NAME _____________________________________________ DATE ____________________________ PERIOD _____________

9-3 Study Guide and Intervention

Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing
Solve by Graphing

Quadratic Equation an equation of the form a𝒙𝟐 + bx + c = 0, where a ≠ 0

The solutions of a quadratic equation are called the roots of the equation. The roots of a quadratic equation can be found
by graphing the related quadratic function f(x) = a𝑥 2 + bx + c and finding the x-intercepts or zeros of the function.

Example 1: Solve 𝒙𝟐 + 4x + 3 = 0 by graphing. Example 2: Solve 𝒙𝟐 – 6x + 9 = 0 by graphing.

Graph the related function f(x) = 𝑥 2 + 4x + 3. Graph the related function f(x) = 𝑥 2 – 6x + 9.
4 6
The equation of the axis of symmetry is x = – 2(1) or –2. The equation of the axis of symmetry is x = 2(1) or 3.
The vertex is at (–2, –1). Graph the vertex and several The vertex is at (3, 0). Graph the vertex and several other
other points on either side of the axis of symmetry. points on either side of the axis of symmetry.

To solve 𝑥 2 + 4x + 3 = 0, you need to know where To solve 𝑥 2 – 6x + 9 = 0, you need to know where
f(x) = 0. This occurs at the x-intercepts, –3 and –1. f(x) = 0. The vertex of the parabola is the x-intercept.
The solutions are –3 and –1. Thus, the only solution is 3.

Exercises
Solve each equation by graphing.
1. 𝑥 2 + 7x + 12 = 0 2. 𝑥 2 – x – 12 = 0 3. 𝑥 2 – 4x + 5 = 0

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9-3 Study Guide and Intervention (continued)

Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing
Estimating Solutions When the roots of quadratic equations are not integers, you can use estimation to approximate
the roots of the equation.
Example 1: Solve 𝒙𝟐 = 3x + 5 by graphing. If integral roots cannot be found, estimate the roots to the nearest
tenth.
Graph the related function f(x) = 𝑥 2 – 3x – 5.
The x-intercepts are located between –2 and –1 and between 4 and 5.
Make a table using an increment of 0.1 for the x-values located between –2
and –1 and between 4 and 5.
x –1.9 –1.8 –1.7 –1.6 –1.5 –1.4 –1.3 –1.2 –1.1
y 4.3 3.6 3.0 2.4 1.8 1.2 0.6 0.0 –0.5

x 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9

y –0.5 0.0 0.6 1.2 1.8 2.4 3.0 3.6 4.3

The values closest to zero are at –1.2 and 4.2. Thus, the roots are approximately –1.2 and 4.2.

Exercises
Solve each equation by graphing. If integral roots cannot be found, estimate the roots to the nearest tenth.
1. 𝑥 2 + 7x + 9 = 0 2. 𝑥 2 – x – 4 = 0 3. 𝑥 2 – 4x + 6 = 0

4. 𝑥 2 – 4x – 1 = 0 5. 4𝑥 2 – 12x + 3 = 0 6. 𝑥 2 – 2x – 4 = 0

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9-3 Skills Practice

Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing
Solve each equation by graphing.
1. 𝑥 2 – 2x + 3 = 0 2. 𝑐 2 + 6c + 8 = 0

3. 𝑎2 – 2a = –1 4. 𝑛2 – 7n = –10

Solve each equation by graphing. If integral roots cannot be found, estimate the roots to the nearest tenth.
5. 𝑝2 + 4p + 2 = 0 6. 𝑥 2 + x – 3 = 0

7. 𝑑2 + 6d = –3 8. ℎ2 + 1 = 4h

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9-3 Practice
Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing
Solve each equation by graphing.
1. 𝑥 2 – 5x + 6 = 0 2. 𝑤 2 + 6w + 9 = 0 3. 𝑏 2 – 3b + 4 = 0

Solve each equation by graphing. If integral roots cannot be found, estimate the roots to the nearest tenth.
4. 𝑝2 + 4p = 3 5. 2𝑚2 + 5 = 10m 6. 2𝑣 2 + 8v = –7

7. NUMBER THEORY Two numbers have a sum of 2 and a product of –8.

The quadratic equation –𝑛2 + 2n + 8 = 0 can be used to determine the two
numbers.

a. Graph the related function f(n) = –𝑛2 + 2n + 8 and determine its

x-intercepts.

b. What are the two numbers?

8. DESIGN A footbridge is suspended from a parabolic support. The function

1
h(x) = – 25 𝑥 2 + 9 represents the height in feet of the support above the
walkway, where x = 0 represents the midpoint of the bridge.

a. Graph the function and determine its x-intercepts.

b. What is the length of the walkway between the points where the support
intersects the walkway?

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9-3 Word Problem Practice

Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing
1. FARMING In order for Mr. Moore to decide how 4. WRAPPING PAPER Can a rectangular piece of
much fertilizer to apply to his corn crop this year, he wrapping paper with an area of 81 square inches have
reviews records from previous years. His crop yield y a perimeter of 60 inches? (Hint: Let length = 30 – w.)
depends on the amount of fertilizer he applies to his Explain.
fields x according to the equation y = –𝑥 2 + 4x + 12.
Graph the function, and find the point at which Mr.
Moore gets the highest yield possible.

