Quadratic Functions

(Parabolic Functions)

 Quadratic Functions
A quadratic function is a polynomial function of order 2. The general equation of such a
function is:

2
f(x) = ax + bx + c

where a is the coe cient of the quadratic term, b the coe cient of the linear term and c is the
independent term (numerical constant)

The graph of a
quadratic function is
a parabola.
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 Features of Quadratic Functions
Vertex: Minimum A quadratic function may
2
f(x) = − 0.25x + 2x + 4 have 2 real zeros, i.e. the
or Maximum
location where the
parabola crosses the x
Line of Symmetry axes or has a value of
f(x)=y=0.

Sometimes a quadratic
function does not have
real zeros

Zeros
 Features of Quadratic Functions

2 Vertex: Minimum The x-intercepts are the points

f(x) = − 0.25x + 2x + 4 where the graph y = f(x) cuts
or Maximum
the x-axis. They are also called
the zeros of the function,
because they are the x-values
Line of Symmetry
where y = f(x) = 0.

The zeros of a quadratic

function can be obtained by
using the quadratic formula:

2
−b + b − 4ac
x1 =

2a
Zeros 2
−b − b − 4ac
x2 =
2a
 Features of Quadratic Functions

2 Vertex: Minimum
f(x) = − 0.25x + 2x + 4
or Maximum
Considering the general form of
a quadratic equation:
Line of Symmetry 2
y = f(x) = ax + bx + c

The vertex passes through

−b
x=

2a

Zeros
 Features of Quadratic Functions

2 Vertex: Minimum
f(x) = − 0.25x + 2x + 4
or Maximum
Considering the general form of
a quadratic equation:
Line of Symmetry 2
y = f(x) = ax + bx + c

The vertex passes through

−b
x=

2a

Zeros
 Features of Quadratic Functions
Sander is playing a game of baseball. He hits the ball and the height of the ball is modeled by the
formula:

2
h(x) = − 0.018x + 0.54x + 1.0

where h(x) is the height of the ball, in metres, and x > 0 is the horizontal distance in metres.

(a) Find the maximum height that the ball reaches.

(b) Find the positive value for x when the graph crosses the x-axis and explain what this value
represents.

(c) Find the y-intercept and explain what this represents

 Features of Quadratic Functions
Plot the graphs of the following quadratic functions on your GDC and use this to help you complete
the table below:
2 2 2
(a) y = x + 4x − 5 (b) y = x + 4x + 3 (c) y=−x +x+2
2 2 2
(d) y = 2x − 8x − 10 (e) y = − 2x + 3x + 9 (f) y = 4x − 8x + 3
Maximun or
Equation Value of a Value of b Value of c y-intercept Minimum

a 1 4 -5 (0,-5) Minimum

b
c
d
e
f

How does the sign of a in a particular quadratic function determine whether a vertex is a maximum or a minimum?
 Features of Quadratic Functions
A rectangular mirror has perimeter 260 cm.

(a) The length of the mirror is x cm. Find the height of the mirror in terms
of x.

2
(b) Find an equation for the area of the mirror, A cm , in terms of x.

(c) Plot a graph of your equation for the area of the mirror, showing area
A on the y-axis and length x on the x-axis. Choose a suitable domain x cm
and range.

(d) Find the coordinates of the points where the graph intercepts the
x − axis

(e) States what these two values of x represent.

(f) Hence nd the equation of the graph’s line of symmetry.

(g) State what the equation of the line of symmetry tells you in this
context
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Features of Quadratic Functions
 Features of Quadratic Functions
1. A bullet is red from the top of a cli 2. Omar is on the school shot-put team. The
overlooking the sea. The path of the bullet path of the shot-put can be modeled by a
may be modeled by the equation quadratic function with equation
2 2
y = − 0.0147x + 2x + 96 (x ≥ 0) where y = 1.5 + 0.75x − 0.05x , where y is the
x is the horizontal distance from the foot of height of the shot-put in metres and x > 0 is
the cli and y is the vertical distance from the horizontal distance travelled in metres.

the foot of the cli .

(a) Find the maximum height that the shot-
put reaches.

(a) State the height of the cli

(b) Write down the equation of the axis of
(b) Find the maximum height reached by the symmetry.

bullet
(c) Find the positive value for x when the
(c) Find the distance the bullet lies from the foot graph crosses the x-axis and explain what
of the cli , when it hits the water. this value represents.

(d) Find the y-intercept and explain what this

value represents.
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 Features of Quadratic Functions
2
Sketch on paper, the graph of y = f(x) for the function f(x) = − 2x + 8x + 24 showing clearly
the x- and y-intercepts and the coordinates of the maximum or minimum point. You should only
use your GDC to verify your answer.