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Syllabus Topic: Quadratics

Title: Quadratic Functions, Completing the Square (Formula Method and Natural Method),
Finding the roots, turning point and 𝑦-intercept of a quadratic equation

Quadratics

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In algebra, a quadratic expression is one that can be represented in the form 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐,

where the highest power of 𝑥 is 2 and 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐 are constants.

Consider the quadratic (2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 3). This is in factorized form.

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Let us put it in expanded form.

(2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 3)
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expanding = 2𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 𝑥 − 3 factorizing
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= 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 3

Notice that:

2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 3 is of the form 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 where 𝑎 = 2

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𝑏 = −5

𝑐 = −3

Review of Factorizing Quadratic Expressions

Please see Class 14 Notes.

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Example:

Factorize 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 3.

Solution:

2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 3
Note: 𝑎 × 𝑐 = 2 × −3

= 2𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 𝑥 − 3 = −6

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Now, −6 × 1 = −6 and −6 + 1 = −5
= 2𝑥(𝑥 − 3) + 1(𝑥 − 3)

= (2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 3)
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Quadratic Functions
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Linear Function: 𝑦 = 𝑥
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Note: The line

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𝑦 = 𝑥 passes
through the
origin.
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Linear Function: 𝑦 = 2𝑥

Note: The line

𝑦 = 2𝑥 has a
steeper gradient
than the line

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𝑦 = 𝑥.

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Quadratic Function: 𝑦 = 𝑥 2
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Note: The shape of this

graph is called a parabola.
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For the quadratic 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 ,

𝑎=1

𝑏=0

𝑐=0
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Quadratic Function: 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 2

Note: The
parabola shifted
upwards by 2
and cuts the 𝑦-
axis at 𝑦 = 2.

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Quadratic Function: 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2
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Note: The parabola

shifted downwards
by 2 and cuts the 𝑦-
axis at 𝑦 = −2.
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Quadratic Function: 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 2

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Note: Consider the
difference when 𝑏
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Quadratic Function: 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 2 is positive versus

when 𝑏 is negative.
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Quadratic Function: 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 2

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Note: Consider the
difference when 𝑎
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is positive versus
Quadratic Function: 𝑦 = −2𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 2
when 𝑎 is negative.
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Points to note

• When 𝑎 is negative, the graph has a maximum point.

• When 𝑎 is positive, the graph has a minimum point.

Completing the Square

In algebra, completing the square is a technique used to convert a quadratic equation of the

form 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 where 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐 are constants

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into the form 𝒂(𝒙 + 𝒉)𝟐 + 𝒌 where 𝑎, ℎ and 𝑘 are constants.

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We will look at two methods used to complete the square.

• Formula Method

•
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Natural Method
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Formula Method

For the formula method, you are required to memorise two formulas.
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They are:

𝒃
1. 𝒉 = 𝟐𝒂

𝟒𝒂𝒄−𝒃𝟐 𝒃𝟐
2. 𝒌 = OR 𝒌 = 𝒄 − 𝟒𝒂
𝟒𝒂
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Worked Example 1

3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 4

Express in the form 𝑎(𝑥 + ℎ)2 + 𝑘.

Solution:

METHOD 1: Formula Method

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3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 4 is of the form 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐

where 𝑎 = 3, 𝑏 = 5 and 𝑐 = −4
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𝑏 4𝑎𝑐−𝑏2
ℎ = 2𝑎 𝑘= 4𝑎
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Note: Write out
your calculations
5 4(3)(−4)−(5)2
= 2(3) = for ℎ and 𝑘 side by
4(3)
side as shown here.
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5 −48−25
=6 = 12

73
= − 12
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5 2 73
∴ 𝑎(𝑥 + ℎ)2 + 𝑘 = 3 (𝑥 + 6) − 12
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METHOD 2: Natural Method

3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 4

Factor out 𝒂 from the first two terms.

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= 3 (𝑥 2 + 3 𝑥) − 4

𝟏 𝟓
Find 𝟐 of 𝟑 and square it. Add it to form a perfect square and then subtract the added term.

