Lesson 3- Quadratic Function

Topic: Quadratic function

Subtopic/s: Graphing the quadratic function

Rationale: As a student learning mathematics, you will be able to apply the Quadratic function
and equation to simulate the flight of a golf ball in computer games, to describe arches, to
determine hang time in football and to help with water management.

Objectives: After perusing note sheet, you should be able to:

1. Graph a quadratic function
2. Recognize the characteristics of quadratic function.
3. Find the vertex, axis of symmetry, axes intercepts of a quadratic function.

Activities:
1. Read hand-out carefully.
2. Highlight or underlie with a pen, important information in the hand-out.
3. Complete all practice activities.
4. Complete and submit the graded assessment.

Resources: Highlighter, pen, pencil, ruler, graph sheet, calculator

References: MATHEMATICS – A complete Course with CXC Questions Volume 1 & 2,

Raymond Toolsie B. Sc., MACP

Glossary of Important Terms:

Quadratic Function
A polynomial function with the highest degree of 2 for the variable x. It can be written in the
form y = ax2 +bx + c, where 0 a.

Parabola
The “U” shaped graph of a quadratic equation.

Vertex
The highest or lowest point of a parabola. The x−coordinate

of the vertex is .

Maximum
The highest point of a function. The vertex of a parabola that opens downward is a maximum
point. The y-coordinate of the vertex is the maximum value of the function.
Minimum
The lowest point of a function. The vertex of a parabola
that opens upward is a minimum point. The y-coordinate
of the vertex is the minimum value of the function.

x−intercept(s)
The point(s) where a function crosses the x−axis. x−intercepts are also called solutions, roots or
zeros.

y−intercept
The point where a function crosses the y−axis. A function will only cross the y−axis once.

Axis of Symmetry
The line that divides a parabola into two matching halves.

Information Sheet: Handouts

GRAPH QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

The function describing the height of a rocket is an example of a quadratic function. A
quadratic function can be written in the form y ax2 bx c, where a 0. This form of the
quadratic function is called the standard form. Notice that this polynomial has degree 2 and the
exponents are positive. The graph of a quadratic function is called parabola.

Key Points

The graph of a quadratic function is a U-shaped curve called a parabola.

Thesign on the coefficient a of the quadratic function affects whether the graph opens up or
down. If a < 0, the graph makes a frown (opens down) and if a>0 then the graph makes a smile
(opens up).

The extreme point (maximum or minimum) of a parabola is called the vertex, and the axis
of symmetry is a vertical line that passes through the vertex.

The x-intercepts are the points at which the parabola crosses the x-axis. If they exist, the x-
intercepts represent the zeros, or roots, of the quadratic function.

Key Terms

Vertex: The
point at which a parabola changes direction, corresponding to the minimum or
maximum value of the quadratic function.

Axisof symmetry: A vertical line drawn through the vertex of a parabola around which the
parabola is symmetric.

Zeros: In a given function, the values of x at which y=0, also called roots.
Recall that a quadratic function has the form y ax2 bx c, where a, b, and c are constants,
and a ≠ 0.
The graph of a quadratic function is a U-shaped curve called a parabola. This shape is shown
below.

In graphs of quadratic functions, the sign on the coefficient a affects whether the graph opens up or
down. If a > 0 then the graph makes a smile (opens up) and a < 0, the graph makes a frown (opens
down).
This is shown below.
Direction of Parabolas:

The sign on the coefficient a determines the direction of the parabola.

Example with Answer:

Question - For the quadratic function 2 3 2 y x x 

a) Complete the table below.
x –x2 + 2x + 3 y
–2
–1
0
1
2
3
4

Find and label:

b) The axis of symmetry

c) The coordinates of the vertex.
d) The y – intercepts
e) The x –intercepts
f) Draw the graph of the function y = –x2 + 2x + 3, using 1cm to represent 2 units
on both axes.

Solution:

a) Complete the table below.

x –x2 + 2x + 3 y
-2 -(-2)2 + 2(-2) + 3= -5
-1 -(-1)2 + 2(-1) + 3 = 0
0 (0)2 + 2(0) + 3 = 3
1 (1)2 + 2(1) + 3= 4
2 (2)2 + 2(2) + 3= 3
3 (3)2 + 2(3) + 3 = 0
4 (4)2 + 2(4) + 3= -5
b. The Axis of Symmetry
y = –x2 + 2x + 3
Let a 1, b 2and c 3. So substitute the values of each variable into the equation.

x 1, the equation of the line of symmetry.

c. The coordinates of the vertex

y = –x2 + 2x + 3
Let x 1 (line of symmetry)
So substitute x 1into the equation
y = –x2 + 2x + 3
y = -(1)2 + 2(1) + 3
y (1) 13
y 8 16 3
y 5
The vertex has coordinates (-2,-5)

d. y- intercept
Write the equation
y = –x2 + 2x + 3
Let x = 0
Substitute into the equation
y = –x2 + 2x + 3
Then y = -(0)2 + 2(0) + 3
y=3

e. x –intercept

Write the equation

Option 1: Factorise
y = –x2 + 2x + 3
When y = 0, x2 x 
x2 x 
(x 3)(x 1) 0
x - 3 , x + 1 = 0
x = 3 or x = -1
The x- intercepts are 3 and -1.

