3

Quadratics

Objectives
 To recognise and sketch the graphs of quadratic polynomials.
 To find the key features of the graph of a quadratic polynomial: axis intercepts,
turning point and axis of symmetry.
 To determine the maximum or minimum value of a quadratic function.
 To solve quadratic equations by factorising, completing the square and using the
general formula.
 To apply the discriminant to determine the nature and number of solutions of a
quadratic equation.
 To apply quadratic functions to solving problems.

A polynomial function has a rule of the type

y = an xn + an−1 xn−1 + · · · + a1 x + a0
where n is a natural number or zero, and a0 , a1 , . . . , an are numbers called coefficients.
The degree of a polynomial is given by the value of n, the highest power of x with a non-zero
coefficient. For example:
 y = 2x + 3 is a polynomial function of degree 1
 y = 2x2 + 3x − 2 is a polynomial function of degree 2.
This chapter deals with polynomials of degree 2. These are called quadratic polynomials.
The graph of a linear polynomial function, y = mx + c, is a straight line and the graph of a
quadratic polynomial function, y = ax2 + bx + c, a  0, is a parabola. Polynomials of higher
degree will be studied in Chapter 6.

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 3A Expanding and collecting like terms 77

3A Expanding and collecting like terms

In order to sketch graphs of quadratics, we need to find the x-axis intercepts (if they exist),
and to do this we need to solve quadratic equations. As an introduction to the methods of
solving quadratic equations, the first two sections of this chapter review the basic algebraic
processes of expansion and factorisation.
An algebraic expression is the sum of its terms. For example:
 The terms of the linear expression 3x − 1 are 3x and −1.
 The terms of the quadratic expression −2x2 + 3x − 4 are −2x2 , 3x and −4.

Example 1
Simplify 2(x − 5) − 3(x + 5) by first expanding.
Solution Explanation
2(x − 5) − 3(x + 5) = 2x − 10 − 3x − 15 Expand each bracket.
= 2x − 3x − 10 − 15 Collect like terms.
= −x − 25

Example 2
Expand 2x(3x − 2) + 3x(x − 2).
Solution
2x(3x − 2) + 3x(x − 2) = 6x2 − 4x + 3x2 − 6x
= 9x2 − 10x

For expansions of the type (a + b)(c + d), proceed as follows:

(a + b)(c + d) = a(c + d) + b(c + d)
= ac + ad + bc + bd

Example 3
Expand the following:
√
a (x + 3)(2x − 3) b (x − 3)(2x − 2 2)

Solution Explanation
a (x + 3)(2x − 3) Each term in the second pair of brackets is
= x(2x − 3) + 3(2x − 3) multiplied by each term in the first.
= 2x2 − 3x + 6x − 9
= 2x2 + 3x − 9

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 78 Chapter 3: Quadratics

√
b (x − 3)(2x − 2 2) Be careful with negative signs.
√ √
= x(2x − 2 2) − 3(2x − 2 2) You can also complete binomial expansions
√ √
= 2x2 − 2 2x − 6x + 6 2 with a table; this emphasises the terms.
√ √
= 2x2 − (2 2 + 6)x + 6 2 x −3
2x 2x2 −6x
√ √ √
−2 2 −2 2x 6 2

You add the terms to complete the

expansion.

Example 4
Expand (2x − 1)(3x2 + 2x + 4).
Solution
(2x − 1)(3x2 + 2x + 4) = 2x(3x2 + 2x + 4) − 1(3x2 + 2x + 4)
= 6x3 + 4x2 + 8x − 3x2 − 2x − 4
= 6x3 + x2 + 6x − 4

Using the TI-Nspire

To expand the expression
(2x − 1)(3x2 + 2x + 4)
use menu > Algebra > Expand.

Using the Casio ClassPad

 In M, enter the expression (2x − 1)(3x2 + 2x + 4).
 Highlight the expression and select Interactive >
Transformation > expand.
 Tap OK .

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 3A Expanding and collecting like terms 79

Perfect squares
Consider the expansion of a perfect square, (a + b)2 :
(a + b)2 = (a + b)(a + b)
= a(a + b) + b(a + b)
= a2 + ab + ab + b2
= a2 + 2ab + b2
Thus the general result can be stated as:

(a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2

That is, to expand (a + b)2 take the sum of the squares of the terms and add twice the product
of the terms.

Example 5
Expand (3x − 2)2 .
Solution Explanation
(3x − 2)2 = (3x)2 + 2(3x)(−2) + (−2)2 Use the expansion (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2 .
= 9x2 − 12x + 4 Here a = 3x and b = −2.

Difference of two squares

Consider the expansion of (a + b)(a − b):
(a + b)(a − b) = a(a − b) + b(a − b)
= a2 − ab + ab − b2
= a2 − b2
Thus the expansion of the difference of two squares has been obtained:

(a + b)(a − b) = a2 − b2

Example 6
Expand:
√ √
a (2x − 4)(2x + 4) b (x − 2 7)(x + 2 7)

Solution
√ √ √
a (2x − 4)(2x + 4) = (2x)2 − (4)2 b (x − 2 7)(x + 2 7) = x2 − (2 7)2
= 4x2 − 16 = x2 − 28

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 80 Chapter 3: Quadratics 3A

Example 7
Expand (2a − b + c)(2a − b − c).
Solution
  
(2a − b + c)(2a − b − c) = (2a − b) + c (2a − b) − c
= (2a − b)2 − c2
= 4a2 − 4ab + b2 − c2

Summary 3A
 A polynomial function has a rule of the type
y = an xn + an−1 xn−1 + · · · + a1 x + a0
where n is a natural number or zero, and a0 , a1 , . . . , an are numbers called coefficients.
 The degree of a polynomial is given by the value of n, the highest power of x with a
non-zero coefficient.
 A polynomial function of degree 2 is called a quadratic function. The general rule is
of the form y = ax2 + bx + c, where a  0. The graph of a quadratic function is called
a parabola.
 General binomial expansion:
(a + b)(c + d) = a(c + d) + b(c + d)
= ac + ad + bc + bd
 Perfect square expansion:
(a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
 Difference of two squares expansion:
(a + b)(a − b) = a2 − b2

Exercise 3A

1 Expand each of the following:

a 2(x − 4) b −2(x − 4) c 3(2x − 4)
d −3(4 − 2x) e x(x − 1) f 2x(x − 5)

2 Collect like terms in each of the following:

a 2x + 4x + 1 b 2x − 6 + x c 3x + 1 − 2x d −x + 2x − 3 + 4x

Example 1 3 Simplify each of the following by expanding and collecting like terms:
a 8(2x − 3) − 2(x + 4) b 2x(x − 4) − 3x
c 4(2 − 3x) + 4(6 − x) d 4 − 3(5 − 2x)

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 3A 3A Expanding and collecting like terms 81

Example 2 4 Simplify each of the following by expanding and collecting like terms:
a 2x(x − 4) − 3x b 2x(x − 5) + x(x − 5) c 2x(−10 − 3x)
d 3x(2 − 3x + 2x ) 2
e 3x − 2x(2 − x) f 3(4x − 2) − 6x

Example 3 5 Simplify each of the following by expanding and collecting like terms:
a (3x − 7)(2x + 4) b (x − 10)(x − 12) c (3x − 1)(12x + 4)
√ √ √
d (4x − 5)(2x − 3) e (x − 3)(x − 2) f (2x − 5)(x + 5)
√ √ √ √ √ √
g (3x − 2 7)(x + 7) h (5x − 3)(x + 2 2) i ( 5x − 3)( 5x − 32 2)

Example 4 6 Simplify each of the following by expanding and collecting like terms:
a (2x − 3)(3x2 + 2x − 4) b (x − 1)(x2 + x + 1)
c (6 − 2x − 3x2 )(4 − 2x) d (5x − 3)(x + 2) − (2x − 3)(x + 3)
e (2x + 3)(3x − 2) − (4x + 2)(4x − 2)

Example 5 7 Simplify each of the following by expanding and collecting like terms:
a (x − 4)2 b (2x − 3)2 c (6 − 2x)2
 1 2 √ 2 √
d x− e (x − 5) f (x − 2 3)2
2
Example 6 8 Simplify each of the following by expanding and collecting like terms:
a (x − 3)(x + 3) b (2x − 4)(2x + 4)
c (9x − 11)(9x + 11) d (2x − 3)(2x + 3)
√ √
e (2x + 5)(2x − 5) f (x − 5)(x + 5)
√ √ √ √ √ √
g (2x + 3 3)(2x − 3 3) h ( 3x − 7)( 3x + 7)

Example 7 9 Simplify each of the following by expanding and collecting like terms:
a (x − y + z)(x − y − z) b (2a − b + c)(2a − b − c)
√ √
c (3w − 4z + u)(3w + 4z − u) d (2a − 5b + c)(2a + 5b + c)

10 Find the area of each of the following by:

i adding the areas of the four ‘non-overlapping’ rectangles (two of which are squares)
ii multiplying length by width of the undivided square (boundary in blue).

a b 1 cm
11 22 x cm
11 22 x cm
3 4 1 cm
1 cm 1 cm 3 4
x cm
x cm
CAS

11 Using your calculator, expand each of the following:

√ √ √ √
a (2x − 3)(2x + 3) b ( 3x − 5)( 7x − 2) c (5 − x − 2x2 )(3 − 5x)
d (a − 2b + c)(a − b − c) e (a − 2b + c)2 f (a + b + c)(a2 − b2 )

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 82 Chapter 3: Quadratics

3B Factorising
Four different types of factorisation will be considered.

Factorisation using common factors

If each term in an algebraic expression to be factorised contains a common factor, then this
common factor is a factor of the entire expression. To find the other factor, divide each term
by the common factor. The common factor is placed outside the brackets. This process is
known as ‘taking the common factor outside the brackets’.

Example 8
a Factorise 9x2 + 81x.
b Factorise 2a2 − 8ax2 .

Solution Explanation
a 9x2 + 81x = 9x × x + 9x × 9 The common factor 9x is ‘taken out’
= 9x(x + 9) of the brackets.

b 2a2 − 8ax2 = 2a × a − 2a × 4x2 The common factor 2a is ‘taken out’

= 2a(a − 4x2 ) of the brackets.
Note: The answers can be checked by expanding.

In general, take out as many common factors as possible.

Example 9
Factorise 7x2 y − 35xy2 .
Solution Explanation
7x2 y − 35xy2 = 7xy(x − 5y) The common factor 7xy is ‘taken
out’ of the brackets.

Grouping of terms
This method can be used for expressions containing four terms.

Example 10
Factorise x3 + 4x2 − 3x − 12.
Solution Explanation
x3 + 4x2 − 3x − 12 = (x3 + 4x2 ) − (3x + 12) The terms in this expression can be
= x2 (x + 4) − 3(x + 4) grouped as shown.
= (x2 − 3)(x + 4) The common factor (x + 4) is ‘taken
out’ of the brackets.

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 3B Factorising 83

Difference of two squares

You will recall the following identity from the previous section:
(a + b)(a − b) = a2 − b2
We can now use the result the other way in order to factorise:

a2 − b2 = (a + b)(a − b)

Example 11
a Factorise 3x2 − 75.
b Factorise 9x2 − 36.

Solution Explanation
a 3x2 − 75 = 3(x2 − 25) First ‘take out’ the common factor 3.
= 3(x + 5)(x − 5) Use the difference of squares identity.

b 9x2 − 36 = 9(x2 − 4) First ‘take out’ the common factor 9.

= 9(x − 2)(x + 2) Use the difference of squares identity.

Example 12
Factorise (x − y)2 − 16y2 .
Solution Explanation
(x − y)2 − 16y2 = (x − y)2 − (4y)2 Use the difference of squares identity
= (x − y + 4y)(x − y − 4y) a2 − b2 = (a + b)(a − b)
= (x + 3y)(x − 5y) with a = (x − y) and b = 4y.

Factorising quadratic polynomials

A quadratic polynomial is an expression of the form ax2 + bx + c with a  0. We have seen
in the previous section that we can expand a product of two binomial factors to obtain a
quadratic expression. For example:
(x + 2)(x − 4) = x(x − 4) + 2(x − 4)
= x2 − 4x + 2x − 8
= x2 − 2x − 8
We want to be able to reverse this process. That is, we want to start from the expanded
expression and obtain the factorised form. We have already done this for expressions that are
differences of squares. We now turn our attention to the general case.

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 84 Chapter 3: Quadratics

Example 13
Factorise x2 − 2x − 8.
Solution Explanation
Using the method described in the explanation We want
opposite, we can factorise without any further x2 − 2x − 8 = (x + a)(x + b)
setting out:
= x2 + (a + b)x + ab
x − 2x − 8 = (x − 4)(x + 2)
2
The values of a and b are such that
Alternatively, we can reverse the process we ab = −8 and a + b = −2.
used for expanding:
Values of a and b which satisfy these
x2 − 2x − 8 = x2 − 4x + 2x − 8 two conditions are a = −4 and b = 2.
= x(x − 4) + 2(x − 4)
= (x − 4)(x + 2)

A quadratic polynomial is called a monic quadratic polynomial if the coefficient of x2 is 1.

