Chapter 2: Problem 47
Find the roots and sketch the graphs of the quadratic functions:\(-x^{2}+6 x-9\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The root is x = 3, the parabola opens downwards, vertex at (3, 0).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Quadratic Function
The given quadratic function is \[-x^2 + 6x - 9\]This function is in the standard form \( ax^2 + bx + c \) where \( a = -1 \), \( b = 6 \), and \( c = -9 \).
02
Use the Quadratic Formula
To find the roots of the quadratic function, we can use the quadratic formula:\[x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\]Substitute \(a = -1\), \(b = 6\), and \(c = -9\) into the formula.
03
Calculate the Discriminant
Calculate the discriminant \( b^2 - 4ac \):\[6^2 - 4(-1)(-9) = 36 - 36 = 0\].
04
Solve for x Using the Quadratic Formula Result
Since the discriminant is 0, there is one real root. Substitute the values back into the quadratic formula:\[x = \frac{-6 \pm \sqrt{0}}{-2}\]The single solution is\[x = \frac{6}{2} = 3\].
05
Sketch the Graph
Plot the vertex of the parabola at the point \((3, 0)\), because for a given quadratic expression with one root, this root is also the vertex of the parabola. Since \(a = -1\), the parabola opens downwards. The graph is symmetric about the line \(x = 3\) and has no other x-intercepts.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding the Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula is a powerful tool used to find the roots of any quadratic equation. A quadratic equation is typically in the format of:
- \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \)
- \[x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\]
- Identify the coefficients: First, match the equation to the quadratic form and identify \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\).
- Calculate the discriminant \(b^2 - 4ac\): This helps to determine the number of roots.
- Solve for \(x\): Plug the values into the formula to find the roots.
The Role of the Discriminant
The discriminant is the part of the quadratic formula contained within the square root: \(b^2 - 4ac\). It plays a crucial role in determining the nature of the roots of the quadratic equation.
- If the discriminant is positive, the quadratic equation has two distinct real roots.
- If the discriminant is zero, the quadratic equation has exactly one real root, or a repeated root. This was the case in the given problem leading to the single root \(x = 3\).
- If the discriminant is negative, there are no real roots, but two complex roots.
Visualizing Quadratic Equations with Parabolas
A quadratic equation, when graphed, creates a curve called a parabola. Understanding the characteristics of a parabola will help in sketching it:
- When the coefficient \(a\) is positive, the parabola opens upwards, looking like a smile.
- If \(a\) is negative, as in the given problem, the parabola opens downwards, appearing like a frown.
- Vertex: The highest or lowest point of the parabola. For \(ax^2 + bx + c\) with \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\) as the x-coordinate at the vertex. For our exercise, the vertex is at \((3,0)\).
- Axis of symmetry: A vertical line through the vertex; it divides the parabola into two mirror images. In our example, this is the line \(x = 3\).
- Intercepts: Parabolas might cross the x-axis (the roots) and always cross the y-axis. For problems with a single root, like ours, the parabola touches the x-axis only at its vertex.