5. ENGINEERING The shape of a satellite dish is

often parabolic because of the reflective qualities
of parabolas. Suppose a particular satellite dish is
modeled by the following function.
0.5𝑥 2 = 2 + y

a. Approximate the zeros of this function by graphing.

BA

2. LIGHT Ayzha and Jeremy hold a flashlight so that

the light falls on a piece of graph paper in the shape of
a parabola. Ayzha and Jeremy sketch the shape of the
parabola and find that the equation y = 𝑥 2 – 3x – 10
matches the shape of the light beam. Determine the
zeros of the function.

3. FRAMING A rectangular photograph is 7 inches b. On the coordinate plane above, translate the
long and 6 inches wide. The photograph is framed parabola so that there is only one zero. Label this
using a material that is x inches wide. If the area of the curve A.
frame and photograph combined is 156 square inches,
what is the width of the framing material?

c. Translate the parabola so that there are no real

zeros. Label this curve B.

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9-3 Enrichment
Parabolas Through Three Given Points
If you know two points on a straight line, you can find the equation of the line. To find the equation of a parabola,
you need three points on the curve.

Here is how to approximate an equation of the parabola through the points (0, –2), (3, 0), and (5, 2).

Use the general equation y = a𝑥 2 + bx + c. By substituting the given values for x and y, you get three equations.
(0, –2): –2 = c
(3, 0): 0 = 9a + 3b + c
(5, 2): 2 = 25a + 5b + c
First, substitute –2 for c in the second and third equations.
Then solve those two equations as you would any system of two equations. Multiply the second equation by 5 and the
third equation by –3.

0 = 9a + 3b – 2 Multiply by 5 0= 45a + 15b – 10

2 = 25a + 5b – 2 Multiply by –3 –6 = –75a – 15b + 6

–6 = –30a – 4
1
a = 15
1
To find b, substitute for a and –2 for c in either the second or third equation.
15
1
0 = 9 (15) + 3b – 2
7
b = 15

The equation of a parabola through the three points is

1 7
y = 15 𝑥 2 + 15x – 2.
Find the equation of a parabola through each set of three points.
1. (1, 5), (0, 6), (2, 3) 2. (–5, 0), (0, 0), (8, 100)

3. (4, –4), (0, 1), (3, –2) 4. (1, 3), (6, 0), (0, 0)

5. (2, 2), (5, –3), (0, –1) 6. (0, 4), (4, 0), (–4, 4)

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9-4 Study Guide and Intervention

Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
Solve Quadratic Equations Using the Square Root Property You may be able to use the Square Root Property
below to solve certain equations. The repeated factor gives just one solution to the equation.

Square Root Property For any number n > 0, if 𝑥 2 = n, then x = ±√𝑛.

Example: Solve each equation. Check your solutions.

a. 𝒙𝟐 = 20
𝑥 2 = 20 Original equation
x = ±√20 Square Root Property
x = ±2√5 Simplify.
The solution set is {–2√5, 2√5}. Since (– 2√5)2 = 20 and (2√5)2 = 20, the solutions check.
b. (𝒂 − 𝟓)𝟐 = 64
(𝑎 − 5)2 = 64 Original equation
a – 5 = ± √64 Square Root Property
a – 5 = ±8 64 = 8 ⋅ 8
a=5±8 Add 5 to each side.
a = 5 + 8 or a = 5 – 8 Separate into 2 equations.
a = 13 a = –3 Solve each equation.
The solution set is {–3, 13}. Since (−3 − 5)2 = 64 and (13 − 5)2 = 64, the solutions check.

Exercises
Solve each equation. Check the solutions.
1. 𝑥 2 = 4 2. 16𝑛2 = 48 3. 𝑑2 = 25

1
4. 𝑥 2 = 169 5. 9𝑥 2 = 9 6. 𝑥 2 =
4

7. 5𝑘 2 = 25 8. 𝑝2 = 49 9. 𝑥 2 = 64

10. 6𝑥 2 = 54 11. 𝑎2 = 17 12. 𝑦 2 = 8

13. (2𝑥 + 1)2 = 1 14. (4𝑥 + 3)2 = 25 15. (3ℎ − 2)2 = 4

16. (𝑥 + 1)2 = 7 17. (𝑦 − 3)2 = 6 18. (𝑚 − 2)2 = 5

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9-4 Study Guide and Intervention (continued)

Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
Solve Equations by Factoring Factoring and the Zero Product Property can be used to solve equations that can be
written as the product of any number of factors set equal to 0.

Example: Solve each equation. Check your solutions.

a. 𝒙𝟐 + 6x = 7
𝑥 2 + 6x = 7 Original equation

𝑥 2 + 6x – 7 = 0 Rewrite equation so that one side equals 0.

(x – 1)(x + 7) = 0 Factor.

x – 1 = 0 or x + 7 = 0 Zero Product Property

x=1 x = –7 Solve each equation.