The quadratic polynomial x2 − 2x − 8 factorised in the previous example is monic.
Factorising non-monic quadratic polynomials involves a slightly different approach. We need
to consider all possible combinations of factors of the x2 term and the constant term. The next
example and the following discussion give two methods.

Example 14
Factorise 6x2 − 13x − 15.
Solution
There are several combinations of Factors of Factors of ‘Cross-products’ add
factors of 6x2 and −15 to consider. 6x2 –15 to give –13x
Only one combination is correct.
6x +5 +5x
6x − 13x − 15 = (6x + 5)(x − 3)
2

x –3 –18x
–13x

Here is a second method for factorising 6x2 − 13x − 15 which still requires some trial and
error but is more systematic. It is the reverse process of expanding (x − 3)(6x + 5).
We let
ax2 + bx + c = (αx + γ)(βx + δ)
Expanding the right-hand side gives
ax2 + bx + c = αβx2 + (γβ + αδ)x + γδ
Note that ac = αβγδ and b = γβ + αδ.

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 3B Factorising 85

We now apply this to factorising 6x2 − 13x − 15.

First we look for two numbers that multiply together to give ac and add to give b. That is, we
look for two numbers whose product is 6 × (−15) = −90 and whose sum is −13.
The two numbers are −18 and 5. We write:
6x2 − 13x − 15 = 6x2 − 18x + 5x − 15
= 6x(x − 3) + 5(x − 3)
= (x − 3)(6x + 5)

Example 15
Factorise 8x2 + 2x − 15.
Solution Explanation
8x2 + 2x − 15 = 8x2 + 12x − 10x − 15 ac = 8 × (−15) = −120 and b = 2.
= 4x(2x + 3) − 5(2x + 3) The two numbers are 12 and −10.
= (4x − 5)(2x + 3) So we write 2x = 12x − 10x.

It is sometimes possible to take out a common factor first to simplify the factorisation.

Example 16
Factorise 2x2 + 6x − 20.
Solution Explanation
2x2 + 6x − 20 = 2(x2 + 3x − 10) The common factor 2 is ‘taken out’
= 2(x + 5)(x − 2) first.

Example 17
Factorise (x + 1)2 − 2(x + 1) − 3.
Solution Explanation
(x + 1) − 2(x + 1) − 3 = a − 2a − 3
2 2
The substitution a = x + 1 makes
= (a − 3)(a + 1) it easier to recognise the required
factorisation.
= (x + 1 − 3)(x + 1 + 1)
= (x − 2)(x + 2)

Using the TI-Nspire

To factorise the expression 6x2 − 13x − 15, use
menu > Algebra > Factor.

Note: Specify the variable as shown to factorise

over the real numbers.

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 86 Chapter 3: Quadratics 3B

Using the Casio ClassPad

 In M, enter the expression 6x2 − 13x − 15.
 Highlight the expression and select Interactive >
Transformation > factor.

Summary 3B
 Difference of two squares identity: a2 − b2 = (a + b)(a − b).
 Factorisation of monic quadratics: To factorise a quadratic of the form x2 + bx + c, find
two numbers whose sum is the coefficient of x and whose product is the constant term.
 Factorisation of general quadratics: To factorise a quadratic of the form ax2 + bx + c,
find two numbers e and f whose product is ac and whose sum is b. Split the middle
term bx as ex + f x and then factorise by grouping.

Exercise 3B

1 Factorise each of the following:

a 2x + 4 b 4a − 8 c 6 − 3x
d 2x − 10 e 18x + 12 f 24 − 16x

Example 8 2 Factorise:
a 4x2 − 2xy b 8ax + 32xy c 6ab − 12b
d 6xy + 14x y 2
e x + 2x
2
f 5x2 − 15x
g −4x2 − 16x h 7x + 49x2 i 2x − x2

Example 9 3 Factorise:
a 6x3 y2 + 12y2 x2 b 7x2 y − 6y2 x c 8x2 y2 + 6y2 x

Example 10 4 Factorise:
a x3 + 5x2 + x + 5 b xy + 2x + 3y + 6 c x2 y2 − x2 − y2 + 1
d ax + ay + bx + by e a3 − 3a2 + a − 3 f 2ab − 12a − 5b + 30
g 2x − 2x + 5x − 5
2
h x − 4x + 2x − 8
3 2
i x3 − bx2 − a2 x + a2 b

Example 11 5 Factorise:
a x2 − 36 b x2 − 81 c x2 − a2
d 4x2 − 81 e 9x2 − 16 f 25x2 − y2
g 3x2 − 48 h 2x2 − 98 i 3ax2 − 27a
j a2 − 7 k 2a2 − 5 l x2 − 12

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 3B 3C Quadratic equations 87

Example 12 6 Factorise:
a (x − 2)2 − 16 b 25 − (2 + x)2 c 3(x + 1)2 − 12
d (x − 2)2 − (x + 3)2 e (2x − 3)2 − (2x + 3)2 f (2x − 1)2 − (3x + 6)2

Example 13 7 Factorise:
a x2 − 7x − 18 b y2 − 19y + 48 c a2 − 14a + 24
d a2 + 18a + 81 e x2 − 5x − 24 f x2 − 2x − 120

Example 14 8 Factorise:
Example 15 a 3x2 − 7x + 2 b 6x2 + 7x + 2 c 5x2 + 23x + 12
d 2x2 + 9x + 4 e 6x2 − 19x + 10 f 6x2 − 7x − 3
g 12x2 − 17x + 6 h 5x2 − 4x − 12 i 5x3 − 16x2 + 12x

Example 16 9 Factorise:
a 3y2 − 12y − 36 b 2x2 − 18x + 28 c 4x2 − 36x + 72
d 3x2 + 15x + 18 e ax2 + 7ax + 12a f 48x − 24x2 + 3x3

Example 17 10 Factorise:
a (x − 1)2 + 4(x − 1) + 3 b 2(x − 1)2 + 5(x − 1) − 3 c (2x + 1)2 + 7(2x + 1) + 12

CAS
11 Factorise using your calculator:
a −4x2 + 8x − 3 b 9x2 − 18x + 8 c 6x2 + 7x − 20
d 2x2 + 11x − 21 e 2x2 + 17x + 21 f 3a2 + 4a − 4

3C Quadratic equations
This section looks at the solution of quadratic equations by simple factorisation. There are
three steps to solving a quadratic equation by factorisation:
Step 1 Write the equation in the form ax2 + bx + c = 0.
Step 2 Factorise the quadratic expression.
Step 3 Use the result that mn = 0 implies m = 0 or n = 0 (or both); this is known as the
null factor theorem.
For example, to solve the equation x2 − x = 12:
x2 − x = 12
x2 − x − 12 = 0 (Step 1)
(x − 4)(x + 3) = 0 (Step 2)
∴ x − 4 = 0 or x + 3 = 0 (Step 3)
x = 4 or x = −3
In the simplest cases, the first two steps may have been done already.

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 88 Chapter 3: Quadratics

Example 18
Solve x2 + 11x + 24 = 0.
Solution Explanation
The quadratic can also be factorised in the
x2 +24 +11x
following way:
x +3 +3x
x2 + 11x + 24 = x2 + 8x + 3x + 24
x +8 +8x
= x(x + 8) + 3(x + 8)
+11x
= (x + 8)(x + 3)
Factorising gives
x2 + 11x + 24 = 0
(x + 3)(x + 8) = 0
∴ x+3=0 or x + 8 = 0
x = −3 or x = −8

Note: We can check the answer for this example by substituting into the equation:
(−3)2 + 11(−3) + 24 = 0
(−8)2 + 11(−8) + 24 = 0

Example 19
Solve 2x2 + 5x − 12 = 0.
Solution Explanation

2x2 –12 +5x The quadratic can also be factorised in the

following way:
2x –3 –3x
2x2 + 5x − 12 = 2x2 + 8x − 3x − 12
x +4 +8x
= 2x(x + 4) − 3(x + 4)
+5x
= (2x − 3)(x + 4)
Factorising gives
2x2 + 5x − 12 = 0
(2x − 3)(x + 4) = 0
∴ 2x − 3 = 0 or x + 4 = 0
3
x= or x = −4
2

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 3C 3C Quadratic equations 89

Applications of quadratic equations

Problems involving the solution of quadratic equations arise in many situations. We will meet
more such problems in Section 3L.

Example 20
The perimeter of a rectangle is 20 cm and its area is 24 cm2 . Calculate the length and
width of the rectangle.
Solution
Let x cm be the length of the rectangle and y cm the width.
Then 2(x + y) = 20 and thus y = 10 − x.
The area is 24 cm2 and therefore xy = x(10 − x) = 24.
i.e. 10x − x2 = 24
x2 − 10x + 24 = 0
(x − 6)(x − 4) = 0
Thus the length is 6 cm or 4 cm. The width is 4 cm or 6 cm.

Summary 3C
To solve a quadratic equation by factorisation:
Step 1 Write the equation in the form ax2 + bx + c = 0.
Step 2 Factorise the quadratic polynomial.
Step 3 Use the result that mn = 0 implies m = 0 or n = 0 (or both).

Skill-
sheet Exercise 3C

1 Solve each of the following for x:

a (x − 2)(x − 3) = 0 b x(2x − 4) = 0 c (x − 4)(2x − 6) = 0
d (3 − x)(x − 4) = 0 e (2x − 6)(x + 4) = 0 f 2x(x − 1) = 0
g (5 − 2x)(6 − x) = 0 h x = 16
2
CAS

2 Use your calculator to solve each of the following equations. Give answers correct to
two decimal places.
a x2 − 4x − 3 = 0 b 2x2 − 4x − 3 = 0 c −2x2 − 4x + 3 = 0

Example 18 3 Solve for x in each of the following:

a x2 − x − 72 = 0 b x2 − 6x + 8 = 0 c x2 − 8x − 33 = 0
d x(x + 12) = 64 e x2 + 5x − 14 = 0 f x2 = 5x + 24

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 90 Chapter 3: Quadratics 3C

Example 19 4 Solve for x in each of the following:

a 2x2 + 5x + 3 = 0 b 4x2 − 8x + 3 = 0 c 6x2 + 13x + 6 = 0
d 2x2 − x = 6 e 6x2 + 15 = 23x f 2x2 − 3x − 9 = 0
g 10x2 − 11x + 3 = 0 h 12x2 + x = 6 i 4x2 + 1 = 4x
1 2 3
j x(x + 4) = 5 k x = x l 5x2 = 11x − 2
7 7

CAS
5 Use your calculator to solve each of the following equations:
a 2x2 + 7x + 3 = 0 b 15a2 − 43a + 30 = 0 c 18x2 − 15x − 12 = 0
1 2x 2x − 5
d 2x + =3 e 4x2 − 12x = 7 f =
x 2x + 3 x−2
6 Calculate the value of x. x cm

Area = 30 cm2
6 cm
x cm
7 cm
7 The bending moment, M, of a simple beam used in bridge construction is given by the
formula
w w
M= x − x2
2 2
If  = 13 m, w = 16 kg/m and M = 288 kg m, calculate the value of x.

8 The height, h metres, reached by a projectile after t seconds travelling vertically

upwards is given by the formula h = 70t − 16t2 . Calculate t if h is 76 metres.
n(n − 3)
9 A polygon with n sides has diagonals. How many sides has a polygon with
2
65 diagonals?

10 For a particular electric train, the tractive ‘resistance’ R at speed v km/h is given by
R = 1.6 + 0.03v + 0.003v2 . Find v when the tractive resistance is 10.6.

Example 20 11 The perimeter of a rectangle is 16 cm and its area is 12 cm2 . Calculate the length and
width of the rectangle.

12 The altitude of a triangle is 1 cm shorter than the base. If the area of the triangle is
15 cm2 , calculate the altitude.

13 Tickets for a concert are available at two prices. The more expensive ticket is $30 more
than the cheaper one. Find the cost of each type of ticket if a group can buy 10 more of
the cheaper tickets than the expensive ones for $1800.

14 The members of a club hire a bus for $2100. Seven members withdraw from the club
and the remaining members have to pay $10 more each to cover the cost. How many
members originally agreed to go on the bus?

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 3D Graphing quadratics 91

3D Graphing quadratics
A quadratic polynomial function is defined by the general rule
y = ax2 + bx + c
where a, b and c are constants and a  0. This is called polynomial form.