Option 2: Use quadratic formula

Write the equation y = –x2 + 2x + 3
Let a = -1 b = 2 and c = 3

or
x = -1 or x = 3
The x- intercepts are -1 and 3.

f. Sketch the function showing all important features

Write the function y = –x2 + 2x + 3, note that a = -1, the function open downwards.
Plot the point from table in part a.

X -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
y -5 0 3 4 3 0 -5
Practice Activity #1

Identify and label key features of quadratic functions.

Question # 1
Find:
a) x - intercept(s) ___________________________
b) y - intercept is ________________
c) vertex is ____________________
d) maximum or minimum, y = ____
e) axis of symmetry x = _________
f) roots is x =_____ and x = _____

Question # 2

Find:
a) x - intercept(s) ___________________________
b) y - intercept is ________________
c) vertex is ____________________
d) maximum or minimum, y = ____
e) axis of symmetry x = _________
f) roots is x =_____ and x = _____
Practice Activity #2

Question 1:
a) Draw the graph of the quadratic function y = x2 + 2x – 2, for the domain -3x .
From the graph:
b) Determine and label the axis of symmetry.
c) Determine and label the vertex
d) Determine the maximum or minimum value.
e) Hence state the x - intercepts and roots of the function.

Practice Activities Answer Sheet # 1 – #2

Practice Activity #1
Identify and label key features of quadratic functions.
Question # 1- Find:
a) x-intercept(s)
(-0.5 , 0) and (2.5, 0)
b) y-intercept is (0, 2)
c) vertex is (1, 4)
d) maximum or minimum, y = 4
e) axis of symmetry x = 1
f) roots is x = -0.5 and x = 2.5
Question # 2
Find:
a) x-intercept(s)
(0,0) and (2,0)
b) y-intercept is (0, 0)
c) vertex is (1,-1)
d) maximum or minimum, y = -1
e) axis of symmetry x =1
f) roots is x = 0 and x = 2
Practice Activity #2

Question 1 - Solution
a) Draw the graph of the quadratic function y = x2 + 2x – 2 for the domain 3 x 1.
Steps 1: Create table to find y- coordinates.

x -3 -2 -1 0 1
x2 9 4 1 0 1
+2x -6 -4 -2 0 2
-2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2
y 1 -2 -3 -2 1

b) Determine and label the axis of symmetry.

y = x2 + 2x – 2, Let a = 1, b = 2 and c = -2
Axis of symmetry,

x = -1, Solution: The axis of symmetry is x = - 1

c) Determine and label the vertex

Let x = - 1, y = x2 + 2x – 2
y = (-1)2 +2(-1) – 2
y 3, Solution: The vertex is (-1, -3)

d) Determine the maximum or minimum value.

Solution: Minimum value is y = –3
e) Hence calculate roots of the function
Write the equation y = x2 + 2x – 2
Let a = 1 b = 2 and c = –2

or

x = -2.73 or x = 0.73, The x – intercepts are -2.73 and 0.73

Summary:

We can solve a quadratic equation in a number of ways, either using an algebraic method,
such as factoring, or graphically, by inspecting the graph of the function. The benefit of
an algebraic solution is that it will result in an exact answer. A graphical method is an
approximate solution; therefore, it is often more difficult to use when there is no integer
root values. However, it can be an easier and faster method of solving a quadratic
equation and allows us to visually compare a number of quadratic equations.

To solve a quadratic graphically, we first draw the graph of a function by creating a table
of values. We can then inspect the graph to find the points where the graph crosses the 𝑥-axis.

It
is important to remember that we may have two, one, or no solutions to a quadratic
depending on whether the function crosses the 𝑥-axis twice, once, or never.

Usingthe features of the graph of a function can be a useful method to solve equations
when using graphing software such as a graphical calculator.
Authentic Assessment

The Birthday Polynomial Project

Task: To create, characterize, graph, and present a polynomial function that reflects you.

Process:
1. Identify IN ORDER the digits of the month (1 or 2 digits), day (1 or 2 digits), and year (4
digits) of your birthday. For example, I was born on August 3, 1985, so my ordered birthday
digits are “831985.” (The most number of digits you could have is 8, and the least number of
digits you could have is 6).
2. Create a polynomial using your digits in order. Again, for example, my polynomial could be:
y = 8x5 + 3x4 – x3 + 9x2 – 8x + 5
3. Experiment with the shape of your birthday polynomial by changing the signs of your various
terms. Try to create a polynomial function with an interesting shape and some turning points. Be
creative! Find a polynomial having a graph that expresses you.
4. Analyze your polynomial by finding these characteristics:
 Domain and range
 The y-intercept
 Minimums and maximums

Product:
5. Make a presentation of your polynomial.
 Be creative, colorful, neat, and accurate
At a minimum, your presentation should include a visual representation of the graph of your
polynomial.

Assessment:
6. Your grade will be weighted as an Authentic Assessment. Your score will be based on three
criteria:
 The accuracy of your polynomial
 The completeness and accuracy of your analysis
 The accuracy, neatness, originality, and creativity of your presentation

Rubric:

Criteria 0 – 2 pts. 3 – 5 pts. 6 – 8 pts.

The accuracy of your Polynomial incorrect Somewhat correct Completely correct
polynomial
The completeness Analysis incorrect Somewhat correct Completely correct
and accuracy of your analysis analysis
analysis
The accuracy and Presentation not Presentation Presentation accurate
neatness of your accurate and/or neat somewhat accurate and neat
presentation and neat