Quadratic Function

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Important Notes
Quadratic equation : f(x)=ax2 + bx + c
Highest power of x = 2
If a>0 the graph parabola is minimum point the shape

is
If a < 0 the graph parabola is maximum point the
shape
is
b2 4ac >0 the graph intersect x axis at 2 points
a> 0

a<0

Important Notes
b2 4ac = 0 the graph touches x axis at 1 point. (
it tangent to the quadratic function.
x
x a> 0

a<0

b2 4ac < 0 - the graph does not meet or

intersect x axis
x

a>0

a<0

Examples 1:
The graph of the quadratic below is f(x) = ax2 + bx + c
y

-1

-2

Find the values of a, b and c

Solution:
The graph f(x) = ax2 + bx +c = 0 passes through (0,-2), (-1,0) and (2,0)
At (0,-2) , f(0) = -2
a(0)2 + b(0) + c = -2

c = -2
Therefore f(x) = ax2 + bx + (-2)
At (-1,0), f(-1) = 0
a(-1)2 + b(-1) 2 = 0

a b -2 = 0

a = b + 2 (1)

At (2,0), f(2) = 0
a(2)2 + b(2) 2 = 0

4a + 2b 2 = 0

2a + b = 2 (2)
(1)to (2)
2 (b+2) + b 1 = 0
2b + 4 +b -1 = 0
3b + 3 = 0
b = -1
Then b= -1 into (1)
a = -1 +2
a = 1
So a = 1, b = -1 and c = -2

Exercise 1:
Find the values of p if the function f(x) = x2 + 2p px 3 touches the x axis at one point

Minimum and Maximum Quadratic

Function
EXAMPLE 1:

NOTES

Express f(x) = x2 4x + 8 in the form of (x+h)2 +k. Hence, state

a) the coordinates of the maximum or minimum point,
b) the equation of the axis of symmetry
Solution:
f(x) = x2 - 4x + 8
= x2 4x +(-4/2)2 (-4/2)2 + 8
= x2 4x + (-2)2 (-2)2 + 8
= (x -2)2 4 + 8
= (x-2)2 +4

f(x) = ax2 bx +c

a) a=1>0, f(x) = x2 4x + 8 has a minimum point. The minimum

point is (2,4)
b) The axis symmetry is x = 2

f(x) = a(x-p)2 + q
Max and min js (p,q)
The equation of the axis of
symmetry is x = p

Example 2: (SPM 2004)

The diagram below shows the graph of the function y = -(x-k) 2 3, where k is a constant
y
x
Find a) the value of k
(3,4)
b) the equation of the axis of symmetry
c) the coordinates of the maximum point
-7

solution:
y= (-(x-k)2 3 : k>0 and k<0 and 0<k<3
a) the graph touches (0,-7)
f(0) = -7
=> -(0 k)2 3 = - 7
=>
-k2 = -4
=>
k2 = 4
=>
k=2
since 0<k<3, k = 2
b) The equation of the axis symmetry is x = 2
c) y = - (x -2)2 3, => maximum point (2,3)

Exercise 2: (SPM 2005)

The diagram below shows the graph of the f(x) = 2(x+h) 2 +5 , where h is a constant
y
Find a) the value of h
b) the value of k
y=(f(x)
c) the equation of the axis of symmetry

(3,k)

solution:
x

Exercise 3: (SPM 2002)

The diagram below shows the graph of the f(x) = 2(x+h)2 +5 , where h is a constant
y
Find a) the value of h
b) the value of k
y=(f(x)
c) the equation of the axis of symmetry

(3,k)

solution:
x