The parabola y = x2
The simplest quadratic function is y = x2 . If a table of values is constructed for y = x2 for
−3 ≤ x ≤ 3, these points can be plotted and then connected to produce a continuous curve.

x −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
y 9 4 1 0 1 4 9

Features of the graph of y = x2 : y

 The graph is called a parabola.
10 Axis of symmetry
 The possible y-values are all positive real
8
numbers and 0. (This is called the range of the y = x2
quadratic and is discussed in a more general 6
context in Chapter 5.) 4
 The graph is symmetrical about the y-axis. The
2
line about which the graph is symmetrical is
x
called the axis of symmetry.
–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3
 The graph has a vertex or turning point at the Vertex or turning point
origin (0, 0).
 The minimum value of y is 0 and it occurs at the
turning point.

Transformations of y = x2
By a process called completing the square (to be discussed in Section 3E), all quadratics
in polynomial form y = ax2 + bx + c may be transposed into what will be called the
turning point form:
y = a(x − h)2 + k
We first consider the effect of changing the value of a for our basic graph of y = x2 .
We then consider the effect of changing h and k for graphs of the form y = ax2 . Graphs
of the form y = a(x − h)2 + k are formed by translating the graph of y = ax2 . The graph
of y = a(x − h)2 + k is exactly the same shape as y = ax2 . All of these graphs are indeed
congruent to y = ax2 and each other.

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 92 Chapter 3: Quadratics

Graphs of y = ax2
We first consider graphs of the form y
y = ax2 . In this case both h = 0 and y = 2x2
k = 0. In the basic graph of y = x2 , the 8
value of a is 1. y = x2
6
1
The following graphs are shown on the y = 2 x2
4
same set of axes:
2
y = x2
x
y = 2x2 (a = 2)
–2 –1 0 1 2
y = 12 x2 (a = 12 ) –2

y = −2x2 (a = −2) –4
–6
–8 y = –2x2

If a > 1, the graph is ‘narrower’. If 0 < a < 1, the graph is ‘broader’. The transformation
which produces the graph of y = 2x2 from the graph of y = x2 is called a dilation of factor 2
from the x-axis.
When a is negative, the graph is reflected in the x-axis. The transformation which produces
the graph of y = −x2 from the graph of y = x2 is called a reflection in the x-axis.

Graphs of y = x2 + k
On this set of axes are the graphs of y

y = x2 y = x2 + 1
4
y = x2 − 2 (k = −2) y = x2
y = x2 + 1 (k = 1) 3

As can be seen, changing k moves the basic 2 y = x2 – 2

graph of y = x2 in a vertical direction.
1
x
–2 –1 0 1 2
–1

–2

 When k = −2 the graph is translated 2 units in the negative direction of the y-axis. The
vertex is now (0, −2) and the range is now all real numbers greater than or equal to −2.
 When k = 1 the graph is translated 1 unit in the positive direction of the y-axis. The
vertex is now (0, 1) and the range is now all real numbers greater than or equal to 1.
All other features of the graph are unchanged. The axis of symmetry is still the y-axis.

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 3D Graphing quadratics 93

Graphs of y = (x − h)2 y
y = (x + 3)2 y = x2 y = (x – 2)2
On this set of axes are the graphs of
y = x2
9
y = (x − 2)2 (h = 2)
y = (x + 3)2 (h = −3)
As can be seen, changing h moves the 4
graph in a horizontal direction.
2
 When h = 2 the graph is translated
2 units in the positive direction of the x
x-axis. The vertex is now (2, 0) and the –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3
axis of symmetry is now the line x = 2.
 When h = −3 the graph is translated 3 units in the negative direction of the x-axis. The
vertex is now (−3, 0) and the axis of symmetry is now the line x = −3.
In both cases, the range is unchanged and is still all non-negative real numbers.

Examples of transformations

By combining dilations, reflections and translations, we can sketch the graph of any
quadratic expressed in the form y = a(x − h)2 + k:
 The vertex is the point (h, k).
 The axis of symmetry is x = h.
 If h and k are positive numbers, then the graph of y = a(x − h)2 + k is obtained from the
graph of y = ax2 by translating h units in the positive direction of the x-axis and k units
in the positive direction of the y-axis.
 Similar results hold for different combinations of h and k positive and negative.

Example 21
Sketch the graph of y = x2 − 3.
Solution
y
The graph of y = x2 − 3 is obtained from the graph of y = x2
by translating 3 units in the negative direction of the y-axis.
4
The vertex is now at (0, −3). The axis of symmetry is the
line with equation x = 0. y = x2

To find the x-axis intercepts, let y = 0:

0 = x2 − 3 x
–2 0 2
x2 = 3
√ y = x2 – 3
∴ x=± 3
√ –3
Hence the x-axis intercepts are ± 3.

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 94 Chapter 3: Quadratics

Example 22
Sketch the graph of y = −(x + 1)2 .
Solution
y
The graph of y = −(x + 1)2 is obtained from the graph of
y = x2 by a reflection in the x-axis followed by a translation
of 1 unit in the negative direction of the x-axis.
The vertex is now at (−1, 0).
The axis of symmetry is the line with equation x = −1. y = x2
–1
The x-axis intercept is −1. x
0
y = – x2

Example 23
Sketch the graph of y = 2(x − 1)2 + 3.
Solution
The graph of y = 2x2 is translated 1 unit in the positive direction of y
the x-axis and 3 units in the positive direction of the y-axis.
The vertex has coordinates (1, 3).
5
The axis of symmetry is the line x = 1.
The graph will be narrower than y = x2 . 3
(1, 3)
The range will be y ≥ 3.
To add further detail to our graph, we can find the axis intercepts: x
0 1 2
y-axis intercept
When x = 0, y = 2(0 − 1)2 + 3 = 5.
x-axis intercepts
In this example, the minimum value of y is 3, and so y cannot be 0. Therefore this graph
has no x-axis intercepts.
Note: Another way to see this is to let y = 0 and try to solve for x:
0 = 2(x − 1)2 + 3
−3 = 2(x − 1)2
− 32 = (x − 1)2
As the square root of a negative number is not a real number, this equation has no
real solutions.

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 3D 3D Graphing quadratics 95

Example 24
Sketch the graph of y = −(x + 1)2 + 4.
Solution
The vertex has coordinates (−1, 4) and so the y
axis of symmetry is the line x = −1.
When x = 0, y = −(0 + 1)2 + 4 = 3. (−1, 4)
∴ the y-axis intercept is 3. (0, 3)
When y = 0, −(x + 1) + 4 = 0
2

(x + 1)2 = 4 (1, 0)
x
(−3, 0) 0
x + 1 = ±2
x = ±2 − 1
∴ the x-axis intercepts are 1 and −3.

Summary 3D
 The graph of y = x2 is called a parabola. The vertex (or turning point) is the point (0, 0)
and the axis of symmetry is the y-axis.
 The graph of y = −x2 is the reflection of the graph of y = x2 in the x-axis.
 For y = ax2 and a > 1, the graph is ‘narrower’ than the graph of y = x2 .
 For y = ax2 and 0 < a < 1, the graph is ‘broader’ than the graph of y = x2 .
 All quadratic functions in polynomial form y = ax2 + bx + c may be transposed into the
turning point form y = a(x − h)2 + k.
 The graph of y = a(x − h)2 + k is a parabola congruent to the graph of y = ax2 .
• The vertex (or turning point) is the point (h, k).
• The axis of symmetry is x = h.
• If h and k are positive numbers, then the graph of y = a(x − h)2 + k is obtained from
the graph of y = ax2 by translating h units in the positive direction of the x-axis and
k units in the positive direction of the y-axis.
• Similar results hold for different combinations of h and k positive and negative.

Exercise 3D

Sketch the graph of each of the following quadratics by first finding:

i the coordinates of the turning point
ii the axis of symmetry
iii the x-axis intercepts (if any).

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 96 Chapter 3: Quadratics 3D

Example 21 1 a y = x2 − 4 b y = x2 + 2 c y = −x2 + 3
d y = −2x2 + 5 e y = −x2 + 4 f y = 3x2 − 9

Example 22 2 a y = (x − 2)2 b y = (x + 3)2 c y = −(x + 1)2 d y = − 12 (x − 4)2

Example 23 3 a y = (x − 2)2 + 1 b y = (x − 2)2 − 1 c y = (x − 1)2 + 2

Example 24
d y = (x + 1)2 − 1 e y = −(x − 3)2 + 1 f y = (x + 2)2 − 4
g y = 2(x + 2)2 − 18 h y = −3(x − 4)2 + 3 i y = − 12 (x + 5)2 − 2
j y = 3(x + 2)2 − 12 k y = −4(x − 2)2 + 8 l y = 13 (x − 1)2 − 3

3E Completing the square and turning points

To sketch the graph of a quadratic using the techniques from the previous section, the
quadratic must be expressed in turning point form. This can be done using two different but
related methods: by completing the square and by using the equation of the axis of symmetry.

Completing the square

To transpose a quadratic in polynomial form we can complete the square.
Consider the expansion of a perfect square:
(x + a)2 = x2 + 2ax + a2
The last term of the expansion is the square of half the coefficient of the middle term.
Now consider the quadratic polynomial
x2 + 2x − 3
This is not a perfect square. However, by adding and subtracting a new term, we can form a
perfect square as part of a new expression for the same polynomial.
We have that
x2 + 2x + 1 = (x + 1)2
which is a perfect square. In order to keep our original quadratic ‘intact’, we both add and
subtract the ‘correct’ new term. For example:
x2 + 2x − 3 = (x2 + 2x + 1) − 1 − 3
This can now be simplified to
(x + 1)2 − 4
Hence the quadratic y = x2 + 2x − 3 is expressed in turning point form as y = (x + 1)2 − 4, and
so the vertex (turning point) of its graph is the point with coordinates (−1, −4).
In the above example, the coefficient of x2 was 1. If the coefficient is not 1, this coefficient
must first be ‘factored out’ before proceeding to complete the square.

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 3E Completing the square and turning points 97

A geometric representation of completing the square

Completing the square for x2 + 2x is represented in the following diagrams. The diagram on
the left shows x2 + 2x. The small rectangle to the right is moved to the ‘base’ of the x by x
square. The red square of area 1 unit is added. Thus x2 + 2x + 1 = (x + 1)2 .

x x+1

x 1
1 1
x 1
x+1

Using the TI-Nspire

Use menu > Algebra > Complete the Square to
rearrange the expression x2 − 5x + 2.

Note: For instructions on completing the square using the Casio ClassPad, see the appendix
in the Interactive Textbook.

Solving equations by completing the square

The process of completing the square can also be used for the solution of equations.

Example 25
Solve each of the following equations for x by first completing the square:
a x2 − 3x + 1 = 0 b 2x2 − 3x − 1 = 0

Solution Explanation
a Completing the square:
1 3
x2 − 3x + 1 = 0 × (−3) = −
 3 2  3 2 2 2
 3 2 9
x2 − 3x + − +1=0 We add and subtract − = on the
2 2 2 4
 3 2 5 left-hand side of the equation.
x− − =0
2 4 This gives an equivalent expression to
 
3 2 5 the expression of the left-hand side.
x− =
2 4
Solve the equation as shown.
√
3 5
Therefore x − = ±
2 2√ √
3 5 3± 5
and so x= ± =
2 2 2

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 98 Chapter 3: Quadratics

b Completing the square: Divide both sides by 2 before

2x2 − 3x − 1 = 0 completing the square.
 3 1 1  3 3
2 x − x−
2
=0 × − =−
2 2 2 2 4
 3 2  3 2 1  3 2 9
3 We add and subtract − =
x2 − x + − − =0 4 16
on
2 4 4 2
  the left-hand side of the equation.
3 2 17
x− =
4 16
√
3 17
Therefore x − = ±
4 4
√ √
3 17 3 ± 17
and so x= ± =
4 4 4

Sketching the graph of a quadratic polynomial after completing the square

Completing the square enables the quadratic rule to be written in turning point form. We have
seen that this can be used to sketch the graphs of quadratic polynomials.

Example 26
Find the coordinates of the vertex by completing the square and hence sketch the graph of
y = −2x2 + 6x − 8.
Solution
Take out −2 as a common factor and then complete y
the square:
x
y = −2x2 + 6x − 8 0 1 2
= −2(x2 − 3x + 4) 3
  3 2  3 2  –3 2
, – 72
= −2 x2 − 3x + − +4 –4
2 2
 
3 2 9
= −2 x − − +4
2 4
  2

3 7 –8
= −2 x − +
2 4
 
3 2 7
∴ y = −2 x − −
2 2
3 7 3
Therefore the vertex is , − and the axis of symmetry is x = .
2 2 2
The y-axis intercept is −8.
7
The graph has maximum value of − , and so there are no x-axis intercepts.
2

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 3E Completing the square and turning points 99

The equation for the axis of symmetry of a parabola

We first complete the square for y = ax2 + bx + c:
y = ax2 + bx + c
 b c
= a x2 + x +
a a
 b b2 b2 c
=a x + x+ 2 − 2 +
2
completing the square
a 4a 4a a
 b 2 b 2
=a x+ − +c
2a 4a

Axis of symmetry of a parabola

For a quadratic function written in polynomial form y = ax2 + bx + c, the axis of symmetry
b
of its graph has the equation x = − .
2a
b
Therefore the x-coordinate of the turning point is − . Substitute this value into the
2a
quadratic polynomial to find the y-coordinate of the turning point.