Since 12 + 6(1) = 7 and (– 7)2 + 6(–7) = 7, the solution set is {1, –7}.

b. 12𝒙𝟐 + 3x = 2 – 2x
12𝑥 2 + 3x = 2 – 2x Original equation
2
12𝑥 + 5x – 2 = 0 Rewrite equation so that one side equals 0.

(3x + 2)(4x – 1) = 0 Factor the left side.

3x + 2 = 0 or 4x – 1 = 0 Zero Product Property

2 1
x=– 3
x= 4
Solve each equation.

2 1
The solution set is {− 3
, 4} .
2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1
Since 12(− ) + 3(− ) = 2 – 2(− ) and 12( ) + 3( ) = 2 – 2( ), the solutions check.
3 3 3 4 4 4

Exercises
Solve each equation by factoring. Check the solutions.

1. 𝑥 2 – 4x + 3 = 0 2. 𝑦 2 – 5y + 4 = 0 3. 𝑚2 + 10m + 9 = 0

4. 𝑥 2 = x + 2 5. 𝑥 2 – 4x = 5 6. 𝑥 2 – 12x + 36 = 0

7. 2𝑘 2 – 40 = –11k 8. 2𝑝2 = –21p – 40 9. –7 – 18x + 9𝑥 2 = 0

1 2
10. 16𝑦 3 = 25y 11. 𝑥 = 49 12. 4𝑎3 – 64a = 0
64

9
13. 3𝑏 3 – 27b = 0 14. 25 𝑚2 = 121 15. 48𝑛3 = 147n

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9-4 Skills Practice

Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
Solve each equation. Check the solutions.
1. 𝑥 2 = 36 2. 𝑏 2 – 7b + 12 = 0

3. 2𝑥 2 + 7x + 3 = 0 4. 3𝑤 2 + 14w + 8 = 0

5. 𝑚2 + 5m + 6 = 0 6. 𝑑2 + 7d + 10 = 0

7. 16𝑥 2 – 9 = 0 8. 25𝑝2 – 16 = 0

9. 𝑥 2 = 81 10. 4𝑝2 + 4p + 1 = 0

11. 𝑦 2 – 2y – 24 = 0 12. 5𝑑2 – 22d + 8 = 0

9
13. 𝑛2 – =0 14. (𝑘 + 1)2 = 9
25

15. 9𝑦 2 + 18y – 12 = 6y 16. 𝑤 2 + 30 = 11w

17. 3𝑛2 – 7n + 2 = 0 18. 6ℎ2 + 8h + 2 = 0

1 2
19. 16𝑑 2 = 4 20. 𝑦 = 81
16

21. 8𝑝2 – 16p = 10 22. 𝑥 2 + 30x + 150 = –75

23. 10𝑏 2 – 15b = 8b – 12 24. 𝑦 2 – 16y + 64 = 81

25. 81 – 4𝑏 2 = 0 26. (𝑚 − 4)2 = 7

Chapter 9 25 Glencoe Algebra 1

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9-4 Practice
Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
Solve each equation. Check the solutions.
1. 𝑥 2 + 17x + 42 = 0 2. 𝑦 2 – 8y + 16 = 64 3. 𝑡 2 – 26t = 56

4. 𝑢2 = 16u + 36 5. 𝑛2 + 4n = 32 6. 17r + 𝑟 2 = –52

7. 3ℎ2 + 2h – 16 = 0 8. 15𝑛2 – n = 2 9. 8𝑞 2 – 10q + 3 = 0

10. 4𝑘 2 – 28k = –49 11. 10𝑟 2 – 21r = –4r + 6 12. 𝑤 2 – 6w + 9 = 13

13. 4𝑦 2 = 81 14. 64𝑝2 = 9 15. 98𝑏 2 – 50 = 0

64
16. 32 – 162𝑘 2= 0 17. 𝑡 2 – 121 = 0 18. 75𝑔3 = 147g

1 𝟐
19. 6𝑏 2 – 5b = 4 20. 50𝑏 2 + 20b + 2 = 0 21. (2 𝑡 − 1) = 0

22. 𝑝2 + 5p – 84 = 0 23. (ℎ + 9)2 = 3 24. 10𝑔2 + 10 = 29g

25. WEB DESIGN Janeel has a 10-inch by 12-inch photograph. She wants to scan the photograph, then reduce the result
by the same amount in each dimension to post on her Web site. Janeel wants the area of the image to be one eighth
that of the original photograph.
a. Write an equation to represent the area of the reduced image.
b. Find the dimensions of the reduced image.

26. DIVING Lauren dove into a swimming pool from a 15-foot-high diving board with an initial upward velocity of 8
feet per second. Find the time t in seconds it took Lauren to enter the water. Use the model for vertical motion given
by the equation h = –16𝑡 2 + vt + s, where h is height in feet, t is time in seconds, v is the initial upward velocity in feet
per second, and s is the initial height in feet. (Hint: Let h = 0 represent the surface of the pool.)

27. EROSION A rock breaks loose from a cliff and plunges toward the ground 400 feet below. The distance d that the
rock falls in t seconds is given by the equation d = 16𝑡 2 . How long does it take for the rock to hit the ground?

