Chapter 11: Problem 60
Write the vertex form of the quadratic function whose graph has vertex (-3,8) and \(y\) -intercept 5 .
Short Answer
Expert verified
\[ y = -\frac{1}{3}(x + 3)^2 + 8 \]
Step by step solution
01
- Understand the vertex form
The vertex form of a quadratic function is given by \[ y = a(x - h)^2 + k \]where \((h, k)\) is the vertex of the parabola. Here, the vertex is \((-3, 8)\).
02
- Substitute the vertex coordinates
Substitute \( h = -3 \) and \( k = 8 \) into the vertex form equation to get \[ y = a(x + 3)^2 + 8 \]
03
- Use the y-intercept to find parameter \(a\)
To find the value of \(a\), use the given y-intercept, which is 5. The y-intercept occurs when \(x = 0\). So we substitute \( x = 0 \) and \( y = 5 \) into the equation: \[ 5 = a(0 + 3)^2 + 8 \]Simplify and solve for \(a\): \[ 5 = 9a + 8 \]\[ 5 - 8 = 9a \]\[ -3 = 9a \]\[ a = -\frac{1}{3} \]
04
- Write the final vertex form
Substitute \( a = -\frac{1}{3} \) back into the equation from Step 2:\[ y = -\frac{1}{3}(x + 3)^2 + 8 \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertex Form of a Quadratic Function
The vertex form of a quadratic function is a special way to write quadratic functions, making it easy to see their vertex. The equation is written as: \(y = a(x - h)^2 + k\).
This method is handy because it visually tells you where the parabola's peak or low point is on a graph. Here, the vertex \((h, k) \) shows the coordinates of this point.
In our exercise, the vertex given is \((-3, 8)\). This means when we substitute in the vertex, our initial equation becomes: \[ y = a(x + 3)^2 + 8 \]. With a clear vertex, identifying other parts of the quadratic function becomes easier.
This method is handy because it visually tells you where the parabola's peak or low point is on a graph. Here, the vertex \((h, k) \) shows the coordinates of this point.
In our exercise, the vertex given is \((-3, 8)\). This means when we substitute in the vertex, our initial equation becomes: \[ y = a(x + 3)^2 + 8 \]. With a clear vertex, identifying other parts of the quadratic function becomes easier.
Understanding Quadratic Functions
A quadratic function is a polynomial of degree 2 that can describe various parabolic shapes, depending on its coefficients. These functions can appear in standard form as \(ax^2 + bx + c\), or, when rewritten using different methods, vertex form: \(y = a(x - h)^2 + k\).
This second format is particularly helpful because it emphasizes the vertex, offering key insights into the parabola's shape and position:
This second format is particularly helpful because it emphasizes the vertex, offering key insights into the parabola's shape and position:
- The coefficient 'a' influences the width and direction.
- The vertex coordinates \((h, k)\) consist of the turning point of the curve.
Solving for Parameter a
To determine 'a' in our problem, we use another given point on the parabola—the y-intercept. The y-intercept happens when \(x = 0\), simplifying the calculation.
Our equation from the earlier steps was \(y = a(x + 3)^2 + 8\). By setting \(y = 5\) when \(x = 0\), we follow these steps:
Our equation from the earlier steps was \(y = a(x + 3)^2 + 8\). By setting \(y = 5\) when \(x = 0\), we follow these steps:
- Insert these values: \(5 = a(0 + 3)^2 + 8\)
- Simplify to get: \(5 = 9a + 8\)
- Solve for 'a' by isolating it: \(5 - 8 = 9a\), leading to \(a = -\frac{1}{3}\).
Understanding the Y-Intercept
The y-intercept is an essential characteristic of a quadratic function, as it reveals where the graph intersects the y-axis.
For our equation \(y = -\frac{1}{3}(x + 3)^2 + 8\), the y-intercept is known to be 5 which was crucial for solving 'a'. When \(x = 0\), the equation simplifies for direct solving.
Understanding the y-intercept can also describe the graph's vertical positioning, helping predict other key points on the graph and factoring functions in various applications.
For our equation \(y = -\frac{1}{3}(x + 3)^2 + 8\), the y-intercept is known to be 5 which was crucial for solving 'a'. When \(x = 0\), the equation simplifies for direct solving.
Understanding the y-intercept can also describe the graph's vertical positioning, helping predict other key points on the graph and factoring functions in various applications.