Example 27
Use the axis of symmetry to find the turning point of the graph and hence express in
turning point form:
a y = x2 − 4x + 3 b y = −2x2 + 12x − 7

Solution Explanation
a The x-coordinate of the turning point is 2. Here a = 1 and b = −4, so the axis of
 −4 
When x = 2, y = 4 − 8 + 3 = −1. symmetry is x = − = 2.
2
The coordinates of the turning point For the turning point form
are (2, −1). y = a(x − h)2 + k, we have found
Hence the equation is y = (x − 2)2 − 1. that a = 1, h = 2 and k = −1.

b The x-coordinate of the turning point is 3. Here a = −2 and b = 12, so the axis of
 12 
When x = 3, y = −2 × 32 + 12 × 3 − 7 = 11. symmetry is x = − = 3.
−4
The coordinates of the turning point For the turning point form
are (3, 11). y = a(x − h)2 + k, we have found
Hence the equation is y = −2(x − 3)2 + 11. that a = −2, h = 3 and k = 11.

Summary 3E
 Quadratic equations can be solved by completing the square. This method allows us to
deal with all quadratic equations, even though some have no solutions.

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 100 Chapter 3: Quadratics 3E

 To complete the square of x2 + bx + c:

b b2
• Take half the coefficient of x (that is, ) and add and subtract its square .
2 4
 To complete the square of ax2 + bx + c:
• First take out a as a factor and then complete the square inside the brackets.
b
 The axis of symmetry of the graph of y = ax2 + bx + c has equation x = − .
2a
 To convert the quadratic function y = ax2 + bx + c into turning point form using the
axis of symmetry:
b
1 The x-coordinate h of the vertex of the parabola is − .
2a
2 Find the y-coordinate k of the vertex by substituting in y = ax2 + bx + c.
3 Substitute these values for h and k in y = a(x − h)2 + k.

Skill-
sheet Exercise 3E

1 Expand each of the following:

a (x − 1)2 b (x + 2)2 c (x − 3)2 d (−x + 3)2
 1 2  3 2
e (−x − 2) 2
f (x − 5) 2
g x− h x−
2 2
2 Factorise each of the following:
a x2 − 4x + 4 b x2 − 12x + 36 c −x2 + 4x − 4 d 2x2 − 8x + 8
1 9 25
e −2x2 + 12x − 18 f x2 − x + g x2 − 3x + h x2 + 5x +
4 4 4
Example 25 3 Solve each of the following equations for x by first completing the square:
a x2 − 2x − 1 = 0 b x2 − 4x − 2 = 0 c x2 − 6x + 2 = 0
d x2 − 5x + 2 = 0 e 2x2 − 4x + 1 = 0 f 3x2 − 5x − 2 = 0
g x2 + 2x + k = 0 h kx2 + 2x + k = 0 i x2 − 3kx + 1 = 0

Example 26 4 Express each of the following in the form y = a(x − h)2 + k by completing the square.
Hence state the coordinates of the turning point and sketch the graph in each case.
a y = x2 − 2x + 3 b y = x2 + 4x + 1 c y = x2 − 3x + 1

5 Express each of the following in the form y = a(x − h)2 + k by completing the square.
Hence state the coordinates of the turning point and sketch the graph in each case.
a y = 2x2 − 2x − 5 b y = 4x2 + 8x + 8 c y = 3x2 − 6x − 4

Example 27 6 Express each of the following in the form y = a(x − h)2 + k using the axis of symmetry.
Hence state the coordinates of the turning point and sketch the graph in each case.
a y = x2 − 8x + 12 b y = x2 − x − 2 c y = 2x2 + 4x − 2
d y = −x2 + 4x + 1 e y = −2x2 − 12x − 12 f y = 3x2 − 6x + 12
CAS

7 Use your calculator to complete the square for each expression:

a 2x2 + 8x + 3 b 3x2 + 12x − 2 c 3x2 − 5kx − 7

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 3F Graphing quadratics in polynomial form 101

3F Graphing quadratics in polynomial form

It is not always essential to convert a quadratic to turning point form in order to sketch its
graph. We can sometimes find the x- and y-axis intercepts and the axis of symmetry from
polynomial form by other methods and use these details to sketch the graph.
Step 1 Find the y-axis intercept
Let x = 0. For the general quadratic y = ax2 + bx + c, this gives
y = a(0)2 + b(0) + c
y=c
Hence the y-axis intercept is always equal to c.
Step 2 Find the x-axis intercepts
Let y = 0. In general, this gives
0 = ax2 + bx + c
In order to solve such an equation it is necessary to factorise the right-hand side and
then use the null factor theorem.
Step 3 Find the equation of the axis of symmetry
Once the x-axis intercepts have been found, the equation of the axis of symmetry
can be found by using the symmetry properties of the parabola. The axis of
symmetry is the perpendicular bisector of the line segment joining the x-axis
intercepts.
Step 4 Find the coordinates of the turning point
The axis of symmetry gives the x-coordinate of the turning point. Substitute this
into the quadratic polynomial to obtain the y-coordinate.

Example 28
Find the x- and y-axis intercepts and the turning point, and hence sketch the graph of
y = x2 − 4x.
Solution
Step 1 c = 0. Therefore the y-axis intercept is 0. y
Step 2 Let y = 0. Then
0 = x2 − 4x x
0 2 4
0 = x(x − 4)
∴ x = 0 or x = 4
–4
The x-axis intercepts are 0 and 4. (2, – 4)

0+4
Step 3 The axis of symmetry is the line with equation x = , that is, x = 2.
2
Step 4 When x = 2, y = (2)2 − 4(2) = −4. The turning point has coordinates (2, −4).

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 102 Chapter 3: Quadratics

Example 29
Find the x- and y-axis intercepts and the turning point, and hence sketch the graph of
y = x2 + x − 12.
Solution
Step 1 c = −12. Therefore the y-axis intercept is −12. y

Step 2 Let y = 0. Then

0 = x2 + x − 12
x
0 = (x + 4)(x − 3) –4 –1 0 3
∴ x = −4 or x = 3
The x-axis intercepts are −4 and 3.
–12
Step 3 The axis of symmetry is the line with equation – 12 , –12 14
−4 + 3 1
x= =−
2 2
Step 4 When x = − 12 , y = (− 12 )2 + (− 12 ) − 12
= −12 14
The turning point has coordinates (− 12 , −12 14 ).

Using the TI-Nspire

To graph the quadratic function with rule
y = x2 + x − 12:
 Enter the rule in the entry line of a Graphs
application as shown, and press enter .

 Using menu > Window/Zoom > Window

Settings, select the window settings
−10 ≤ x ≤ 10 and −15 ≤ y ≤ 15 to obtain the
graph shown.
Note: You can also double click on the end
values to change the window settings.

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 3F 3F Graphing quadratics in polynomial form 103

Using the Casio ClassPad

 Open the menu m; select Graph & Table .
 Type the expression x + x − 12 in y1.
2

 Tick the box and tap the graph icon $.

 It may be necessary to change the view window by
using 6 and the settings shown below.

Summary 3F
Steps for sketching the graph of a quadratic function given in polynomial form:
Step 1 Find the y-axis intercept.
Step 2 Find the x-axis intercepts.
Step 3 Find the equation of the axis of symmetry.
Step 4 Find the coordinates of the turning point.

Exercise 3F

1 a A parabola has x-axis intercepts 4 and 10. State the x-coordinate of the vertex.
b A parabola has x-axis intercepts 6 and 8. State the x-coordinate of the vertex.
c A parabola has x-axis intercepts −6 and 8. State the x-coordinate of the vertex.

2 a A parabola has vertex (2, −6) and one of the x-axis intercepts is at 6. Find the other
x-axis intercept.
b A parabola has vertex (2, −6) and one of the x-axis intercepts is at −4. Find the other
x-axis intercept.
c A parabola has vertex (2, −6) and one of the x-axis intercepts is at the origin. Find
the other x-axis intercept.

Example 28 3 Sketch each of the following parabolas, clearly showing the axis intercepts and the
turning point:
a y = x2 − 1 b y = x2 + 6x c y = 25 − x2 d y = x2 − 4
e y = 2x2 + 3x f y = 2x2 − 4x g y = −2x2 − 3x h y = x2 + 1

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 104 Chapter 3: Quadratics 3F

Example 29 4 Sketch each of the following parabolas, clearly showing the axis intercepts and the
turning point:
a y = x2 + 3x − 10 b y = x2 − 5x + 4 c y = x2 + 2x − 3
d y = x2 + 4x + 3 e y = 2x2 − x − 1 f y = 6 − x − x2
g y = −x2 − 5x − 6 h y = x2 − 5x − 24

CAS
5 Use your calculator to help sketch each of the following parabolas, clearly showing the
axis intercepts and the turning point:
a y = x2 − 6x − 7 b y = 5x2 − 7x c y = x2 − x − 42

3G Solving quadratic inequalities

In Chapter 1 we looked at solving linear inequalities. The situation is a little more complex
for quadratic inequalities. We suggest one possible approach.
To solve a quadratic inequality (for example, x2 + x − 12 > 0):
Step 1 Solve the corresponding equation (for example, x2 + x − 12 = 0).
Step 2 Sketch the graph of the quadratic polynomial (for example, y = x2 + x − 12).
Step 3 Use the graph to determine the set of x-values which satisfy the inequality.

Example 30
Solve x2 + x − 12 > 0.
Solution y
Step 1 Solve the equation
x2 + x − 12 = 0 x
–4 0 3
(x + 4)(x − 3) = 0
∴ x = −4 or x = 3 –4

Step 2 Sketch the graph of the quadratic

y = x2 + x − 12. –8

Step 3 From the graph it can be seen that

–12
x2 + x − 12 > 0 when x < −4 or x > 3.

Using the TI-Nspire

The calculator may be used to solve quadratic
inequalities.

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 3G 3G Solving quadratic inequalities 105

Using the Casio ClassPad

 In M, select ` from the keyboard.
Math3

 Enter the inequality x2 + x − 12 > 0. (The inequality

symbols can be found in the Math3 keyboard.)
 Tap EXE .

Summary 3G
When solving quadratic inequalities of the form ax2 + bx + c ≤ 0 (or with ≥, > or <), it is
best to sketch the graph of y = ax2 + bx + c.

Skill-
sheet Exercise 3G

Example 30 1 a Solve the equation x2 − 2x − 8 = 0. b Sketch the graph of y = x2 − 2x − 8.

c Solve the inequality x2 − 2x − 8 ≤ 0. d Solve the inequality x2 − 2x − 8 > 0.

