation, and state 1999 4.02
the coefficient of determination. 2000 8.50
7. Use the regression equation to predict the number 2001 12.71
of DVD players that will sell in 2008. 2002 17.09
2003 21.99
8. Do you believe your equation would be accurate
for a year beyond the range of the data, such as
2020? Explain.

Source: Consumer Electronics Association

516 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 APTER
CH
Study Guide Download Vocabulary

9
Review from algebra1.com
and Review

Key Vocabulary
axis of symmetry (p. 472) maximum (p. 472)
Be sure the following ™‡£
™‡Ó
™‡Î ™‡{
™‡x
™‡È

Key Concepts are noted completing the square minimum (p. 472)
in your Foldable. (p. 487) parabola (p. 471)
compound interest (p. 511) quadratic equation (p. 480)
discriminant (p. 496)
Key Concepts Quadratic Formula (p. 493)
exponential function (p. 502) quadratic function (p. 471)
Graphing Quadratic Functions (Lesson 9-1)
general equation for roots (p. 480)
• A quadratic function can be described by an exponential decay (p. 511) symmetry (p. 472)
equation of the form y = ax 2 + bx + c,
general equation for vertex (p. 472)
where a ≠ 0.
exponential growth
zeros (p. 480)
(p. 510)
• The axis of symmetry for the graph of
y = ax 2 + bx + c, where a ≠ 0, is x = - _
b
.
2a

Solving Quadratic Equations (Lessons 9-2,

Vocabulary Check
9-3, and 9-4) State whether each sentence is true or false.
If false, replace the underlined word or
• The solutions of a quadratic equation are
phrase to make a true sentence.
called the roots of the equation. They are the
x-intercepts or zeros of the related quadratic 1. The graph of a quadratic function is a
function. parabola.
2. The solutions of a quadratic equation are
• Quadratic equations can be solved by completing called roots.
the square. To complete the square for x 2 + bx, 3. The zeros of a quadratic function can be
find _ of b, square this result, and then add the
1
2 found by using the equation x = -_
b
.
final result to x 2 + bx. 2a
4. The vertex is the maximum or minimum
• The solutions of a quadratic equation can point of a parabola.
be found by using the Quadratic Formula 5. The exponential decay equation is
-b ± √b2 - 4ac y = C(1 + r) t.
x = __ .
2a 6. An example of a quadratic function
is y = 8 x.
Exponential Functions (Lessons 9-5 and 9-6)
7. Symmetry is a geometric property
• An exponential function can be described by possessed by parabolas.
an equation of the form y = a x, where a > 0
and a ≠ 1. 8. The graph of a quadratic function has a
minimum if the coefficient of the x 2 term
• The general equation for exponential growth is negative.
is y = C(1 + r) t and the general equation for 9. The expression b 2 - 4ac is called the
exponential decay is y = C(1 - r) t, where discriminant.
y = the final amount, C = the initial amount, 10. A quadratic equation whose graph has
r = the rate of change, and t = the time. two x-intercepts has no real roots.

Vocabulary Review at algebra1.com Chapter 9 Study Guide and Review 517

 A PT ER
CH

9 Study Guide and Review

Lesson-by-Lesson Review
9–1 Graphing Quadratic Functions (pp. 471–477)
™‡Ó Î ™‡{ ™‡È
Write the equation
™‡£ of™‡the axis
™‡x of Example 1 Consider the graph of
symmetry, and find the coordinates of y = x 2 - 8x + 12. y
the vertex of the graph of each function. 10
a. Write the 9
Identify the vertex as a maximum or y  x 2  8x  12
equation of 8
minimum. Then graph the function. the axis of 7
11. y = x 2 + 2x 12. y = -3x 2 + 4 symmetry.
6
5
13. y = x 2 - 3x - 4 14. y = 3x 2 + 6x - 17 x = -_
b 4
3
2a
15. y = -2x 2 + 1 16. y = -x 2 - 3x _ 2
x = - -8 1
2 (1) O
PHYSICAL SCIENCE For Exercises 17–20, x =4 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7x
1
use the following information. 2
The equation
A model rocket is launched with a velocity 3
of the axis of 4
of 64 feet per second. The equation symmetry
h = -16t 2 + 64t gives the height of the is x = 4.
rocket t seconds after it is launched.
17. Write the equation of the axis of b. Find the coordinates of the vertex.
symmetry and find the coordinates The x-coordinate for vertex is 4.
of the vertex. y = x 2 - 8x + 12 Original equation
18. Graph the function. (4) 2
= - 8(4) + 12 x=4
19. What is the maximum height that
= 16 - 32 + 12 Simplify.
the rocket reaches?
20. How many seconds is the rocket in = -4 Simplify.
the air? The coordinates of the vertex are (4, -4).

