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6 - Polynomial and Rational Functions - Rewriting A Quadratic Function To Find Its Vertex and Sketch Its Graph

The document discusses rewriting a quadratic function in the form g(x)=a(x-h)^2 + k to find the vertex and graph it. It provides an example quadratic function, rewrites it in the proper form, and identifies the vertex as (-2,4). It then graphs the function by plotting points that satisfy the quadratic equation.

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Marco Fragoso
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18 views4 pages

6 - Polynomial and Rational Functions - Rewriting A Quadratic Function To Find Its Vertex and Sketch Its Graph

The document discusses rewriting a quadratic function in the form g(x)=a(x-h)^2 + k to find the vertex and graph it. It provides an example quadratic function, rewrites it in the proper form, and identifies the vertex as (-2,4). It then graphs the function by plotting points that satisfy the quadratic equation.

Uploaded by

Marco Fragoso
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Problem

Student Name : Student Date: 04/11/2024 10:46 PM


Marcofragoso0
Login Name : SMARCOFRAGOSO0 Class Name : PreCalculus and
Problem Solving

Polynomial and Rational Functions

Rewriting a quadratic function to find its vertex and sketch its graph

SAMPLE QUESTION

Consider the following quadratic function.

2
g x = − 3x − 12x − 8
2
(a) Write the equation in the form g x =a x−h + k. Then give the vertex of its graph.

Writing in the form specified: g x =


Vertex:

(b) Graph the function.

y
12

10

2
x

-12 -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 2 4 6 8 10 12
-2

-4

-6

-8

-10

-12

EXPLANATION
(a) Writing in the form specified and finding the vertex:

2
The equation of quadratic function g can always be written in the form g x =a x−h + k, where a, h,
and k are constants and a ≠ 0.

The graph of such a function is a parabola whose vertex is h, k .

2
We can rewrite g x = − 3x − 12x − 8 in this form by completing the square.
We start with the first two terms as shown below.

g x = − 3x2 − 12x − 8
g x = − 3 x2 + 4x − 8

2
Now we complete the square of the parenthetical expression x + 4x.
2
2 4
Since we have x + 4x, we must add = 4 inside the parentheses.
2

Note, though, that the expression inside the parentheses is multiplied by − 3.


So, in completing the square, we are adding − 3·4 = − 12 to the right side of the equation.

To balance this, we must also add 12 to the right side as shown below.

2
g x = − 3 x + 4x + 4 − 8 + 12
Factoring and combining like terms produces the following.

2
g x = −3 x+ 2 +4
2
Comparing this to the form g x =a x−h + k, we see that the vertex is h , k = − 2 , 4 .

(b) Graphing the function:

We will now graph our parabola using the vertex h , k = − 2, 4 .

Since a = − 3 is negative, we know that the parabola opens downward.


To get the shape of the rest of the parabola, we'll find points on each side of the vertex.
2
x y= −3 x+ 2 +4 x, y

−4 −3 −4+ 2 2 − 4, − 8
+ 4= −8
−3 2 − 3, 1
−3 −3+ 2 +4=1
2 ← vertex
−2 −3 −2+ 2 +4=4 − 2, 4

−1 2 − 1, 1
−3 −1+ 2 +4=1
2
0 −3 0+ 2 + 4= −8 0, − 8

So − 4 , − 8 , − 3 , 1 , − 2 , 4 , − 1 , 1 , and 0 , − 8 lie on the parabola.


To get our graph, we plot these points and connect them with the proper curve.

ANSWER

2
(a) Write the equation in the form g x =a x−h + k. Then give the vertex of its graph.

2
Writing in the form specified: g x = −3 x + 2 +4

Vertex: − 2, 4

(b) Graph the function.


y
12

10

2
x

-12 -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 2 4 6 8 10 12
-2

-4

-6

-8

-10

-12

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