2 Solve each of the following inequalities:

a (x − 3)(x + 2) ≥ 0 b (x + 4)(x + 3) < 0 c (2x − 1)(x + 4) ≤ 0
d (x − 6)(2x − 4) > 0 e (2x − 6)(2x − 4) < 0 f (7 − 2x)(2x − 3) ≥ 0
g (2x + 7)(2x − 4) < 0 h (3x + 6)(2x − 5) ≤ 0 i (5 − 2x)(5 + x) < 0

3 Solve each of the following inequalities:

a (5 − x)(5 + x) < 0 b 4 − 9y2 ≥ 0 c 16 − y2 < 0
d 36 − 25x2 ≥ 0 e 1 − 16y2 ≤ 0 f 25 − 36y2 < 0

4 Solve each of the following inequalities:

a x2 + 2x − 8 ≥ 0 b x2 − 5x − 24 < 0 c x2 − 4x − 12 ≤ 0
d 2x2 − 3x − 9 > 0 e 6x2 + 13x < −6 f −x2 − 5x − 6 ≥ 0
g 12x2 + x > 6 h 10x2 − 11x ≤ −3 i x(x − 1) ≤ 20
j 4 + 5p − p ≥ 02
k 3 + 2y − y < 02
l x2 + 3x ≥ −2

5 Solve each of the following inequalities:

a x2 + 3x − 5 ≥ 0 b x2 − 5x + 2 < 0 c 2x2 − 3x − 1 ≤ 0
d 8 − 3x − x2 > 0 e 2x2 + 7x + 1 < 0 f 2x2 − 8x + 5 ≥ 0

6 Explain why (x − 3)2 ≥ 0 for all x.

7 Explain why −(x − 1)2 ≤ 0 for all x.
8 Complete the square for x2 + 2x + 7 and hence show that x2 + 2x + 7 ≥ 6 for all x.
9 Complete the square for −x2 − 2x − 7 and hence show that −x2 − 2x − 7 ≤ −6 for all x.
CAS

10 Use your calculator to solve each of the following inequalities:

a (3x − 5)(x + 6) ≥ −30 b (x − 2)2 < (2x + 1)2 c (x + 2)2 ≥ 1

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 106 Chapter 3: Quadratics

3H The general quadratic formula

Not all quadratics can be factorised by inspection, and it is often difficult to find the x-axis
intercepts this way. There is a general formula for finding the solutions of a quadratic
equation in polynomial form. This formula comes from ‘completing the square’ for the
general quadratic.
In Section 3E we showed that
y = ax2 + bx + c
 b 2 b2
=a x+ − +c
2a 4a
We can use this to solve the general quadratic equation:
ax2 + bx + c = 0
 b 2 b2
a x+ − +c=0
2a 4a
 b 2 b2
a x+ = −c
2a 4a
Now divide both sides by a:
 b 2 b2 c b2 − 4ac
x+ = 2− =
2a 4a a 4a2

b b2 − 4ac
x+ =±
2a 4a2
 √
b b2 − 4ac −b ± b2 − 4ac
∴ x=− ± =
2a 4a2 2a

The solutions of the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a  0, are given by the
quadratic formula
√
−b ± b2 − 4ac
x=
2a

Note: The quadratic formula provides an alternative method for solving quadratic equations
to ‘completing the square’, but it is probably not as useful for curve sketching as
‘completing the square’, which gives the turning point coordinates directly.
It should be noted that the equation of the axis of symmetry can be derived from this general
formula: the axis of symmetry is the line with equation
b
x=−
2a

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 3H The general quadratic formula 107

Also, from the formula it can be seen that:

 If b2 − 4ac > 0, there are two solutions.
 If b2 − 4ac = 0, there is one solution.
 If b2 − 4ac < 0, there are no real solutions.
This will be further explored in the next section.
A CAS calculator gives the result shown opposite.

Example 31
Solve each of the following equations for x by using the quadratic formula:
a x2 − x − 1 = 0 b x2 − 2kx − 3 = 0

Solution Explanation
a x2 − x − 1 = 0
Here a = 1, b = −1 and c = −1.
The formula gives
√
−(−1) ± (−1)2 − 4 × 1 × (−1) −b ± b2 − 4ac
x= x=
2×1 2a
√
1± 5
=
2
b x2 − 2kx − 3 = 0
Here a = 1, b = −2k and c = −3.
The formula gives
−(−2k) ± (−2k)2 − 4 × 1 × (−3)
x=
2×1
√
2k ± 4k2 + 12
=
2
√ Note that k2 + 3 ≥ 0 for all values of k,
= k ± k2 + 3 since k2 ≥ 0.

Using the TI-Nspire

 Use > Algebra > Solve to solve the
menu
equation x − 2kx − 3 = 0 for x.
2

 Alternatively, use menu > Algebra > Zeros.

Note: You must use a multiplication sign

between k and x.

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 108 Chapter 3: Quadratics

Using the Casio ClassPad

To solve the equation x2 − 2kx − 3 = 0 for x:
 Select ` from the or Math3 keyboard.
Math1

 Enter the expression x − 2kx − 3, using the

2

Var keyboard to enter the variable k.

 Tap EXE .

Note: The default setting is to solve for the variable x. To solve for a different variable,
follow the equation by a comma and then the variable.

Example 32
Sketch the graph of y = −3x2 − 12x − 7. Use the quadratic formula to calculate the x-axis
intercepts.
Solution
Since c = −7, the y-axis intercept is −7.
b
Axis of symmetry x = −
2a
 −12 
=−
2 × (−3)
= −2
Turning point
When x = −2, y = −3(−2)2 − 12(−2) − 7 = 5.
The turning point coordinates are (−2, 5).
x-axis intercepts y

−3x2 − 12x − 7 = 0 (–2, 5)

√ 5
−b ± b2 − 4ac
x=
2a
–2 – 1Ö15
−(−12) ± (−12)2 − 4(−3)(−7) 3
= x
2(−3) –2 0
√
12 ± 60
= –2 + 1 Ö15
−6 3
√
12 ± 2 15
=
−6 –7
√
= −2 ∓ 13 15
≈ −3.29 or −0.71 (to two decimal places)

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 3H 3H The general quadratic formula 109

Summary 3H
The solutions of the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a  0, are given by the
quadratic formula
√
−b ± b2 − 4ac
x=
2a
From the formula it can be seen that:
 If b2 − 4ac > 0, there are two solutions.
 If b2 − 4ac = 0, there is one solution.
 If b2 − 4ac < 0, there are no real solutions.

Exercise 3H

1 For each of the following, the coefficients a, b and c of a quadratic y = ax2 + bx + c are
given. Find:
√
i b2 − 4ac ii b2 − 4ac in simplest surd form
a a = 2, b = 4 and c = −3 b a = 1, b = 10 and c = 18
c a = 1, b = 10 and c = −18 d a = −1, b = 6 and c = 15
e a = 1, b = 9 and c = −27

2 Simplify each of the following:

√ √ √ √
2+2 5 9−3 5 5+5 5 6 + 12 2
a b c d
2 6 10 6
Example 31 3 Solve each of the following for x. Give exact answers.
a x2 + 6x = 4 b x2 − 7x − 3 = 0
c 2x2 − 5x + 2 = 0 d 2x2 + 4x − 7 = 0
e 2x2 + 8x = 1 f 5x2 − 10x = 1
g −2x2 + 4x − 1 = 0 h 2x2 + x = 3
i 2.5x2 + 3x + 0.3 = 0 j −0.6x2 − 1.3x = 0.1
k 2kx2 − 4x + k = 0 l 2(1 − k)x2 − 4kx + k = 0

Example 32 4 Sketch the graphs of the following parabolas. Use the quadratic formula to find the
x-axis intercepts (if they exist) and the axis of symmetry and, hence, the turning point.
a y = x2 + 5x − 1 b y = 2x2 − 3x − 1 c y = −x2 − 3x + 1
d y + 4 = x2 + 2x e y = 4x2 + 5x + 1 f y = −3x2 + 4x − 2
g y = −x2 + 5x + 6 h y = 4x2 − 3x + 2

Solve each of the following for x:

CAS

5
1
a x2 − kx − k = 0, where k > 0 √ b kx2 − x + k = 0, where 0 < k ≤
2 2
c k x − x + k = 0, where 0 < k ≤
2 2 2
2

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 110 Chapter 3: Quadratics

3I The discriminant
In the previous section we found that the solutions to the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0
are given by
√
−b ± b2 − 4ac
x=
2a
The expression under the square root sign is called the discriminant. We write
Δ = b2 − 4ac

The number of x-axis intercepts

There are three different possibilities for the number of x-axis intercepts of a parabola:
 zero – the graph is either all above or all below the x-axis
 one – the graph touches the x-axis and the turning point is the x-axis intercept
 two – the graph crosses the x-axis.

For a parabola y = ax2 + bx + c, we can use the discriminant Δ = b2 − 4ac to determine when
each of these three situations occur. y
 If the discriminant b2 − 4ac < 0, then the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0
has no solutions and the corresponding parabola will have no x-axis
intercepts.

 If the discriminant b2 − 4ac = 0, then the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 y

has one solution and the corresponding parabola will have one
x-axis intercept. (We sometimes say the equation has two coincident
solutions.)

 If the discriminant b2 − 4ac > 0, then the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 y

has two solutions and the corresponding parabola will have two
x-axis intercepts.

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 3I The discriminant 111

Example 33
Find the discriminant of each of the following quadratics and state whether the graph of
each crosses the x-axis, touches the x-axis or does not intersect the x-axis.
a y = x2 − 6x + 8 b y = x2 − 8x + 16 c y = 2x2 − 3x + 4

Solution
a Discriminant Δ = b2 − 4ac b Δ = b2 − 4ac
= (−6)2 − (4 × 1 × 8) = (−8)2 − (4 × 1 × 16)
=4 =0
As Δ > 0, the graph intersects the x-axis As Δ = 0, the graph touches the x-axis,
at two distinct points, i.e. there are i.e. there is one solution of the equation
two distinct solutions of the equation x2 − 8x + 16 = 0.
x2 − 6x + 8 = 0.

c Δ = b2 − 4ac
= (−3)2 − (4 × 2 × 4)
= −23
As Δ < 0, the graph does not intersect the
x-axis, i.e. there are no real solutions for
the equation 2x2 − 3x + 4 = 0.

Example 34
Find the values of m for which the equation 3x2 − 2mx + 3 = 0 has:
a one solution b no solution c two distinct solutions.

Solution
For the quadratic 3x2 − 2mx + 3, the discriminant is Δ = 4m2 − 36.
a For one solution: b For no solution:
Δ=0 Δ<0
i.e. 4m2 − 36 = 0 i.e. 4m2 − 36 < 0
m2 = 9 From the graph, this is equivalent to
∴ m = ±3 −3 < m < 3
c For two distinct solutions: Δ
Δ>0
i.e. 4m2 − 36 > 0
From the graph it can be seen that –3 0 3 m

m > 3 or m < −3
–36

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 112 Chapter 3: Quadratics 3I

The nature of the solutions of a quadratic equation

The discriminant can be used to assist in the identification of the particular type of solution
for a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0.
For a, b and c rational numbers:
 If Δ = b2 − 4ac is a perfect square and Δ  0, then the quadratic equation has two rational
solutions.
 If Δ = b2 − 4ac = 0, then the quadratic equation has one rational solution.
 If Δ = b2 − 4ac is not a perfect square and Δ > 0, then the quadratic equation has two
irrational solutions.

Example 35
Show that the solutions of the equation 3x2 + (m − 3)x − m = 0 are rational for all rational
values of m.
Solution
Δ = (m − 3)2 − 4 × 3 × (−m)
= m2 − 6m + 9 + 12m
= m2 + 6m + 9
= (m + 3)2 ≥ 0 for all m
Furthermore, Δ is a perfect square for all m.

Summary 3I
The discriminant Δ of a quadratic polynomial ax2 + bx + c is
Δ = b2 − 4ac
For the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0:
 If Δ > 0, there are two solutions.
 If Δ = 0, there is one solution.
 If Δ < 0, there are no real solutions.
For the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b and c are rational numbers:
 If Δ is a perfect square and Δ  0, there are two rational solutions.
 If Δ = 0, there is one rational solution.
 If Δ is not a perfect square and Δ > 0, there are two irrational solutions.

Skill-
sheet Exercise 3I

1 Determine the discriminant of each of the following quadratics:

a x2 + 2x − 4 b x2 + 2x + 4 c x2 + 3x − 4
d 2x2 + 3x − 4 e −2x2 + 3x + 4

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 3I 3I The discriminant 113

Example 33 2 Without sketching the graphs of the following quadratics, determine whether they cross
or touch the x-axis:
a y = x2 − 5x + 2 b y = −4x2 + 2x − 1 c y = x2 − 6x + 9
d y = 8 − 3x − 2x2 e y = 3x2 + 2x + 5 f y = −x2 − x − 1

3 By examining the discriminant, find the number of distinct solutions of:

a x2 + 8x + 7 = 0 b 3x2 + 8x + 7 = 0 c 10x2 − x − 3 = 0
d 2x2 + 8x − 7 = 0 e 3x2 − 8x − 7 = 0 f 10x2 − x + 3 = 0

4 By examining the discriminant, state the nature and number of distinct solutions for
each of the following:
a 9x2 − 24x + 16 = 0 b −x2 − 5x − 6 = 0 c x2 − x − 4 = 0
d 25x2 − 20x + 4 = 0 e 6x2 − 3x − 2 = 0 f x2 + 3x + 2 = 0

Example 34 5 Find the values of m for which each of the following equations:
i has no solutions ii has one solution iii has two distinct solutions.
a x − 4mx + 20 = 0
2
b mx2 − 3mx + 3 = 0
c 5x2 − 5mx − m = 0 d x2 + 4mx − 4(m − 2) = 0

Example 35 6 For m and n rational numbers show that mx2 + (2m + n)x + 2n = 0 has rational solutions.
7 Find the values of p for which the equation px2 + 2(p + 2)x + p + 7 = 0 has no solution.
8 Find the values of p for which the equation (1 − 2p)x2 + 8px − (2 + 8p) = 0 has one
solution.
9 Find the values of p for which:
a px2 − 6x + p = 0 has one solution b 2x2 − 4x + 3 = p has two solutions
c 3x2 = 2x + p − 1 has two solutions d x2 − 2x + 2 = p has two solutions.

