The fourth chapter of The Stepping Stones to Calculus shows the equations, important aspects, and the skills

necessary to work with and solve quadratic equations. It will show you how to factor and understand terms like: root, vertex, axis of symmetry.

y = ax2 +bx +c y = a(x-h)2 +k

standard equation vertex form

f(x) = -3x2 +11x - 6 or in vertex form: y 3( x

11 2 49 are considered quadratic ) 6 12 functions because the highest power is two (2). So, what do you know about this quadratic? Take the time to graph it on the grid below as you work and label appropriately (always try to draw a representation of the algebra graphically, if possible, and think about it numerically to help you get a full picture of the problem and the result) y-intercept is -6 (the c from standard form) general form is a u-shape (quadratics are parabolas) it opens down (the a is negative) (if a was positive, it would open up) steeper than the parent function y = x2 since a is -3 (a < -1 (or a 1 ))

y = -3x2 +11x - 6 or

factored form is (-3x +2)(x-3) zeroes, x-intercepts, roots are or easily factorable)

(to review factoring see below)

2 and 3

(when factors = 0; or use quadratic formula if not factorable

11 5 or (the h in the vertex form) 6 6 There are 3 ways to find the vertex: 1) average x-intercepts, 2) x = -b/2a, or 3) put the equation into vertex 1 form (see later this chapter). The y-value of the vertex = 4 (substitute the x-value into the function to 12 solve for the y-value; or, it is the y-value, the k in the vertex form). 11 axis of symmetry: x = (a vertical line that passes through the vertex point and on which the graph 6 reflects)

vertex occurs when x = 1