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5 25 25
= 3 (𝑥 2 + 3 𝑥 + 36) − 4 − 3 (36) 1 5 5 5 2 25
Note: 2 × 3 = 6 and (6) = 36

Simplify until the quadratic is of the form 𝒂(𝒙 + 𝒉)𝟐 + 𝒌. The added term that needs to
25
be subtracted is 3 (36).
5 2 25
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= 3 (𝑥 + 6) − 4 − 12

5 2 73
= 3 (𝑥 + ) −
6 12
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5 2 73
∴ 𝑎(𝑥 + ℎ)2 + 𝑘 = 3 (𝑥 + 6) − 12
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Worked Example 2

2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 3 = 0

Complete the square.

Solution:
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METHOD 1: Formula Method

2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 3 is of the form 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐

where 𝑎 = 2, 𝑏 = −1 and 𝑐 = 3

𝑏 4𝑎𝑐−𝑏2
ℎ = 2𝑎 𝑘= 4𝑎

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−1 4(2)(3)−(−1)2
= 2(2) = 4(2)

1 24−1
= −4 =
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23
= 8

1 2 23
∴ 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 3 = 2 (𝑥 − ) +
4 8
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METHOD 2: Natural Method

2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 3
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1
= 2 (𝑥 2 − 2 𝑥) + 3

1 1 1
= 2 (𝑥 2 − 2 𝑥 + 16) + 3 − 2 (16)

1 2 1
= 2 (𝑥 − 4) + 3 − 8

1 2 23
= 2 (𝑥 − 4) + 8
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Turning point, 𝑦-intercept and Roots of a Quadratic Equation

When you complete the square, the graph remains the same. We just represented the

equation in a different form which is 𝑎(𝑥 + ℎ)2 + 𝑘.

When the quadratic is in this form, we can figure out 3 things.

They are:

• Turning point (minimum point or maximum point)

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• 𝑦-intercept

• Roots of the quadratic equation (Solving the equation)

𝑦
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𝑦-intercept
roots
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𝑥
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×
turning point
(minimum point)
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Worked Example

2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 3 = 0

Solve the quadratic equation by factorizing.

Solution:

2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 3 = 0

2𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3𝑥 + 3 = 0

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2𝑥(𝑥 − 1) − 3(𝑥 − 1) = 0

(2𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 1) = 0
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Either 2𝑥 − 3 = 0 OR 𝑥−1=0

2𝑥 = 3 𝑥=1
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3
𝑥=2
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Note: We have
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essentially found
the roots which are
3
𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = 2.

𝑥
1 3
2
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Worked Example (Cont’d)

2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 3 = 0

Solve the quadratic equation by completing the square.

Solution:

To complete the square, you need to represent the quadratic in the form 𝑎(𝑥 + ℎ)2 + 𝑘.

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2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 3 = 0 UN
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2 (𝑥 2 − 2 𝑥) + 3 = 0

5 25 25
2 (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + ) + 3 − 2( ) = 0
2 16 16
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5 2 25
2 (𝑥 − 4) + 3 − =0
8
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5 2 1
2 (𝑥 − 4) − 8 = 0
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Note: You may be asked a question about the turning point. There are several
other ways this question can be asked.

• Coordinates of turning point (−ℎ, 𝑘)

• 𝑥-value at the minimum/maximum point −ℎ

• value of 𝑓(𝑥) at minimum/maximum 𝑘

• value of 𝑦 at minimum/maximum 𝑘

• equation of the line of symmetry 𝑥 = −ℎ

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Question: What are the coordinates of the minimum point?

5 1
Answer: The coordinate of the minimum point is (4 , − 8).

Question: What is the 𝑥-value at the minimum?

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Answer: The 𝑥-value at the minimum is 4.

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Question: What is the value of 𝑓(𝑥) at the minimum?
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Answer: The value of 𝑓(𝑥) at the minimum is − 8.
1
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Question: What is the value of 𝑦 at the minimum?

1
Answer: The value of 𝑦 at the minimum is − 8.
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Question: State the line of symmetry.

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5
Answer: The line of symmetry is 𝑥 = 4.

Note: You may be asked a question about the 𝑦-intercept.

The 𝑦-intercept is NOT 𝑘.