10 Find the values of p for which the graph of y = px2 + 8x + p − 6 crosses the x-axis.
11 Show that the equation (p2 + 1)x2 + 2pqx + q2 = 0 has no real solution for any values of
p and q (q  0).
12 a Find the discriminant of x2 + 4mx + 24m − 44.
b Show the equation x2 + 4mx + 24m − 44 = 0 has a solution for all values of m.

13 a Find the discriminant of 4mx2 + 4(m − 1)x + m − 2.

b Show the equation 4mx2 + 4(m − 1)x + m − 2 = 0 has a solution for all values of m.

14 Find the discriminant of the equation 4x2 + (m − 4)x − m = 0, where m is a rational

number, and hence show that the equation has rational solution(s).
15 Find the discriminant of the equation x2 − (m + 2n)x + 2mn = 0, where m and n are
rational numbers, and hence show that the equation has rational solution(s).
16 If both a and c are positive, what can be said about the graph of y = ax2 + bx − c?
17 If a is negative and c is positive, what can be said about the graph of y = ax2 + bx + c?

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 114 Chapter 3: Quadratics

3J Solving simultaneous linear and quadratic equations

As discussed in Section 2H, when solving simultaneous linear equations we are actually
finding the point of intersection of the two corresponding linear graphs.
If we wish to find the point or points of intersection between a straight line and a parabola,
we can solve the equations simultaneously.
It should be noted that depending on whether the straight line intersects, touches or does not
intersect the parabola we may get two, one or zero points of intersection.

0 x 0 x 0 x

Two points of intersection One point of intersection No point of intersection

If there is one point of intersection between the parabola and the straight line, then the line is
a tangent to the parabola.
As we usually have the quadratic equation written with y as the subject, it is necessary to
have the linear equation written with y as the subject. Then the linear expression for y can be
substituted into the quadratic equation.

Example 36
Find the points of intersection of the line with equation y = −2x + 4 and the parabola with
equation y = x2 − 8x + 12.
Solution
At the point of intersection: y

x2 − 8x + 12 = −2x + 4
12 y = x2 – 8x + 12
x2 − 6x + 8 = 0
(x − 2)(x − 4) = 0
Hence x = 2 or x = 4. 4
(2, 0)
When x = 2, y = −2(2) + 4 = 0. x
2 4
–4
When x = 4, y = −2(4) + 4 = −4. (4, –4)
Therefore the points of intersection are (2, 0) y = –2x + 4
and (4, −4).
The result can be shown graphically.

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 3J Solving simultaneous linear and quadratic equations 115

Using the TI-Nspire

To solve the simultaneous equations y = −2x + 4
and y = x2 − 8x + 12:
 Use > Algebra > Solve System of
menu
Equations > Solve System of Equations.
 Press enter to accept the default settings of
two equations with variables x and y, and
then complete the template as shown.

Using the Casio ClassPad

 In the M screen, turn on the keyboard and select
the simultaneous equations icon ~ from Math1 .
 Enter the simultaneous equations
y = −2x + 4
y = x2 − 8x + 12
into the two lines, and enter x, y as the variables.
 Tap EXE .

Example 37
Prove that the straight line with the equation y = 1 − x meets the parabola with the
equation y = x2 − 3x + 2 once only.
Solution
At the point of intersection: y

x2 − 3x + 2 = 1 − x
x2 − 2x + 1 = 0 y = x2 – 3x + 2

(x − 1)2 = 0 2
Therefore x = 1 and y = 1 − 1 = 0.
1
The straight line just touches the parabola at (1, 0).
x
This can be illustrated graphically. 0 1 2
y=1–x

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 116 Chapter 3: Quadratics 3J

Summary 3J
To find the points of intersection of a straight line y = mx + c2 and a parabola
y = ax2 + bx + c1 :
 Form the quadratic equation
ax2 + bx + c1 = mx + c2
 Rearrange the equation so that the right-hand side is zero:
ax2 + (b − m)x + (c1 − c2 ) = 0
 Solve the equation for x and substitute these x-values into the equation of the line to
find the corresponding y-values.
The discriminant applied to the second equation, ax2 + (b − m)x + (c1 − c2 ) = 0, can be
used to determine the number of intersection points:
 If Δ > 0, there are two intersection points.
 If Δ = 0, there is one intersection point.
 If Δ < 0, there are no intersection points.

Exercise 3J

Example 36 1 a Find the points of intersection of the line with equation y = x − 2 and the parabola
with equation y = x2 − x − 6.
b Find the points of intersection of the line with equation x + y = 6 and the parabola
with equation y = x2 .
c Find the points of intersection of the line with equation 5x + 4y = 21 and the parabola
with equation y = x2 .
d Find the points of intersection of the line with equation y = 2x + 1 and the parabola
with equation y = x2 − x + 3.
2 Solve each of the following pairs of equations:
a y = x2 + 2x − 8 b y = x2 − x − 3 c y = x2 + x − 5
y=2−x y = 4x − 7 y = −x − 2

d y = x2 + 6x + 6 e y = 6 − x − x2 f y = x2 + x + 6
y = 2x + 3 y = −2x − 2 y = 6x + 8
Example 37 3 Prove that, for each of the following pairs of equations, the straight line meets the
parabola only once:
a y = x2 − 6x + 8 b y = x2 − 2x + 6
y = −2x + 4 y = 4x − 3

c y = 2x2 + 11x + 10 d y = x2 + 7x + 4
y = 3x + 2 y = −x − 12

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 3J 3K Families of quadratic polynomial functions 117

4 Solve each of the following pairs of equations:

a y = x2 − 6x b y = 3x2 + 9x c y = 5x2 + 9x
y=8+x y = 32 − x y = 12 − 2x

d y = −3x2 + 32x e y = 2x2 − 12 f y = 11x2

y = 32 − 3x y = 3(x − 4) y = 21 − 6x
5 a Find the value of c such that y = x + c is a tangent to the parabola y = x2 − x − 12.
Hint: Consider the discriminant of the resulting quadratic.
b i Sketch the parabola with equation y = −2x2 − 6x + 2.
ii Find the values of m for which the straight line y = mx + 6 is tangent to the
parabola. Hint: Use the discriminant of the resulting quadratic.
6 Find the value(s) of a such that the line with equation y = x is tangent to the parabola
with equation y = x2 + ax + 1.
7 Find the value of b such that the line with equation y = −x is tangent to the parabola
with equation y = x2 + x + b.
8 Find the equation of the straight line(s) which pass through the point (1, −2) and is (are)
tangent to the parabola with equation y = x2 .
Solve each of the following pairs of simultaneous equations for x and y:

CAS
9
a y = 4 − x2 b y = (x + 1)(x − 2) c y = 4 − x2
y = kx y = kx y = kx + 5, where k ≥ 2 or k ≤ −2
10 a Find the value of c such that the line with equation y = 2x + c is tangent to the
parabola with equation y = x2 + 3x.
b Find the possible values of c such that the line with equation y = 2x + c twice
intersects the parabola with equation y = x2 + 3x.

3K Families of quadratic polynomial functions

In Chapter 2 we considered the information that is necessary to determine the equation of a
straight line and we also studied families of straight lines. In this section these two ideas are
extended for our study of quadratic polynomials.
Here are some examples of families of quadratic polynomial functions:

y = ax2 , a  0 The parabolas with their vertices at the origin.

y = a(x − 2)2 + 3, a  0 The parabolas with turning point at (2, 3).
y = a(x − 2)(x + 5), a  0 The parabolas with x-axis intercepts 2 and −5.
y = a(x − h)(x − 2), a  0 The parabolas with x-axis intercept 2.
y = ax2 + bx, a  0 and b  0 The parabolas with two x-axis intercepts, one of
which is the origin.

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 118 Chapter 3: Quadratics

The letters a, b and h used to define these families are called parameters. Varying the values
of the parameters produces different parabolas. For example, for y = ax2 + bx some possible
curves are shown below.
y
y = 2x2 + 4x
y = x2 – 3x
y = x2 + 2x

x
0

y = –2x2 + 4x
y = –x2 – 2x

Example 38
A family of parabolas have rules of the form y = ax2 + c. For the parabola in this family
that passes through the points (1, 7) and (2, 10), find the values of a and c.
Solution Explanation
When x = 1, y = 7 and when x = 2, y = 10. Substitute x = 1, y = 7 in the equation
7=a+c (1) y = ax2 + c to obtain (1).

10 = 4a + c (2) Substitute x = 2, y = 10 in the

equation y = ax2 + c to obtain (2).
Subtract (1) from (2):
3 = 3a
a=1
Substitute in (1):
7=1+c
c=6
The equation is y = x2 + 6.

Example 39
A family of parabolas have rules of the form y = ax2 + bx + 2, where a  0.
a For a parabola in this family with its turning point on the x-axis, find a in terms of b.
b If the turning point is at (4, 0), find the values of a and b.

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 3K Families of quadratic polynomial functions 119

Solution Explanation
a The discriminant Δ = b2 − 8a. The discriminant of ax2 + bx + c is
b2 Δ = b2 − 4ac. In this case c = 2.
We have Δ = 0 and therefore a = .
8 The discriminant Δ = 0 since the
parabola touches the x-axis at its
turning point.
b
b We have − = 4, which implies b = −8a. The axis of symmetry has equation
2a b
b2 x=− .
From part a, we have a = . 2a
8
64a2
Hence a = = 8a2 .
8
Thus a(1 − 8a) = 0 and, since a  0, a = 18 .
Substituting for a in b = −8a gives b = −1.

Determining quadratic rules

At the beginning of this section we looked at different families of quadratic polynomial
functions. We now consider three important such families which can be used as a basis for
finding a quadratic rule from given information. These are certainly not the only useful
forms. You will see others in the worked examples.

1 y = a(x − e)(x − f ) This can be used if two x-axis intercepts and the coordinates of
one other point are known.
2 y = a(x − h)2 + k This can be used if the coordinates of the turning point and one
other point are known.
3 y = ax2 + bx + c This can be used if the coordinates of three points on the
parabola are known.

Example 40
A parabola has x-axis intercepts −3 and 4 and it passes through the point (1, 24). Find the
rule for this parabola.
Solution Explanation
y = a(x + 3)(x − 4) Two x-axis intercepts are given. Therefore
When x = 1, y = 24. use the form y = a(x − e)(x − f ).

Therefore 24 = a(1 + 3)(1 − 4)

24 = −12a
a = −2
The rule is y = −2(x + 3)(x − 4).

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 120 Chapter 3: Quadratics

Example 41
The coordinates of the turning point of a parabola are (2, 6) and the parabola passes
through the point (3, 3). Find the rule for this parabola.
Solution Explanation
y = a(x − 2) + 6
2
The coordinates of the turning point and
When x = 3, y = 3. one other point on the parabola are given.
Therefore use y = a(x − h)2 + k.
Therefore
3 = a(3 − 2)2 + 6
3=a+6
a = −3
The rule is y = −3(x − 2)2 + 6.

Example 42
A parabola passes through the points (1, 4), (0, 5) and (−1, 10). Find the rule for this
parabola.
Solution Explanation
y = ax2 + bx + c The coordinates of three points on
When x = 1, y = 4. the parabola are given. Therefore
When x = 0, y = 5. substitute values into the polynomial form
y = ax2 + bx + c to obtain three equations
When x = −1, y = 10.
in three unknowns.
4=a+b+c (1)
5=c (2)
10 = a − b + c (3)
Substitute from equation (2) into
equations (1) and (3):
−1 = a + b (1 )
5=a−b (3 )
Add (1 ) and (3 ):
4 = 2a
a=2
Using equation (1 ), we obtain b = −3.
The rule is y = 2x2 − 3x + 5.

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 3K Families of quadratic polynomial functions 121

Example 43
Determine the quadratic rule for each of the following parabolas:
a y b y

(0, 3)

(2, 5)
x (–3, 1)
0 x
0

c y d y

(0, 8)
(–1, 8)
(1, 6)
x x
0 3 0

Solution
a This is of the form y = ax2 b This is of the form y = ax2 + c
For (2, 5): 5 = 4a For (0, 3): 3 = a(0) + c

∴ a=
5 ∴ c=3
4 For (−3, 1): 1 = a(−3)2 + 3
5 2
Hence the rule is y= x 1 = 9a + 3
4
2
∴ a=−
9
2
Hence the rule is y = − x2 + 3
9

c This is of the form y = ax(x − 3) d This is of the form y = a(x − 1)2 + 6

For (−1, 8): 8 = −a(−1 − 3) For (0, 8): 8=a+6
8 = 4a ∴ a=2
∴ a=2
Hence the rule is y = 2(x − 1)2 + 6
Hence the rule is y = 2x(x − 3) y = 2(x2 − 2x + 1) + 6
y = 2x2 − 6x y = 2x2 − 4x + 8

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 122 Chapter 3: Quadratics

Using the TI-Nspire

The equation y = ax2 + bx + 2 and the two points
(−1, 0) and (1, 2) are used to generate equations
in a and b. These equations are then solved
simultaneously to find a and b.