28. GEOMETRY The area of a circle is given by the formula A = π𝑟 2 , where r is the radius. If increasing the radius of a
circle by 1 inch gives the resulting circle an area of 100π square inches, what is the radius of the original circle?

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9-4 Word Problem Practice

Solving Quadratic Equation by Factoring
1. MATH GAMES Fiona and Greg play a number 4. GEOMETRY Holly can make an open-topped box
guessing game. Greg gives Fiona this hint about his out of a square piece of cardboard by cutting 3-inch
two secret numbers, “The product of the two squares from the corners and folding up the sides
consecutive positive integers that I am thinking of is to meet. The volume of the resulting box is
11 more than their sum.” What are Greg’s numbers? V = 3𝑥 2 – 36x + 108, where x is the original
length and width of the cardboard.

2. LADDERS A ladder is resting against a wall. The top

of the ladder touches the wall at a height of 15 feet,
and the length of the ladder is one foot more than
twice its distance from the wall. Find the distance
from the wall to the bottom of the ladder. (Hint: Use
the Pythagorean Theorem to solve the problem.)

a. Factor the polynomial expression from the volume

equation.

b. What is the volume of the box if the original length

of each side of the cardboard was 14 inches?

3. BALLOONING The function f (t) = –16𝑡 2 + 576 c. What is the original side length of the cardboard
represents the height of a freely falling ballast bag when the volume of the box is 27 in3 ?
that starts from rest on a balloon 576 feet above the
ground. After how many seconds t does the ballast
bag hit the ground?
.

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9-4 Enrichment
Area Models for Quadratic Trinomials
After you have factored a quadratic trinomial, you can use the factors to draw geometric models of the trinomial.
𝑥 2 + 5x – 6 = (x – 1)(x + 6)
To draw a rectangular model, the value 2 was used for x so that
the shorter side would have a length of 1. Then the drawing was
done in centimeters. So, the area of the rectangle is 𝑥 2 + 5x – 6.

To draw a right triangle model, recall that the area of a triangle is

one-half the base times the height. So, one of the sides must be
twice as long as the shorter side of the rectangular model.
𝑥 2 + 5x – 6 = (x – 1)(x + 6)
1
= 2 (2x – 2)(x + 6)
The area of the right triangle is also 𝑥 2 + 5x – 6.

Factor each trinomial. Then follow the directions to draw each model of the trinomial.
1. 𝑥 2 + 2x – 3 Use x = 2. Draw a rectangle in centimeters.

2. 3𝑥 2 + 5x – 2 Use x = 1. Draw a rectangle in centimeters.

3. 𝑥 2 – 4x + 3 Use x = 4. Draw two different right triangles in centimeters.

4. 9𝑥 2 – 9x + 2 Use x = 2. Draw two different right triangles. Use 0.5 centimeter for each unit.

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9-5 Study Guide and Intervention

Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
Complete the Square Since few quadratic expressions are perfect square trinomials, the method of completing the
square can often be used to solve quadratic equations. Use the following steps to complete the square
for a quadratic equation of the form 𝑥 2 + bx = c. If the coefficient of x2 is not 1, divide each term by the coefficient.
𝑏
Step 1 Find .
2

𝑏 2
Step 2 Find ( ) .
2

𝑏 2
Step 3 Add ( ) to each side of 𝑥 2 + bx = c.
2

Example 1: Find the value of c that makes Example 2: Solve 𝒙𝟐 + 6x + 3 = 10 by completing the
𝒙𝟐 + 2x + c a perfect square trinomial. square.
1
Step 1 Find of 2. 𝑥 2 + 6x + 3 = 10 Original equation
2
2
=1 𝑥 2 + 6x + 3 – 3 = 10 – 3 Subtract 3 from each side.
2
2
𝑥 + 6x = 7 Simplify.
Step 2 Square the result of Step 1.
12 6 2
=1 𝑥 2 + 6x + 9 = 7 + 9 Since ( ) = 9, add 9 to each side.
2
Step 3 Add the result of Step 2 to 𝑥 2 + 2x. (𝑥 + 3) = 16 2
Factor 𝑥 2 + 6x + 9.
𝑥 2 + 2x + 1
x + 3 = ±4 Take the square root of each side.
Thus, c = 1. Notice that 𝑥 2 + 2x + 1 equals (𝑥 + 1)2 .
x = –3 ± 4 Simplify.
x = –3 + 4 or x = –3 – 4
=1 = –7
The solution set is {–7, 1}.

Exercises
Find the value of c that makes each trinomial a perfect square.

1. 𝑥 2 – 4x + c 2. 𝑥 2 – 8x + c

3. 𝑥 2 + 5x + c 4. 𝑥 2 + 9x + c

Solve each equation by completing the square. Round to the nearest tenth if necessary.

