Scribd
Upload
16 views5 pages

2.2 - Special Functions and Their Graphs (Quadratic Part Only) - Blank Notes

Math HL

Uploaded by

ld745150
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
16 views5 pages

2.2 - Special Functions and Their Graphs (Quadratic Part Only) - Blank Notes

Math HL

Uploaded by

ld745150
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
You are on page 1/ 5

2.

2 - Special Functions and their Graphs

Quadratic Functions (The Parabola)

We have seen quadratics before (in your Pre-IB 10 course). Still they are
such an important and integral function within mathematics that it is
worth it to investigate them again from scratch.

The degree of a polynomial is the highest exponent you observe on the


variable. The degree of a polynomial is very important and tells us a
great deal about the polynomial that we will explore more throughout
the course.

A quadratic function is a degree 2 polynomial that is usually in the form:


The variables are x and y. The parameters are
a, b, and c. These parameters determine the shape of each particular
quadratic.

Quadratics can be written in multiple forms however, each of which


shows different attributes of the quadratic. Some are more useful than
others depending on what you are trying to find.

1) Standard (or General) Form:


• Useful for seeing the y-intercept easily and how the graph "opens".
Also easy for plugging into a few formulas that will be introduced.
2) Vertex Form:
• The vertex is clearly visible in this form. It is (h, k). Take notice
that the value inside the function with x is opposite sign.
3) Intercept Form:
• The x-intercepts (or zeroes or roots) are clearly visible in this form.
By using the zero principle we can easily solve for the intercepts.
They are (p, 0) and (q, 0).

Chapter 2 Page 1
The quadratic can be concave up (opening upwards) or concave down
(opening downwards). This is determined by the value of the parameter 'a'.

Components of the Quadratic

y-intercept - where the graph crosses the y-axis (or where ).

x-intercepts - where the graph crosses the x-axis (or where ).

Vertex - the highest or lowest point on the quadratic. The graph is


also said to be symmetrical about a vertical line drawn
through the vertex. This line is called the axis of
symmetry.

The vertex is a very important point on the curve. When we model


certain relationships with quadratics the vertex is a point that is
often of quite significance (highest or lowest point).

Chapter 2 Page 2
Finding the Vertex

We know from Pre-IB that the roots of a quadratic can be found


using the Quadratic Formula. It states:

If then

We know that the quadratic is symmetrical about the vertex therefore the
x-intercepts lie equal distance from the vertex. So if we were to find the
mean of the x-intercepts we could find the x-value of the vertex.

To find the y-value of the vertex simply plug the x-value you just found
into the equation of the quadratic. That is, the vertex would be
.

Ex: For the quadratic function find:

a) equation of the axis of symmetry b) vertex


c) domain and range d) vertex form of the quadratic

Chapter 2 Page 3
Chapter 2 Page 4
Ex: A calculator company's profits in euros are modelled by the function
where x is the selling price per
calculator. Find the selling price that generates the maximum profit
and find the maximum profit. Justify your response.

Ex: Find the equation of the following:

a) b)

Exercise 2B Pg 85 #1(c,d), 2(c, d, e, f)

Chapter 2 Page 5

You might also like