You can either substitute the values for x, y prior

to entering or substitute in the command line
as shown.
Note: The ‘with’ or ‘given’ symbol | can be
accessed using ctrl = .

Using the Casio ClassPad

Substituting the points (−1, 0) and (1, 2) in the
equation y = ax2 + bx + 2 generates two equations
in a and b.
These equations are then solved simultaneously to
find a and b.
Note: To substitute x = −1 into ax2 + bx + 2 = 0,
use the symbol | found in Math3 .
Remember to use the Var keyboard to enter
the variables a and b.

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 3K 3K Families of quadratic polynomial functions 123

Summary 3K
To find a quadratic rule to fit given points, first choose the best form of quadratic
expression to work with. Then substitute in the coordinates of the known points to
determine the unknown parameters. Some possible forms are given here:

i y ii y
y = ax2
y = ax2 + c
x x
0 0

One point is needed to Two points are needed to

determine a. determine a and c.
iii y iv y
y = ax2 + bx
y = ax2 + bx + c
x x
0 0

Two points are needed to Three points are needed to

determine a and b. determine a, b and c.

Skill-
sheet Exercise 3K

Example 38 1 A family of parabolas have rules of the form y = ax2 + c. For the parabola in this family
that passes through the points (−1, 2) and (0, 6), find the values of a and c.

Example 39 2 A family of parabolas have rules of the form y = ax2 + bx + 4, where a  0.

a Find the discriminant of the quadratic polynomial ax2 + bx + 4.
b For a parabola in this family with its turning point on the x-axis, find a in terms of b.
c If the turning point is at (−4, 0), find the values of a and b.

Example 40 3 a A parabola has x-axis intercepts −2 and 6 and it passes through the point (1, −30).
Find the rule for this parabola.
Example 41 b The coordinates of the turning point of a parabola are (−2, 4) and the parabola passes
through the point (3, −46). Find the rule for this parabola.
Example 42 c A parabola passes through the points (1, −2), (0, −3) and (−1, −6). Find the rule for
this parabola.

4 A quadratic rule for a particular parabola is of the form y = ax2 . The parabola passes
through the point with coordinates (2, 8). Find the value of a.

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 124 Chapter 3: Quadratics 3K

5 A quadratic rule for a particular parabola is of the form y = ax2 + bx. The parabola
passes through the point with coordinates (−1, 4) and one of its x-axis intercepts is 6.
Find the values of a and b.

6 A quadratic rule for a particular parabola is of the form y = a(x − b)2 + c. The parabola
has vertex (1, 6) and passes through the point with coordinates (2, 4). Find the values of
a, b and c.

Example 43 7 Determine the equation of each of the following parabolas:

a y b y c y

5
(–3, 9)
(4, 4)

x x x
0 4 0 –7 0
d y e y f y
(–1, 5)

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

8 A parabola has vertex with coordinates (−1, 3) and passes through the point with
coordinates (3, 8). Find the equation for the parabola.

9 A parabola has x-axis intercepts 6 and −3 and passes through the point (1, 10). Find the
equation of the parabola.

10 A parabola has vertex with coordinates (−1, 3) and y-axis intercept 4. Find the equation
for the parabola.
y
11 Assuming that the suspension
cable shown in the diagram forms a
75 m
parabola, find the rule which describes
x
its shape. The minimum height of the
cable above the roadway is 30 m.

180 m

12 A parabola has the same shape as y = 2x2 , but its turning point is (1, −2). Write its
equation.

13 A parabola has its vertex at (1, −2) and passes through the point (3, 2). Write its
equation.

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 3K 3K Families of quadratic polynomial functions 125

14 Which of the curves could be most nearly defined by each of the following?
a y = 13 (x + 4)(8 − x) b y = x2 − x + 2
c y = −10 + 2(x − 1)2 d y = 12 (9 − x2 )

A y B y C y D y

10 10
5 5 5 x
–5 10 –2 0 2
x x x
–2 0 2 4 –2 0 2 4 0 5
–8

15 A family of parabolas satisfies the rule y = ax2 + 2x + a.

a Express ax2 + 2x + a in the form a(x + b)2 + c for real numbers b and c.
b Give the coordinates of the turning point of the graph of y = ax2 + 2x + a in
terms of a.
c For which values of a is ax2 + 2x + a a perfect square?
d For which values of a does the graph of y = ax2 + 2x + a have two x-axis intercepts?

16 A parabola has its vertex at (2, 2) and passes through (4, −6). Write its equation.

17 a Which of the graphs shown below could represent the equation y = (x − 4)2 − 3?
b Which graph could represent y = 3 − (x − 4)2 ?
A B C D
y y y y

x x
13 13 0 2 4 6 0 2 4 6

–13
–13
x x
0 2 4 6 0 2 4 6

18 Find the equation of the quadratic which passes through the points with coordinates:
a (−2, −1), (1, 2), (3, −16) b (−1, −2), (1, −4), (3, 10)
CAS

19 Find the equation of the quadratic which passes through the points with coordinates:
a (−3, 5), (3, 20), (5, 57) b (2, 3), (5, 36), (7, 78)

20 The rate of rainfall during a storm t hours after it began was 3 mm per hour when t = 5,
6 mm per hour when t = 9 and 5 mm per hour when t = 13. Assuming that a quadratic
model applies, find an expression for the rate of rainfall, r mm per hour, in terms of t.

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 126 Chapter 3: Quadratics

3L Quadratic models
In this section it is shown how quadratics can be used to solve worded problems, including
problems which involve finding the maximum or minimum value of a quadratic polynomial
that has been used to model a ‘practical’ situation.

Example 44
Jenny wishes to fence off a rectangular vegetable garden in her backyard. She has 20 m of
fencing wire which she will use to fence three sides of the garden, with the existing timber
fence forming the fourth side. Calculate the maximum area she can enclose.
Solution
timber fence
Let A = area of the rectangular garden
x
x = length of the garden 10 – 2
20 − x x
Then width = = 10 − x
2 2
Therefore
 x
A
A = x 10 − 50
2
x2 40
= 10x −
2
30
= − 12 (x2 − 20x + 100 − 100)
20
(completing the square)
10
= − 12 (x2 − 20x + 100) + 50
= − 12 (x − 10)2 + 50
0 5 10 15 20 x
Hence the maximum area is 50 m2 when x = 10.

Example 45
A cricket ball is thrown by a fielder. It leaves his y
hand at a height of 2 metres above the ground and (25, 15)
the wicketkeeper takes the ball 60 metres away
again at a height of 2 metres. It is known that after
the ball has gone 25 metres it is 15 metres above the
2 x
ground. The path of the cricket ball is a parabola
0 60
with equation y = ax2 + bx + c.
a Find the values of a, b and c.
b Find the maximum height of the ball above the ground.
c Find the height of the ball when it is 5 metres horizontally before it hits the wicket-
keeper’s gloves.

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 3L 3L Quadratic models 127

Solution
a The data can be used to obtain three equations:
2=c (1)
15 = (25) a + 25b + c
2
(2)
2 = (60) a + 60b + c
2
(3)
Substitute equation (1) in equations (2) and (3):
13 = 625a + 25b (2 )
0 = 3600a + 60b (3 )
Simplify (3 ) by dividing both sides by 60:
0 = 60a + b (3 )
Multiply this by 25 and subtract from equation (2 ):
13 = −875a
13 156
∴ a=− and b=
875 175
The path of the ball has equation
13 2 156
y=− x + x+2
875 175
538
b The maximum height occurs when x = 30 and y = .
35
538
∴ maximum height is m.
35
213
c When x = 55, y = .
35
213
∴ height of the ball is m.
35

Skill-
sheet Exercise 3L

Example 44 1 A farmer has 60 m of fencing with which to construct three sides of a rectangular yard
connected to an existing fence.
a If the width of the yard is x m and the area inside the existing fence
yard is A m2 , write down the rule connecting A and x.
b Sketch the graph of A against x.
x
c Determine the maximum area that can be formed for
the yard.

2 A rectangle has a perimeter of 20 m. Let x m be the length of one side. Find a formula
for the area A of the rectangle in terms of x. Hence find the maximum area A.

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 128 Chapter 3: Quadratics 3L

3 The efficiency rating, E, of a particular spark plug when

the gap is set at x mm is said to be 400(x − x2 ).
a Sketch the graph of E against x for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.
b What values of x give a zero efficiency rating?
c What value of x gives the maximum efficiency rating?
d Use the graph, or otherwise, to determine the values of x Gap x mm
between which the efficiency rating is 70 or more.

4 A piece of wire 68 cm in length is bent into the shape of a rectangle.

a If x cm is the length of the rectangle and A cm2 is the area enclosed by the
rectangular shape, write down a formula which connects A and x.
b Sketch the graph of A against x for suitable x-values.
c Use your graph to determine the maximum area formed.

A cricketer struck a cricket ball such that its height, d metres, after it had travelled

CAS
Example 45 5
3 1
x metres horizontally was given by the rule d = 1 + x − x2 , x ≥ 0.
5 50
a Use a CAS calculator to graph d against x for values of x ranging from 0 to 30.
b i What was the maximum height reached by the ball?
ii If a fielder caught the ball when it was 2 m above the ground, how far was the
ball from where it was hit?
iii At what height was the ball when it was struck?

6 An arch on the top of a door is parabolic in shape. The y

point A is 3.1 m above the bottom of the door. The equation A
y = ax2 + bx + c can be used to describe the arch. Find the
values of a, b and c. x
0
2.5 m

1.5 m

7 It is known that the daily spending of a government department follows a quadratic

model. Let t be the number of days after 1 January and s be the spending in hundreds of
thousands of dollars on a particular day, where s = at2 + bt + c.

t 30 150 300
s 7.2 12.5 6

a Find the values of a, b and c.

b Sketch the graph for 0 ≤ t ≤ 360. (Use a CAS calculator.)
c Find an estimate for the spending when:
i t = 180 ii t = 350

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 Chapter 3 review 129

Review
Chapter summary

 The general expression for a quadratic function is y = ax2 + bx + c.

 Methods for factorising:
Assign-
ment
• Taking out a common factor
e.g. 9x3 + 27x2 = 9x2 (x + 3)
Nrich • Grouping of terms
e.g. x3 + 4x2 − 3x − 12 = (x3 + 4x2 ) − (3x + 12)
= x2 (x + 4) − 3(x + 4)
= (x2 − 3)(x + 4)
• Difference of two squares: x2 − a2 = (x + a)(x − a)
e.g. 16x2 − 49 = (4x − 7)(4x + 7)
• Factorising quadratic expressions
e.g. x2 + 2x − 8 = (x + 4)(x − 2)
6x2 − 13x − 15 = (6x + 5)(x − 3)
 The graph of a quadratic function may be sketched by first expressing the rule in
turning point form, y = a(x − h)2 + k. The graph can then be obtained from the graph
of y = ax2 by translating h units in the positive direction of the x-axis and k units in the
positive direction of the y-axis (for h, k positive).
e.g. for y = 2(x − 1)2 + 3
y y

y = 2x2 y = 2(x – 1)2 + 3

(0, 5)
(1, 3)
x x
(0, 0) 0

 A quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 may be solved by:

• Factorising
• Completing the square √
−b ± b2 − 4ac
• Using the general quadratic formula x =
2a
 The following steps can be used to sketch the graph of a quadratic function in polynomial
form, y = ax2 + bx + c:
• If a > 0, the function has a minimum value.
• If a < 0, the function has a maximum value.
• The value of c gives the y-axis intercept.
b
• The equation of the axis of symmetry is x = − .
2a
• The x-axis intercepts are determined by solving the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0.

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 130 Chapter 3: Quadratics
Review

 The number of solutions of a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 can be found from the
discriminant Δ = b2 − 4ac:
• If Δ > 0, the quadratic equation has two distinct solutions.
• If Δ = 0, the quadratic equation has one solution.
• If Δ < 0, the quadratic equation has no real solutions.
 To find a quadratic rule to fit given points, choose an appropriate form. For example:

y = a(x − e)(x − f ) This can be used if two x-axis intercepts and the coordinates of
one other point are known.
y = a(x − h)2 + k This can be used if the coordinates of the turning point and one
other point are known.
y = ax2 + bx + c This can be used if the coordinates of three points on the
parabola are known.