5. 𝑥 2 – 4x + 3 = 0 6. 𝑥 2 + 10x = –9 7. 𝑥 2 – 8x – 9 = 0

8. 𝑥 2 – 6x = 16 9. 𝑥 2 – 4x – 5 = 0 10. 𝑥 2 – 12x = 9

Chapter 9 29 Glencoe Algebra 1

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9-5 Study Guide and Intervention (continued)

Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
Vertex Form A quadratic function can also be written in vertex form, y = a(x – h)2 + k, where a ≠ 0.
2 2
The graph of y = a(x – h) + k is the graph of y = ax translated h units horizontally and k units vertically

2
The vertex of the graph of y = a(x – h) + k is the point (h, k).

The maximum or minimum value is k.

2
The axis of symmetry of the graph of y = a(x – h) + k is the line x = h.

The graph opens up if a > 0, and the graph opens down if a < 0.

Example 1: Write the vertex form of the parabola y = 𝒙𝟐 + 6x + 4.

y = 𝑥 2 + 6x + 4 Original function

y = (𝑥 2 + 6x + 9) + 4 – 9 Complete the square.

y = (𝑥 + 3)2 – 5 Simplify.

Example 2: Write the vertex form of the parabola y = 2𝒙𝟐 – 8x + 14.

y = 2𝑥 2 – 8x + 14 Original function

y = 2(𝑥 2 – 4x) + 14 2
Group ax + bx and factor, dividing by a.

y = 2(𝑥 2 – 4x + 4) + 14 – 2(4) Complete the square.

y = 2(𝑥 − 2)2 + 6 Simplify.

Exercises
Write the vertex form of each parabola.

1. y = 𝑥 2 + 2x + 3 2. y = 𝑥 2 – 4x + 10 3. y = 𝑥 2 + 6x + 2

4. y = 𝑥 2 + 8x + 8 6. y = 𝑥 2 – 6x + 4 6. y = 𝑥 2 – 2x + 11

7. y = 3𝑥 2 + 12x + 15 8. y = –2𝑥 2 + 4x – 6 9. y = –3𝑥 2 – 18x – 18

Chapter 9 30 Glencoe Algebra 1

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9-5 Skills Practice

Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
Find the value of c that makes each trinomial a perfect square.

1. 𝑥 2 + 6x + c 2. 𝑥 2 + 4x + c

3. 𝑥 2 – 14x + c 4. 𝑥 2 – 2x + c

5. 𝑥 2 – 18x + c 6. 𝑥 2 + 20x + c

7. 𝑥 2 + 5x + c 8. 𝑥 2 – 70x + c

9. 𝑥 2 – 11x + c 10. 𝑥 2 + 9x + c

Solve each equation by completing the square. Round to the nearest tenth if necessary.

11. 𝑥 2 + 4x – 12 = 0 12. 𝑥 2 – 8x + 15 = 0

13. 𝑥 2 + 6x = 7 14. 𝑥 2 – 2x = 15

15. 𝑥 2 – 14x + 30 = 6 16. 𝑥 2 + 12x + 21 = 10

17. 𝑥 2 – 4x + 1 = 0 18. 𝑥 2 – 6x + 4 = 0

19. 𝑥 2 – 8x + 10 = 0 20. 𝑥 2 – 2x = 5

Write the vertex form of each parabola.

21. y = 𝑥 2 + 8x + 7 22. y = 𝑥 2 – 12x + 16

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9-5 Practice
Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
Find the value of c that makes each trinomial a perfect square.

1. 𝑥 2 – 24x + c 2. 𝑥 2 + 28x + c 3. 𝑥 2 + 40x + c

4. 𝑥 2 + 3x + c 5. 𝑥 2 – 9x + c 6. 𝑥 2 – x + c

Solve each equation by completing the square. Round to the nearest tenth if necessary.

7. 𝑥 2 – 14x + 24 = 0 8. 𝑥 2 + 12x = 13 9. 𝑥 2 – 30x + 56 = –25

10. 𝑥 2 + 8x + 9 = 0 11. 𝑥 2 – 10x + 6 = –7 12. 𝑥 2 + 18x + 50 = 9

13. 3𝑥 2 + 15x – 3 = 0 14. 4𝑥 2 – 72 = 24x 15. 0.9𝑥 2 + 5.4x – 4 = 0

1 1
16. 0.4𝑥 2 + 0.8x = 0.2 17. 2 𝑥 2 – x – 10 = 0 18. 4 𝑥 2 + x – 2 = 0

Write the vertex form of each parabola.

19. y = 𝑥 2 – 4x + 11 20. y = 𝑥 2 + 10x + 12 21. y = 2𝑥 2 + 24x + 47

22. NUMBER THEORY The product of two consecutive even integers is 728. Find the integers.

23. BUSINESS Jaime owns a business making decorative boxes to store jewelry, mementos, and other valuables.
The function y = 𝑥 2 + 50x + 1800 models the profit y that Jaime has made in month x for the first two years of his
business.

a. Write an equation representing the month in which Jaime’s profit is $2400.

b. Use completing the square to find out in which month Jaime’s profit is $2400.