9–2 Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing (pp. 480–485)

Solve each equation by graphing. If Example 2 Solve x 2 - 3x - 4 = 0

integral roots cannot be found, estimate by graphing.
the roots by stating the consecutive Graph the related function
integers between which the roots lie. f(x) = x 2 - 3x - 4.
21. x 2 - x - 12 = 0 22. -x 2 + 6x - 9 = 0 f (x )
2 2 O x
23. x + 4x - 3 = 0 24. 2x - 5x + 4 = 0
25. x 2 - 10x = -21 26. 6x 2 - 13x = 15

27. NUMBER THEORY Use a quadratic f (x )  x 2  3x  4

equation to find two numbers whose
sum is 5 and whose product is -24.
The x-intercepts are -1 and 4. Therefore,
the solutions are -1 and 4.

518 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 Mixed Problem Solving
For mixed problem-solving practice,
see page 752.

9–3 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square (pp. 486–491)

Solve each equation by taking the square Example 3 Solve y 2 + 6y + 2 = 0 by

root of each side. Round to the nearest completing the square. Round to the
tenth if necessary. nearest tenth if necessary.
28. a 2 + 6a + 9 = 4 Step 1 Isolate the y 2 and y terms.
29. n 2 - 2n + 1 = 25 y 2 + 6y + 2 = 0 Original equation

Solve each equation by completing y 2 + 6y = -2 Subtract 2 from each side.

the square. Round to the nearest tenth
Step 2 Complete the square and solve.
if necessary. 2
30. -3x 2 + 4 = 0 y 2 + 6y + 9 = -2 + 9 (_6 ) = 9; add 9 to each side.
2
2
31. x 2 - 16x + 32 = 0 (y + 3) = 7 Factor y 2 + 6y + 9.

32. m 2 - 7m = 5 y + 3 = ± √
7 Take the square root of
each side.
33. GEOMETRY The area of a square can y = -3 ± √
7 Subtract 3 from each side.
be tripled by increasing the length
by 6 centimeters and the width by The solutions are about -5.6 and -0.4.
3 centimeters. What is the length
of the side of the square?

9–4 Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula (pp. 493–499)

Solve each equation by using the Example 4 Solve 2x 2 + 7x - 15 = 0

Quadratic Formula. Round to the nearest by using the Quadratic Formula.
tenth if necessary.
For this equation, a = 2, b = 7, and c = -15.
34. x 2 - 8x = 20
-b ± √
b 2 - 4ac
35. r 2 + 10r + 9 = 0 x = __ Quadratic Formula
2a
2
36. 4p + 4p = 15
-7 ± √
7 2 - 4 (2) (-15) a = 2, b = 7,
2 = __
37. 2y + 3 = -8y 2 (2) and c = -15
38. 2d 2 + 8d + 3 = 3 -7 ± √
169
=_ Simplify.
2
39. 21a + 5a - 7 = 0 4
Separate
= _ or _
-7 + 13 -7 - 13
40. ENTERTAINMENT A stunt person 4 4 the solutions.
attached to a safety harness drops from
x = 1.5 or x = -5 Simplify.
a height of 210 feet. A function that
models the drop is h = -16t 2 + 210, The solutions are -5 and 1.5.
where h is the height in feet and t is
the time in seconds. About how many
seconds does it take to drop from
210 feet to 30 feet?

