Lesson 13: Transformation and Graphs of Quadratic

Function
Learning Competency
The learner will be able to:
a. transform the quadratic function defined by y = ax2 + bx + c into the form y = a(x – h)2 +
k.
b. graph a quadratic function using the: (a) domain; (b) range; (c) intercepts; (d) axis of
symmetry; (e) vertex; (f) direction of the opening of the parabola.

Prepare Yourself
Remember that the graph of a quadratic function is a parabola with its vertex as the highest or
lowest value.
Vertex Form of Quadratic Function
The standard form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 maybe written in the vertex form 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘
where (ℎ, 𝑘) is the vertex of the graph of the quadratic function.

Transforming QF from Standard Form to Vertex Form

There are two ways in transforming a quadratic function in standard from to its vertex form: (a) by
finding the vertex of the parabola; or (b) by completing the square.
Example 1. Write the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3 in vertex form by finding the vertex.
SOLUTION:
a. First, we find the x-coordinate of the vertex of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3
𝑏 (−2)
ℎ=− =− =1
2𝑎 2(1)
Then, substitute the value to x in the function to find y.
𝑘 = (1)2 − 2(1) − 3 = −4
(Note: You may also use the formula for k.)
Solving for the Vertex Form of Quadratic Function
Method 1 Method 2
𝑏 𝑏 𝑏
(− , 𝑓 (− )) ℎ=−
2𝑎 2𝑎 2𝑎
4𝑎𝑐 − 𝑏
𝑏 𝑏
where ℎ = − 2𝑎, and 𝑘 = 𝑓 (− 2𝑎) 𝑘=
2𝑎

The vertex is at point (1, −4). Hence, by substitution and since 𝑎 = 1,

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘 = (𝑥 − 1)2 − 4
The vertex form of the function is 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 1)2 − 4.

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Example 2. Transform each function to vertex form by completing the square.
a. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 1
b. 𝑓(𝑥) = −4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 2
SOLUTION:
From the previous lesson on Completing the Square (CTS), remember the rules, such as
𝑎 = 1 and what is added on one side of the equation must also be added on the other
side. But for this lesson, what we have added to the first two terms will also be subtracted
to the third term, maintaining the equality of the equation.
a. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 1
𝑦 = 3(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥) + 1
By CTS:
𝑦 = 𝟑(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 𝟒) + 1 − 𝟑(𝟒)
𝑦 = 3(𝑥 + 2)2 − 11

b. 𝑓(𝑥) = −4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 2
𝑓(𝑥) = −4(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥) + 2
By CTS:
𝑓(𝑥) = −𝟒(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 𝟏) + 2 – (-4)(1)
𝑦 = −4(𝑥 + 1)2 + 6

Graphs of Quadratic Function

Properties of the Graph of a Quadratic Function
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 is a parabola that:
➢ opens upward if 𝑎 > 0 and opens downward if 𝑎 < 0.
➢ is narrower than the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 if |𝑎| > 1 and wider if |𝑎| < 1.
𝑏 𝑏
➢ has a vertex with an x-coordinate of − 2𝑎 and y-coordinate of 𝑓 (− 2𝑎).
𝑏
➢ has an axis of symmetry of 𝑥 = − 2𝑎.
➢ has a y-intercept (0, 𝑐).
𝑏 𝑏
➢ range is the set {𝑦|𝑦 ≥ 𝑓 (− 2𝑎)} if 𝑎 > 0 and {𝑦|𝑦 ≤ 𝑓 (− 2𝑎)} if 𝑎 < 0.
Following are illustrative examples for better understanding.
Example 1. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1, determine the ff:
A. domain
B. range
C. intercepts
D. axis of symmetry

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 E. vertex, and
F. direction of opening of the parabola.
SOLUTION:
A Domain = {𝑥|𝑥 ∈ ℝ}
B Range = {𝑦|𝑦 ≥ −1}
When 𝑓(𝑥) = 0,
0 = 𝑥2 − 1
1 = 𝑥2
−1, 1 = 𝑥
C The x-intercepts are (-1, 0) and (1, 0).
When 𝑥 = 0,
𝑓(0) = 02 − 1
𝑓(0) = −1
The y-intercept is (0, -1).
𝑏 0
D Axis of Symmetry: 𝑥 = − 2𝑎 = − 2(1) = 0
Vertex:
𝑏 𝑏
𝑉 = (− , 𝑓 (− ))
2𝑎 2𝑎
E
0
𝑉 = (− , (0)2 − 1)
2(1)
𝑉 = (0, −1)
F In 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1, a = 1 so the parabola is opening upward.

Example 2. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 3, determine the ff:

A. domain
B. range

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 C. intercepts
D. axis of symmetry
E. vertex, and
F. direction of opening of the parabola.
SOLUTION:
A Domain = {𝑥|𝑥 ∈ ℝ}
B Range = {𝑦|𝑦 ≤ −12}
When 𝑓(𝑥) = 0,
𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 3
0 = −1(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3)
0 = −1(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 3)
𝑥 = −1, − 3
C
The x-intercepts are (-1, 0) and (-3, 0).
When 𝑥 = 0,
𝑓(0) = −(0)2 − 4(0) − 3
𝑓(0) = −3
The y-intercept is (0, -3).
𝑏 (−4)
D Axis of Symmetry: 𝑥 = − 2𝑎 = − 2(−1) = −2
Vertex:
𝑏 𝑏
𝑉 = (− , 𝑓 (− ))
2𝑎 2𝑎
E
−4
𝑉 = (− , −(−2)2 − 4(−2) − 3)
2(−1)
𝑉 = (−2,1)
2
F In 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 − 4𝑥 − 3, a = -1 so the parabola is opening downward.

Learn More
(1) Here are some helpful tutorial videos for you to watch:

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 • transforming by finding the vertex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbI-
l7mbKO4
• transforming by Completing the Square (CTS)
when a = 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5DC5wzb3Qg
when a is positive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1XS0wGAhvI
when a is negative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3iJdFCvEiU
• graphing quadratic functions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGf7kFBzC48
(2) You may also refer to pp. 122 – 137 of your book, Soaring 21st Century Mathematics 9 about
graphs of quadratic function.

Expand your Knowledge

Let’s think.
1) How do we transform quadratic function from standard form to vertex form?
2) How do we apply the Completing the Square (CTS) method in maintaining the
value of the equation?
3) How do we solve for the: (a) domain; (b) range; (c) intercepts; (d) axis of
symmetry; (e) vertex; (f) direction of the opening of a parabola.?

Test Yourself
A. Write the function in vertex form by finding the vertex.
1) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 36
B. Write the function in vertex form by completing the square.
1) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 6
2) 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 + 31
C. Solve for the (a) domain; (b) range; (c) intercepts; (d) axis of symmetry; (e) vertex; (f)
direction of the opening of a parabola of the ff:
1) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2
2) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4

References:
Lim, Yvette et al. (2014). Math for Engaged Learning (The New Grade 8). Sibs
Publishing House, Inc., Quezon City.
Chua, Simon et al. (2018). Soaring 21st Century Mathematics (Grade 9). Phoenix
Publishing House, Inc., Quezon City.
www.youtube.com

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