24. PHYSICS From a height of 256 feet above a lake on a cliff, Mikaela throws a rock out over the lake. The height H of
the rock t seconds after Mikaela throws it is represented by the equation H = –16𝑡 2 + 32t + 256. To the nearest tenth
of a second, how long does it take the rock to reach the lake below? (Hint: Replace H with 0.)
Chapter 9 32 Glencoe Algebra 1
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9-5 Word Problem Practice

Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
1. INTERIOR DESIGN Modular carpeting is installed 4. FROGS A frog sitting on a stump 3 feet high hops off
in small pieces rather than as a large roll so that only and lands on the ground. During its leap, its height h
a few pieces need to be replaced if a small area is in feet is given by h = –0.5𝑑𝟐 + 2d + 3, where d is the
damaged. Suppose the room shown in the diagram distance from the base of the stump. How far is the
below is being fitted with modular carpeting. frog from the base of the stump when it landed on the
Complete the square to determine the number of ground?
1 foot by 1 foot squares of carpeting needed to finish
the room. Fill in the missing terms in the
corresponding equation below.

5. GARDENING Peg is planning a rectangular

vegetable garden using 200 feet of fencing material.
She only needs to fence three sides of the garden since
one side borders an existing fence.

𝑥 2 + 10x + _____ = (𝑥 + _____)2

2. FALLING OBJECTS Keisha throws a rock down an

old well. The distance d in feet the rock falls after t
seconds can be represented by d = 16𝑡 𝟐 + 64t. If the
water in the well is 80 feet below ground, how many
seconds will it take for the rock to hit the water? a. Let x = the width of the rectangle. Write an
equation to represent the area A of the garden
if Peg uses all the fencing material.

3. MARS On Mars, the gravity acting on an object is

less than that on Earth. On Earth, a golf ball hit with b. For what widths would the area of Peg’s garden
an initial upward velocity of 26 meters per second will equal 4800 square feet if she uses all the fencing
hit the ground in about 5.4 seconds. The height h of an material?
object on Mars that leaves the ground with an initial
velocity of 26 meters per second is given by the
equation h = –1.9𝑡 𝟐 + 26t. How much longer will it
take for the golf ball hit on Mars to reach the ground?
Round your answer to the nearest tenth.

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9-5 Enrichment
Factoring Quartic Polynomials
Completing the square is a useful tool for factoring quadratic expressions. You can utilize a similar technique to factor
simple quartic polynomials of the form 𝑥 4 + c.

Example: Factor the quartic polynomial 𝒙𝟒 + 64.

Step 1 Find the value of the middle term needed to complete the square.
This value is (2√64) (𝑥 2 ), or 16𝑥 2 .
Step 2 Rewrite the original polynomial in factorable form.
16 2
(𝑥 4 + 16𝑥 2 + ( ) ) – 16𝑥 2
2

Step 3 Factor the polynomials. (𝑥 2 + 8)2 – (4𝑥)2

Step 4 Rewrite using the difference of two squares.
(𝑥 2 + 8 + 4x)(𝑥 2 + 8 – 4x)
The factored form of 𝑥 2 + 64 is (𝑥 2 + 4x + 8) (𝑥 2 – 4x + 8). This could then be factored further, if needed, to find the
solutions to a quartic equation.

Exercises
Factor each quartic polynomial.

1. 𝑥 4 + 4 2. 𝑥 4 + 324

3. 𝑥 4 + 2500 4. 𝑥 4 + 9604

5. 𝑥 4 + 1024 6. 𝑥 4 + 5184

7. 𝑥 4 + 484 8. 𝑥 4 + 9

9. 𝑥 4 + 144 10. 𝑥 8 + 16,384

11. Factor 𝑥 4 + c to come up with a general rule for factoring quartic polynomials.

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9-6 Study Guide and Intervention

Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula
Quadratic Formula To solve the standard form of the quadratic equation, a𝑥 2 + bx + c = 0, use the Quadratic Formula.
−𝑏 ± √𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
Quadratic Formula The solutions of a𝑥 2 + bx + c = 0, where a ≠ 0, are given by x = .
2𝑎

Example 1: Solve 𝒙𝟐 + 2x = 3 by using the Example 2: Solve 𝒙𝟐 – 6x – 2 = 0 by using the

Quadratic Formula. Quadratic Formula. Round to the nearest tenth
if necessary.
Rewrite the equation in standard form.
𝑥 2 + 2x = 3 Original equation
For this equation a = 1, b = –6, and c = –2.
−𝑏 ± √𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐
𝑥 2 + 2x – 3 = 3 – 3 Subtract 3 from each side. x= 2𝑎
𝑥 2 + 2x – 3 = 0 Simplify. 6 ± √(−6)2 − 4(1)(−2)
=
Now let a = 1, b = 2, and c = –3 in the 2(1)
Quadratic Formula. 6 + √44
=
−𝑏 ± √𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 2
x= 6 + √44 6 − √44
2𝑎
x= or x =
2 2
−2 ± √(2)2 − 4(1)(−3)
= 2(1) x ≈ 6.3 ≈ –0.3
−2 ± √16 The solution set is {–0.3, 6.3}.
= 2
−2 + 4 −2 − 4
x = 2 or x= 2
=1 = –3
The solution set is {–3, 1}.