Chapter 9 Study Guide and Review 519

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9 Study Guide and Review

9–5 Exponential Functions (pp. 502–508)

Graph each function. State the Example 5 Graph y = 2 x - 3. State the

y-intercept. Then use the graph y-intercept.
to determine the
™‡£
™approximate
‡Ó ™‡Î ™‡{ ™‡x value
™‡È
y
of the given expression. Use a calculator x 2x - 3 y
to confirm the value. -3 2 -3 - 3 -2.875 y  2x  3
x 0.2
41. y = 5 x; 5 0.7 42. y = _
1
; _
1
(6) (6) -1 2 -1 - 3 -2.5
0 20 - 3 -2
O x
Graph each function. State the 1 21 - 3 -1
y-intercept. 2 22 - 3 1
43. y = 3 x + 6 44. y = 3 x + 2 3 3
2 -3 5

45. BIOLOGY The population of bacteria in

a Petri dish increases according to the Graph the ordered pairs and connect
model p = 550 · 2.7 0.008t, where t is the the points with a smooth curve. The
number of hours and t = 0 corresponds y-intercept is -2.
to 1:00 P.M. Use this model to estimate
the number of bacteria in the dish
at 5 P.M.

9–6 Growth and Decay (pp. 510–514)

Determine the final amount for each Example 6 Find the final amount of
investment. an investment if $1500 is invested at
an interest rate of 2.5% compounded
Annual Time Type of
Principal quarterly for 10 years.
Interest Rate (yr) Compounding
Compound interest
A = p(1 + _
r nt
46. $2000 3% 8 quarterly n) equation
47. $5500 2.25% 15 monthly
P = 1500, r = 2.5% or
= 1500 1 + _
( )
48. $15,000 2.5% 25 monthly ( 0.025
4 )4 10 0.025, n = 4, and t = 10
49. $500 1.75% 40 daily ≈ 1924.54 Simplify.

RESTAURANTS For Exercises 50 and 51, The final amount in the account is
use the following information. about $1924.54.
The total restaurant sales in the United
States increased at an annual rate of about
5.2% between 1996 and 2004. In 1996, the
total sales were $310 billion.
50. Write an equation for the average sales
per year for t years after 1996.
51. Predict the total restaurant sales
in 2008.

520 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions

 A PT ER
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9 Practice Test

Write the equation of the axis of symmetry, 18. MULTIPLE CHOICE Which equation best
and find the coordinates of the vertex of the represents the parabola graphed below
graph of each function. Identify the vertex if it is shifted 3 units to the right?
as a maximum or minimum. Then graph y
the function.
1. y = x 2 - 4x + 13 2. y = -3x 2 - 6x + 4
3. y = 2x 2 + 3 4. y = -1(x - 2) 2 + 1 O
x

Solve each equation by graphing. If integral

roots cannot be found, estimate the roots by
stating the consecutive integers between
which the roots lie.
F y = x2 - 1
2
5. x - 2x + 2 = 0
G y = x2 + 2
6. x 2 + 6x = -7
H y = x 2 - 6x + 8
7. x 2 + 24x + 144 = 0
8. 2x 2 - 8x = 42 J y = x 2 + 6x + 8

Graph each function. State the y-intercept.

9. MULTIPLE CHOICE Which function is x
19. y = _
(2)
1
20. y = 4 · 2 x
graphed below?
y 21. y = 0.5(4 x) 22. y = 5 x - 4
x
23. Graph y = _
1
(3)
- 3 and state the
y-intercept. Then use the graph to
O x determine the approximate value of
3.5
y= _
1
(3) - 3. Use a calculator to confirm
the value.