Technology-free questions

1 Express each of the following in the form (ax + b)2 :

81 4 4
a x2 + 9x + b x2 + 18x + 81 c x2 − x+
4 5 25
d x2 + 2bx + b2 e 9x2 − 6x + 1 f 25x2 + 20x + 4

2 Expand each of the following products:

a −3(x − 2) b −a(x − a)
c (7a − b)(7a + b) d (x + 3)(x − 4)
e (2x + 3)(x − 4) f (x + y)(x − y)
g (a − b)(a + ab + b )
2 2
h (2x + 2y)(3x + y)
i (3a + 1)(a − 2) j (x + y)2 − (x − y)2
k u(v + 2) + 2v(1 − u) l (3x + 2)(x − 4) + (4 − x)(6x − 1)

3 Express each of the following as a product of factors:

a 4x − 8 b 3x2 + 8x c 24ax − 3x
d 4−x 2
e au + 2av + 3aw f 4a2 b2 − 9a4
g 1 − 36x2 a2 h x2 + x − 12 i x2 + x − 2
j 2x2 + 3x − 2 k 6x2 + 7x + 2 l 3x2 − 8x − 3
m 3x2 + x − 2 n 6a2 − a − 2 o 6x2 − 7x + 2

4 Solve each of the following equations for x by first factorising:

a x2 − 2x − 15 = 0 b x2 − 9x = 0 c 2x2 − 10x + 12 = 0
d x2 − 24x − 25 = 0 e 3x2 + 15x + 18 = 0 f x2 − 12x + 36 = 0
g 2x2 − 5x − 3 = 0 h 12x2 − 8x − 15 = 0 i 5x2 + 7x − 12 = 0

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 Chapter 3 review 131

Review
5 Sketch the graphs of each of the following:
a y = 2x2 + 3 b y = −2x2 + 3 c y = 2(x − 2)2 + 3
d y = 2(x + 2)2 + 3 e y = 2(x − 4)2 − 3 f y = 9 − 4x2
g y = 3(x − 2)2 h y = 2(2 − x)2 + 3

6 Express in the form y = a(x − h)2 + k and hence sketch the graphs of the following:
a y = x2 − 4x − 5 b y = x2 − 6x c y = x2 − 8x + 4
d y = 2x2 + 8x − 4 e y = −3x2 − 12x + 9 f y = −x2 + 4x + 5

7 For each of the following, find

i the axis intercepts
ii the axis of symmetry
iii the turning point
and hence sketch the graph:
a y = x2 − 7x + 6 b y = −x2 − x + 12 c y = −x2 + 5x + 14
d y = x2 − 10x + 16 e y = 2x2 + x − 15 f y = 6x2 − 13x − 5
g y = 9x2 − 16 h y = 4x2 − 25

8 Find the value(s) of p that will make the quadratic (5p − 1)x2 − 4x + (2p − 1) a perfect
square.

9 Solve the following quadratic inequalities:

a x2 > x b (x + 2)2 ≤ 34 c 3x2 + 5x − 2 ≤ 0
d −2x2 + 13x ≥ 15

10 Use the quadratic formula to solve each of the following:

a x2 + 6x + 3 = 0 b x2 + 9x + 12 = 0 c x2 − 4x + 2 = 0
d 2x2 + 7x + 2 = 0 e 2x2 + 7x + 4 = 0 f 3x2 + 9x − 1 = 0

11 Find the equation of the quadratic, the graph of which y

is shown.
(6, 10)

x
0 5

12 A parabola has the same shape as y = 3x2 but its vertex is at (5, 2). Find the equation
corresponding to this parabola.

13 Find the values of m if (2m − 3)x2 + (5m − 1)x + (3m − 2) = 0 has two solutions.

14 Two numbers have a sum of 30. Find the maximum value of the product of such
numbers.

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 132 Chapter 3: Quadratics
Review

15 Find the rule of the quadratic function which describes y

the graph. (2, 10)

(1, 5)
x
0

16 Find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the graphs with equations:
a y = 2x + 3 and y = x2
b y = 8x + 11 and y = 2x2
c y = 3x2 + 7x and y = 2
d y = 2x2 and y = 2 − 3x

17 a A parabola has x-axis intercepts −4 and 1 and it passes through the point (−1, −12).
Find the rule for this parabola.
b The coordinates of the turning point of a parabola are (−1, 3) and the parabola passes
through the point (1, −5). Find the rule for this parabola.
c A parabola passes through the points (1, −3), (0, −3) and (−1, 1). Find the rule for
this parabola.

18 The surface area, S , of a cylindrical tank with a hemispherical top is

given by the formula S = ar2 + brh, where a = 9.42 and b = 6.28.
What is the radius of a tank of height 6 m which has a surface area
h
of 125.6 m2 ?
r

19 a For what value(s) of m does the equation 2x2 + mx + 1 = 0 have exactly one solution?
b For what values of m does the equation x2 − 4mx + 20 = 0 have real solutions?

20 Consider the family of quadratics with rules of the form y = x2 + bx, where b is a
non-zero real number.
a Find the x-axis intercepts.
b Find the coordinates of the vertex of the parabola.
c i Find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the graph of y = x2 + bx with
the line y = x, in terms of b.
ii For what value(s) of b is there one point of intersection?
iii For what value(s) of b are there two points of intersection?

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 Chapter 3 review 133

Review
Multiple-choice questions

1 The linear factors of 12x2 + 7x − 12 are

A 4x − 3 and 3x + 4 B 3x − 4 and 4x + 3 C 3x − 2 and 4x + 6
D 3x + 2 and 4x − 6 E 6x + 4 and 2x − 3

2 The solutions of the equation x2 − 5x − 14 = 0 are

A x = −7 only B x = −7, x = 2 C x = −2, x = 7
D x = −2, x = −7 E x = −2 only

3 For y = 8 + 2x − x2 , the maximum value of y is

A −3 14 B 5 14 C 9 D 9 12 E 10

4 If the graph of y = 2x2 − kx + 3 touches the x-axis, then the possible values of k are
A k = 2 or k = −3 B k=1 C k = −3 or k = − 12
√ √
D k = 1 or k = 3 E k = 2 6 or k = −2 6

5 The solutions of the equation x2 − 56 = x are

A x = −8 or 7 B x = −7 or 8 C x = 7 or 8
D x = −9 or 6 E x = 9 or −6

6 The value of the discriminant of x2 + 3x − 10 is

A 5 B −5 C 49 D 7 E −2

7 The coordinates of the turning point of the graph with equation y = 3x2 + 6x − 1 are
A ( 13 , −2) B (− 13 , 2) C (− 13 , −4) D (1, −4) E (−1, −4)

8 The quadratic 5x2 − 10x − 2 in turning point form a(x − h)2 + k, by completing the
square, is
A (5x + 1)2 + 5 B (5x − 1)2 − 5 C 5(x − 1)2 − 5
D 5(x + 1)2 − 2 E 5(x − 1)2 − 7

9 The value(s) of m that will give the equation mx2 + 6x − 3 = 0 two solutions is (are)
A m = −3 B m=3 C m=0 D m > −3 E m < −3

10 6x2 − 8xy − 8y2 is equal to

A (3x + 2y)(2x − 4y) B (3x − 2y)(6x + 4y) C (6x − 4y)(x + 2y)
D (3x − 2y)(2x + 4y) E (6x + y)(x − 8y)

11 The turning point of a quadratic with rule y = x2 − ax has coordinates

 a a2   a2   a a2 
A (0, a) B ,− C (a, 0) D a, − E − ,−
2 4 2 2 4

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 134 Chapter 3: Quadratics
Review

12 The solution of the inequality x2 > b2 , where b < 0, is

A x > b or x < −b B x>b C b < x < −b
D −b < x < b E x < b or x > −b

13 The quadratic equation x2 − 2ax + b = 0, where a and b are positive constants, has one
solution when
√ √
A b = a and a  1 B b = a and b = − a C b = 1 and a  1
√ √
D a = b or a = − b E b=a=2

Extended-response questions

1 The diagram shows a masonry arch

bridge of span 50 m. The shape of the B
curve, ABC, is a parabola. The line AC is
the water level and B is the highest point
A 50 m C
of the bridge.

a Taking A as the origin and the maximum height of the arch above the water level as
4.5 m, write down a formula for the curve of the arch where y is the height of the
arch above AC and x is the horizontal distance from A.
b Calculate a table of values and accurately plot the graph of the curve.
c At what horizontal distance from A is the height of the arch above the water level
equal to 3 m?
d What is the height of the arch at a horizontal distance from A of 12 m?
e A floating platform 20 m wide is towed under the bridge. What is the greatest height
of the deck above water level if the platform is to be towed under the bridge with at
least 30 cm horizontal clearance on either side?

2 A piece of wire 12 cm long is cut into two pieces. One piece is used to form a square
shape and the other a rectangular shape in which the length is twice its width.
a If x cm is the side length of the square, write down the dimensions of the rectangle in
terms of x.
b Formulate a rule for A, the combined area of the square and rectangle in cm2 , in
terms of x.
c Determine the lengths of the two pieces if the sum of the areas is to be a minimum.

3 Water is pumped into an empty metal tank at a steady rate of 0.2 litres per minute. After
1 hour the depth of water in the tank is 5 cm; after 5 hours the depth is 10 cm.
a If the volume of water in the tank is V litres when the depth is x cm and there is a
quadratic relationship between V and x, write down a rule which connects V and x.
b It is known that the maximum possible depth of water in the tank is 20 cm. For how
long, from the beginning, can water be pumped into the tank at the same rate without
overflowing?
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 Chapter 3 review 135

Review
The point P is x m from B along the line BC.

CAS
4 A
a Find distance PA in terms of x. D
5m
b i Find distance PC in terms of x. 3m
ii Find distance PD in terms of x. B P C
16 m
c Find x if PA = PD.
d Find x if PA = 2PD. (Answer correct to three decimal places.)
e Find x if PA = 3PD. (Answer correct to three decimal places.)

5 AB and CD are crossroads. A jogger runs along road AB at a speed of 8 km/h and
passes O at 1 p.m. Another runner is moving along road CD. The second runner is
moving at 10 km/h and passes O at 1:30 p.m.
a Let y km be their distance apart t hours D
after 1 p.m.
i Find an expression for y in terms of t.
8 km/h
ii Plot the graph of y against t on a CAS
calculator. A O B
iii Find the time(s) when the runners are 4 km
apart. (Use a CAS calculator.) 10 km/h
iv Find the time at which the runners are C
closest and their distance apart at this time.
b Find the exact value(s) of t for which:
i y=5 ii y = 6

6 A rectangle of perimeter b cm is inscribed in a circle of radius a cm. The rectangle has

width x cm and length y cm.
a Apply Pythagoras’ theorem in triangle BCD to B C
show that x2 + y2 = 4a2 . x cm
b Form a second equation involving x, y and b.
c Eliminate y from these equations to form a
quadratic equation in terms of x, a and b. y cm O
d As x, y and 2a are the sides of a triangle,
a cm
x + y > 2a. Use this result and apply the
discriminant to the quadratic equation formed in
part c to show that the rectangle can be inscribed A D
√
in the circle only if 4a < b ≤ 4 2a.
e i If a = 5 and b = 24, find the values of x and y.
√
ii If b = 4 2a, find the values of x and y in terms of a.
b
f If = 5, find the values of x and y in terms of a.
a
g Write a program to solve the quadratic equation found in part c for suitable choices
of a and b and state the values of x and y. (Answers correct to two decimal places.)

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 136 Chapter 3: Quadratics
Review

The equation of curve B is y = −6 + 4x − x2 . y

CAS
7
a (h, 3) is the vertex of a parabola A, with A
equation y = x2 + bx + c. Find the values of b,
c and h for h > 0. (0, 4) P
b Let P be a point on curve A, and P be a point (h, 3)
on curve B such that PP is perpendicular to
x
the x-axis. 0
i The coordinates of P are (x, x2 + bx + c).
State the coordinates of P in terms of x. P'
ii Find the coordinates of M, the midpoint (0, –6)
B ( y = –6 + 4x – x2)
of PP , in terms of x.
iii Find the coordinates of M for x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4.
iv Give the equation of the straight line on which all of these points lie. (This is
called the locus of the midpoints.)
c Let d be the distance PP .
i Express d in terms of x.
ii Sketch the graph of d against x.
iii Find the minimum value of d and the value of x for which this occurs.

8 A path cuts across a park. Its y

centreline can be described by the
x Pond
equation y = , where the origin is
2 A B (40, 40)
at a point O in the park. The path (30, 35) E
(–20, 45)
starts at a point C(−30, −15) and D
finishes at a point D(60, 30).
h
a How long is the path? Pat
One boundary of the pond in x
the park is parabolic in shape. O
The boundary passes through
the points A(−20, 45), B(40, 40) C
and E(30, 35). The equation
of the parabola is of the form
y = ax2 + bx + c.
b i Find the equation of the parabola.
ii Find the coordinates of the vertex of the parabola.
x
c On the one set of axes sketch the graphs of y = and the parabola.
2
(Use a CAS calculator to help.)
d Consider the rule y = (ax2 + bx + c) − 12 x, where a, b and c have been determined in
part b i.
i What does this expression determine?
ii Find the minimum value of this expression and the value of x for which this
occurs.
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Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.