Exercises
Solve each equation by using the Quadratic Formula. Round to the nearest tenth if necessary.
1. 𝑥 2 – 3x + 2 = 0 2. 𝑥 2 – 8x = –16

3. 16𝑥 2 – 8x = –1 4. 𝑥 2 + 5x = 6

5. 3𝑥 2 + 2x = 8 6. 8𝑥 2 – 8x – 5 = 0

7. –4𝑥 2 + 19x = 21 8. 2𝑥 2 + 6x = 5

9. 48𝑥 2 + 22x – 15 = 0 10. 8𝑥 2 – 4x = 24

11. 2𝑥 2 + 5x = 8 12. 8𝑥 2 + 9x – 4 = 0

13. 2𝑥 2 + 9x + 4 = 0 14. 8𝑥 2 + 17x + 2 = 0

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9-6 Study Guide and Intervention (continued)

Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula
−𝑏 ± √𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐
The Discriminant In the Quadratic Formula, x = the expression under the radical sign, 𝑏 2 – 4ac, is called
,
2𝑎
the discriminant. The discriminant can be used to determine the number of real solutions for a quadratic equation.

Case 1: 𝑏 2 – 4ac < 0 no real solutions

Case 2: 𝑏 2 – 4ac = 0 one real solution

Case 3: 𝑏 2 – 4ac > 0 two real solutions

Example: State the value of the discriminant for each equation. Then determine the number of real solutions of
the equation.
a. 12𝒙𝟐 + 5x = 4 b. 2𝒙𝟐 + 3x = –4
Write the equation in standard form. 2𝑥 2 + 3x = –4 Original equation
2 2
12𝑥 + 5x = 4 Original equation 2𝑥 + 3x + 4 = –4 + 4 Add 4 to each side.
2
12𝑥 + 5x – 4 = 4 – 4 Subtract 4 from each side. 2𝑥 2 + 3x + 4 = 0 Simplify.
2
12𝑥 + 5x – 4 = 0 Simplify. Find the discriminant.
Now find the discriminant. 𝑏 2 – 4ac = (3)2 – 4(2)(4)
𝑏 2 – 4ac = (5)2 – 4(12)(–4) = –23
= 217 Since the discriminant is negative, the equation has no
Since the discriminant is positive, the equation has two real solutions.
real solutions.

Exercises
State the value of the discriminant for each equation. Then determine the number of real solutions of the equation.
1. 3𝑥 2 + 2x – 3 = 0 2. 3𝑥 2 – 7x – 8 = 0 3. 2𝑥 2 – 10x – 9 = 0

4. 4𝑥 2 = x + 4 5. 3𝑥 2 – 13x = 10 6. 6𝑥 2 – 10x + 10 = 0

7. 2𝑥 2 – 20 = –x 8. 6𝑥 2 = –11x – 40 9. 9 – 18x + 9𝑥 2 = 0

10. 12𝑥 2 + 9 = –6x 11. 9𝑥 2 = 81 12. 16𝑥 2 + 16x + 4 = 0

13. 8𝑥 2 + 9x = 2 14. 4𝑥 2 – 4x + 4 = 3 15. 3𝑥 2 – 18x = – 14

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9-6 Skills Practice

Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula
Solve each equation by using the Quadratic Formula. Round to the nearest tenth if necessary.
1. 𝑥 2 – 49 = 0 2. 𝑥 2 – x – 20 = 0

3. 𝑥 2 – 5x – 36 = 0 4. 𝑥 2 + 11x + 30 = 0

5. 𝑥 2 – 7x = –3 6. 𝑥 2 + 4x = –1

7. 𝑥 2 – 9x + 22 = 0 8. 𝑥 2 + 6x + 3 = 0

9. 2𝑥 2 + 5x – 7 = 0 10. 2𝑥 2 – 3x = –1

11. 2𝑥 2 + 5x + 4 = 0 12. 2𝑥 2 + 7x = 9

13. 3𝑥 2 + 2x – 3 = 0 14. 3𝑥 2 – 7x – 6 = 0

State the value of the discriminant for each equation. Then determine the number of real solutions of the equation.
15. 𝑥 2 + 4x + 3 = 0 16. 𝑥 2 + 2x + 1 = 0

17. 𝑥 2 – 4x + 10 = 0 18. 𝑥 2 – 6x + 7 = 0

19. 𝑥 2 – 2x – 7 = 0 20. 𝑥 2 – 10x + 25 = 0

21. 2𝑥 2 + 5x – 8 = 0 22. 2𝑥 2 + 6x + 12 = 0

23. 2𝑥 2 – 4x + 10 = 0 24. 3𝑥 2 + 7x + 3 = 0

Chapter 9 37 Glencoe Algebra 1

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9-6 Practice
Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula
Solve each equation by using the Quadratic Formula. Round to the nearest tenth if necessary.
1. 𝑥 2 + 2x – 3 = 0 2. 𝑥 2 + 8x + 7 = 0 3. 𝑥 2 – 4x + 6 = 0

