Chapter 8 Study Guide

Equations(memorize): Quadratic Formula : Vertex of parabola ( Absolute value rules: 1) If |x| = b then x = b or x = -b 2) If |x| < b then b < x < b (can write as x < b AND x > - b) 3) If |x| > b then x > b OR x < -b Find the roots (or x-intercepts): Lines: Step Example: Example: Parabolas: Absolute Values:
| Example: | |+2 |

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Example: 1)Set equal to zero

Example:

Example: |

Example: 2)Solve for x

Example(Quadratic formula)

Example: | | (now by Abs value rules #1) Or (So by solving each for x)

*If you get roots(x-intercepts) with square roots of negative numbers remember that means the graph does not intersect with the x-axis at all.

Find the y-intercept:

Lines: Step Example: Example: 1) Let x = 0 to find out what f(0) equals.

Parabolas: Example: Example:

Absolute Values:
| Example: | |

Example:

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*Notice that for finding the y-intercept of lines you can just look at the b value (in this case 3) instead of plugging in x = 0. Do not expect that to work for parabolas or absolute values. Vertexes Lines: Not applicable lines do not have vertexes. Parabolas Example: 1) Use vertex of parabolas equation from top of sheet using a,b the same as in the quadratic formula.

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Absolute Values

| Example: | |

1) Locate what is inside the absolute value 2) Set what you found in #1 equal to zero.

3) Solve step 2 for x. 4) Plug the x value found in step 3 into f(x) to find the corresponding y value ANSWER | |

Miscellaneous questions Q1: When does f(x) = 0? A1: Same question as find the roots(x-intercepts) of f(x). See above examples.

Q2: When is a function positive? A2: Set f(x) > 0 and solve for x. Example: Answer: | | | | | | | | When is f(x) positive?

(When you divide by a negative flip the direction of the inequality)

(Above I used absolute value rule #2)

(Subtracted 2 from everything)

Q3: When is a function negative? A3: Set f(x) < 0 and solve for x. Example: Answer: When is the function negative?

(Remember I divided by -2 so I flipped the direction of the inequality) | |

(Square root of both sides involving an inequality add absolute value and this time DO NOT add the plus or minus)

(Above I am using Absolute Value Rule #3)