Unit 1 Assessment

Task 1: Understanding the Equation

Your company has a profit that is represented by the equation 𝑃 = −1/4𝑥^2 + 5𝑥 +
24 where P is the profit in millions and x is the number of years starting in 2018.

1. Graph the relation

I got a parabola that opens downwards with its vertex at (10,74)

2. Is this relation linear, quadratic or neither? Explain your answer in two

different ways.

The given relation 𝑃 = −14𝑥^2 + 5𝑥 + 24 is a quadratic relation because its

equation is in the form of a quadratic polynomial and its graph is a
downward-opening parabola. Another way to explain is that the relation is
quadratic because it has an x^2 term

3. What is the direction of opening and does profit have a maximum or

minimum? How do you know?

Indicating a downward-opening parabola because it has a negative coefficient for the

x^2 term. The vertex of the parabola occurs at x = 10, and we know that this represents
the maximum point of the profit function since the vertex is the point where the function
reaches its highest value, indicating the maximum profit attainable in the given
scenario.

4. What is the P-intercept of this relation? What does it represent? Do you

think it would make sense that this is a new company given the
P-intercept? Explain.

The p-intercept of the relation (0, 24), representing the profit of the company in
2018 when x = 0. The fact that the company already has a profit of 24 million in
its first year (x = 0) suggests that this is not a new company, as new companies
typically incur losses in their initial year before making a profit in subsequent
years.

Task 2: Solving for ‘break even point(s)’

A break-even point for a company is when they are neither making nor losing money. This is
when the profit is 0

1. How many break-even point(s) will there be? What do you use to determine this?

There are two break-even points. To determine the break-even points, we set the
profit 'P' equal to zero and solve the quadratic equation 𝑃 = −1/4𝑥^2 + 5𝑥 + 24.
Using the quadratic formula, we find the solutions for 'x,' which are x = -4 and x =
24. These values represent the two break-even points for the profit function.

2. Determine in which year(s) the company will break even using any algebraic method
you wish.
 To determine in which year(s) the company will break even, we need to find the
values of 'x' that correspond to a profit of zero (P = 0) in the profit equation 𝑃 =
−1/4𝑥^2 + 5𝑥 + 24. By setting P = 0 and solving the quadratic equation, we find
two solutions for 'x': x = -4 and x = 24. These solutions represent the years in
which the company will break even. Therefore, the company will break even in the
year x = -4 and in the year x = 24, assuming these values align with the relevant
time frame of the business.

3. Determine in which year(s) the company will break even using a different algebraic
method than you chose in b).

Using factoring, we determined that the company will break even in two different
years: x = 12 and x = -8. These solutions were obtained from factoring the
quadratic equation 𝑥^2 - 20𝑥 - 96 = 0, which represents the profit equation 𝑃 =
−1/4𝑥^2 + 5𝑥 + 24 set equal to zero. Therefore, the company will achieve a
break-even point in the 12th year and also in the 8th year before the business
started

4. Which method, the one you used for b) or the one you used for c) did you prefer?
Explain why.

I preferred the one i used for b) because it's quadratic equation and being solved.
If the equation is factorable, factoring is usually faster and simpler.

Task 3: Determining different profits

A. in the year 2024, how much profit will the company be making? Solve this algebraically.

Given x= 2024

𝑃 = −1/4(2024)^2 + 5(2024) + 24

𝑃 = −1/4(4,097,376) + 10,120 + 24

𝑃 = −1,024,344 + 10,120 + 24
𝑃 = −1,014,200

Therefore, in the year 2024, the company will be making a profit of $1,014,200

B. For how many years will the company be making at least 33 million? Solve this

Algebraically.

starting from the year 1631, the company will be making at least 33 million in profit.

Task 4: Math Journal

Why Factoring Quadratic Equations Was Difficult for Me
Date : 07/july/2003

Factoring quadratic equations has been a source of frustration and difficulty for me
during my math studies. I remember encountering these equations for the first time and
feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of breaking them down into their constituent
factors.

One of the main reasons I found factoring quadratics difficult was the numerous
techniques and methods involved. From factoring by grouping to using the difference of
squares, each approach presented its unique challenges. Keeping track of these
techniques and applying them correctly became a daunting task.

Moreover, factoring quadratics often required a sharp eye for spotting patterns and
relationships between the coefficients and terms. Small mistakes in my calculations
would throw off the entire process, leaving me unsure if I was on the right track or not.

I also struggled to visualize the steps of factoring. Unlike some other topics in math that
I found more intuitive, factoring quadratics felt like solving a puzzle without clear clues.
This lack of intuition made it harder for me to grasp the concept fully.

Despite these difficulties, I am determined not to give up. I understand that factoring
quadratic equations is a fundamental skill in mathematics and has practical
applications in various areas. With persistence, practice, and seeking guidance from
teachers or classmates, I believe I can improve my factoring abilities and gain the
confidence to tackle quadratic equations more successfully.

While the journey may be challenging, I am committed to overcoming these struggles. I

will continue to work diligently and seek resources to enhance my understanding of
factoring quadratics. By acknowledging my weaknesses, I hope to turn them into
strengths and build a solid foundation in mathematics for future learning.