4. 𝑥 2 – 6x + 7 = 0 5. 2𝑥 2 + 9x – 5 = 0 6. 2𝑥 2 + 12x + 10 = 0

7. 2𝑥 2 – 9x = –12 8. 2𝑥 2 – 5x = 12 9. 3𝑥 2 + x = 4

10. 3𝑥 2 – 1 = –8x 11. 4𝑥 2 + 7x = 15 12. 1.6𝑥 2 + 2x + 2.5 = 0

1 3 3 1
13. 4.5𝑥 2 + 4x – 1.5 = 0 14. 2 𝑥 2 + 2x + 2 = 0 15. 3𝑥 2 – 4 𝑥 = 2

State the value of the discriminant for each equation. Then determine the number of real solutions of the equation.
16. 𝑥 2 + 8x + 16 = 0 17. 𝑥 2 + 3x + 12 = 0 18. 2𝑥 2 + 12x = –7

19. 2𝑥 2 + 15x = –30 20. 4𝑥 2 + 9 = 12x 21. 3𝑥 2 – 2x = 3.5

3 1
22. 2.5𝑥 2 + 3x – 0.5 = 0 23. 𝑥 2 – 3x = –4 24. 𝑥 2 = –x – 1
4 4

25. CONSTRUCTION A roofer tosses a piece of roofing tile from a roof onto the ground 30 feet below. He tosses the
tile with an initial downward velocity of 10 feet per second.

a. Write an equation to find how long it takes the tile to hit the ground. Use the model for vertical motion,
H = –16𝑡 2 + vt + h, where H is the height of an object after t seconds, v is the initial velocity, and h is the
initial height. (Hint: Since the object is thrown down, the initial velocity is negative.)

b. How long does it take the tile to hit the ground?

26. PHYSICS Lupe tosses a ball up to Quyen, waiting at a third-story window, with an initial velocity of 30 feet per
second. She releases the ball from a height of 6 feet. The equation h = –16𝑡 2 + 30t + 6 represents the height h of the
ball after t seconds. If the ball must reach a height of 25 feet for Quyen to catch it, does the ball reach Quyen?
Explain. (Hint: Substitute 25 for h and use the discriminant.)

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9-6 Word Problem Practice

Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula
1. BUSINESS Tanya runs a catering business. Based on 4. CRAFTS Madelyn cut a 60-inch pipe cleaner into
her records, her weekly profit can be approximated by two unequal pieces, and then she used each piece to
the function f(x) = 𝑥 2 + 2x – 37, where x is the make a square. The sum of the areas of the squares
number of meals she caters. If f(x) is negative, it was 117 square inches. Let x be the length of one
means that the business has lost money. What is the piece. Write and solve an equation to represent the
least number of meals that Tanya needs to cater in situation and find the lengths of the two original
order to have a profit? pieces.

5. SITE DESIGN The town of Smallport plans to build

a new water treatment plant on a rectangular piece of
land 75 yards wide and 200 yards long. The buildings
2. AERONAUTICS At liftoff, the space shuttle and facilities need to cover an area of 10,000 square
Discovery has a constant acceleration of 16.4 feet per yards. The town’s zoning board wants the site
second squared and an initial velocity of 1341 feet per designer to allow as much room as possible between
second due to the rotation of Earth. The distance each edge of the site and the buildings and facilities.
Discovery has traveled t seconds after liftoff is given Let x represent the width of the border.
by the equation d(t) = 1341t + 8.2𝑡 2 . How long after
liftoff has Discovery traveled 40,000 feet? Round
your answer to the nearest tenth.

3. ARCHITECTURE The
Golden Ratio appears in
the design of the Greek a. Write an equation to represent the area covered by
Parthenon because the the building and facilities.
width and height of the
façade are related by the
𝑊+𝐻 𝑊 b. Write the equation in standard quadratic form.
equation 𝑊 = 𝐻 . If the height of a model of the
Parthenon is 16 inches, what is its width? Round
your answer to the nearest tenth.
c. What should be the width of the border?
Round your answer to the nearest tenth.

Chapter 9 39 Glencoe Algebra 1

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9-6 Enrichment
Golden Rectangles
A golden rectangle has the property that its sides satisfy the following
proportion.
𝑎+𝑏 𝑎
𝑎
=𝑏
Two quadratic equations can be written from the proportion.
These are sometimes called golden quadratic equations.

1. In the proportion, let a = 1. Use 2. Solve the equation in Exercise 1 for b.

cross-multiplication to write a
quadratic equation.

3. In the proportion, let b = 1. 4. Solve the equation in Exercise 3 for a.

Write a quadratic equation in a.

1 1
5. Explain why (√5 + 1) and (√5 – 1) are called golden ratios.
2 2

Another property of golden rectangles is that a

square drawn inside a golden rectangle creates
another, smaller golden rectangle.

In the design at the right, opposite vertices of each

square have been connected with quarters of circles.

For example, the arc from point B to point C is

created by putting the point of a compass at point A.
The radius of the arc is the length BA.

6. On a separate sheet of paper, draw a larger version of the design. Start with a golden rectangle with a long side of 10
inches.

Chapter 9 40 Glencoe Algebra 1