A y = 2x 2 - 2 24. CARS Ley needs to replace her car. If she

leases a car, she will pay $410 a month for
B y = 2x 2 + 2
2 years and then has the option to buy the
C y = -2x 2 - 2 car for $14,458. The current price of the car
is $17,369. If the car depreciates at 16% per
D y = -2x 2 + 2 year, how will the depreciated price compare
with the buy-out price of the lease?
Solve each equation. Round to the nearest
tenth if necessary. 25. FINANCE Find the total amount of the
investment shown in the table if interest
10. x 2 + 7x + 6 = 0 11. 2x 2 - 5x - 12 = 0 is compounded quarterly.
12. 6n 2 + 7n = 20 13. 3k 2 + 2k = 5
Principal $1500
14. y 2 - _
3
y+_
2
=0 15. -3x 2 + 5 = 14x Length of Investment 10 yr
5 25
2 2 6%
16. z - 13z = 32 17. 7m = m + 5 Annual Interest Rate

Chapter Test at algebra1.com Chapter 9 Practice Test 521

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9 Standardized Test Practice

Cumulative, Chapters 1–9

Read each question. Then fill in the correct 4. Ben calculated the cost f(x) to make and
answer on the answer document provided by print x T-shirts in one month according
your teacher or on a sheet of paper. to the function

1. In the graph of the function f(x) = x 2 - 3, f(x) = 9x - 3.00(x - 100),

which describes the shift in the vertex of the
parabola if, in the function, 3 is changed to 5? where x > 100 T-shirts. The best interpretation
for this function is that it costs Ben—
y
F $9 for any number of T-shirts.
G $6 for all shirts up to 100.
H $3 less per T-shirt for all shirts over 100.
O x
J $3 for all shirts over 100.

5. What is the solution set of 3y 2 = 12?

A {3}
A 2 units up
B {-2, 2}
B 8 units up
C {-2, 2, 3}
C 2 units down
D {-2}
D 8 units down

2. The area of a rectangle is given by the Question 5 Always write down your calculations on scrap paper
equation 3 2 + 10 = 25, in which  is the or in the test booklet, even if you think you can do the calcula-
rectangle’s length. What is the length of tions in your head. Writing down your calculations will help you
avoid making simple mistakes.
the rectangle?

3 2  10  25 6. Jennie hit a baseball straight up in the

air. The height h, in feet, of the ball above
 the ground is modeled by the equation
F _
3 h = -16t 2 + 64t. How long is the ball
2 above ground?
G_
5
3 h h  16t 2  64t
_
H 10
3
J 5

O t
3. Solve the equation x(x + 2) = 224 which
represents two consecutive even integers
whose product is 224. What is the smaller F 1 second
number? G 2 seconds
A2 C 16 H 4 seconds
B 14 D 24 J 16 seconds

522 Chapter 9 Quadratic and Exponential Functions Standardized Test Practice at algebra1.com
 Preparing
for Standardized Tests
For test-taking strategies and more practice,
see pages 756–773.

7. Lisa has a savings account. She withdraws 10. Which inequality is shown on the graph
half of the contents every year. After 4 years below?
she has $2000 left. How much did she have y
in the savings account originally? 8
6
A $32,000 4
B $16,000 2

C $8,000 8642 O 2 4 6 8 x
4
D $2,000
6
8

F y≤_
2
x-2
3
G y<_
2
x-2
3
8. When is this statement true?
H y≥_
2
x-2
3
The multiplicative inverse of a number is
less than the original number. J y>_
2
x-2
3
F This statement is never true.
G This statement is always true. 11. Mr. Collins made a deck that was 12 feet
long. He is making a new deck that is
H This statement is true for numbers greater
25% longer. What will be the length of
than 1.
the new deck?
J This statement is true for numbers less
A 9 feet
than -1.
B 12 feet
C 15 feet
D 18 feet

Pre-AP
9. GRIDDABLE What is the slope of the line
graphed below? Record your answers on a sheet of paper.
Show your work.
y
10
8
12. The path of Annika Sorenstam’s golf ball
6 through the air is modeled by the equation
4 h = -16t 2 + 80t + 1, where h is the height in
2 feet of the golf ball and t is the time in seconds.
86 42 O 2 4 6 8 x
a. Approximately how long was the ball in
4 the air?
6
b. How high was the ball at its highest point?

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Chapter 9 Standardized Test Practice 523