It is 𝑐 (obtained from the original quadratic).

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Question: What is the value of the 𝑦-intercept?

Answer: The value of the 𝑦-intercept is 𝑦 = 3.

Question: State the coordinates of the 𝑦-intercept.

Answer: The coordinates of the 𝑦-intercept is (0, 3).

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Note: After completing the square, you may be asked

to find the roots of the quadratic equation.

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Question: Find the roots of the quadratic equation.
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Answer:

5 2 1
2 (𝑥 − 4) − 8 = 0
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5 2 1
2 (𝑥 − 4) = 8
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5 2 1
(𝑥 − 4) = 16

5 1
𝑥 − 4 = ±√16

5 1
𝑥 − 4 = ±4

1 5
𝑥 = ±4 + 4
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1 5 1 5
Either 𝑥 = +4 + 4 OR 𝑥 = −4 + 4

6 4
=4 =4

3
=2 =1

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3
Note: The roots are
3
𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = 2.
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𝑥
1 3
2
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×
5 1
( ,− )
4 8
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Question:

The quadratic equation is 3𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 − 15 = 0.

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After completing the square, we get 3(𝑥 + 2)2 − 27 = 0.

Answer the questions below:

(a) Is this a minimum or maximum curve?

(b) What is the coordinate of the 𝑦-intercept?

(c) What are the roots/solve the equation/what are the coordinates of the 𝑥-intercepts?
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(d) What are the coordinates of the minimum point?

(e) What is the value of 𝑓(𝑥) at the minimum point?

(f) What is the value of 𝑥 at the minimum point?

Solution:

(a) The coefficient of 𝑥 2 is positive. Hence, this is a minimum curve.

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(b) The coordinate of the 𝑦-intercept is (0, −15).
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(c) 3(𝑥 + 2)2 − 27 = 0

3(𝑥 + 2)2 = 27
27
(𝑥 + 2)2 =
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(𝑥 + 2)2 = 9
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𝑥 + 2 = ±3

Either 𝑥 + 2 = −3 or 𝑥+2=3
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𝑥 = −3 − 2 𝑥 =3−2

𝑥 = −5 𝑥=1

The coordinates of the 𝑥-intercepts are (−5, 0) and (1, 0)

(d) The coordinate of the minimum point is (−2 − 27).

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(e) The value of 𝑓(𝑥) at the minimum point = 𝑘

The value of 𝑓(𝑥) at the minimum point = −27

(f) The value of 𝑥 at the minimum point = −ℎ

The value of 𝑥 at the minimum point = −2

Question

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𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3

(a) Express in the form 𝑎(𝑥 + ℎ)2 + 𝑘, stating the values of 𝑎, ℎ and 𝑘. [2]

(b) Hence, find

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(i) value of 𝑓(𝑥) at the minimum point [1]

(ii) equation of the line of symmetry [1]

(iii) value of the roots of 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 [2]

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Solution:
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(a) 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3

= 1(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥) − 3
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= 1(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1) − 3 − 1

= 1(𝑥 + 1)2 − 4

∴ 𝑎(𝑥 + ℎ)2 + 𝑘 = 1(𝑥 + 1)2 − 4

where 𝑎 = 1, ℎ = 1 and 𝑘 = −4.

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(b) (i) 𝑓(𝑥) at minimum = 𝑘

∴ 𝑓(𝑥) = −4 at minimum

(ii) 𝑥 = −ℎ

∴ The line of symmetry is 𝑥 = −1.

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(iii) 1(𝑥 + 1)2 − 4 = 0

1(𝑥 + 1)2 = 4

𝑥 + 1 = ±√4
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𝑥 = ±2 − 1
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Either 𝑥 = 2−1 OR 𝑥 = −2 − 1

=1 = −3
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Note: You may be asked to find the sketch the graph of the quadratic equation.
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Helpful Tip:

➢ Just put the key points.

➢ Draw the curve first, whether it is minimum or maximum.

➢ Draw the 𝑥-axis and then draw the 𝑦-axis accordingly.

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Sketch of 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑:
𝑦

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𝑥
−3 1

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×
(−1, −4)
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