Chapter 4: Problem 10
A quadratic function is given. (a) Express the quadratic function in standard form. (b) Find its vertex and its x- and y-intercept(s). (c) Sketch its graph. $$ f(x)=x^{2}+8 x $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The vertex is \((-4, -16)\), x-intercepts are \((0, 0)\) and \((-8, 0)\), and y-intercept is \((0, 0)\). The graph is a parabola opening upwards passing through these points.
Step by step solution
01
Express in Standard Form
The standard form of a quadratic function is given by the equation \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \). For the function \( f(x) = x^2 + 8x \), we can identify the coefficients: \( a = 1 \), \( b = 8 \), and \( c = 0 \). Therefore, it is already in standard form: \( f(x) = x^2 + 8x \).
02
Find the Vertex
The vertex of a quadratic function \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \) can be found using the formula for the x-coordinate of the vertex: \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). For the function \( f(x) = x^2 + 8x \), substitute \( a = 1 \) and \( b = 8 \) into the formula: \( x = -\frac{8}{2(1)} = -4 \). Substitute \( x = -4 \) back into the function to find the y-coordinate: \( f(-4) = (-4)^2 + 8(-4) = 16 - 32 = -16 \). Thus, the vertex is \((-4, -16)\).
03
Find the X-Intercepts
The x-intercepts can be found by setting \( f(x) = 0 \) and solving for \( x \). Set \( x^2 + 8x = 0 \), and factor out \( x \): \( x(x + 8) = 0 \). This gives the solutions \( x = 0 \) and \( x = -8 \), so the x-intercepts are \((0, 0)\) and \((-8, 0)\).
04
Find the Y-Intercept
The y-intercept is the value of \( f(x) \) when \( x = 0 \). Substitute \( x = 0 \) into the function: \( f(0) = 0^2 + 8(0) = 0 \). Thus, the y-intercept is \((0, 0)\).
05
Sketch the Graph
To sketch the graph of the function \( f(x) = x^2 + 8x \), plot the vertex \((-4, -16)\), the x-intercepts \((0, 0)\) and \((-8, 0)\), and the y-intercept \((0, 0)\). Draw a parabola opening upwards since the coefficient of \( x^2 \) is positive. The axis of symmetry is along \( x = -4 \), passing through the vertex.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertex of a Parabola
The vertex of a parabola is a crucial point on its graph. It represents the tip or the lowest/highest point, depending on whether the parabola opens upwards or downwards. The vertex can be found using the formula for its x-coordinate:
- For a quadratic function of the form \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \), the x-coordinate of the vertex is given by \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \).
- Here, \( a = 1 \) and \( b = 8 \).
- Plug these values into the formula: \( x = -\frac{8}{2(1)} = -4 \).
- Calculating, \( f(-4) = (-4)^2 + 8(-4) = 16 - 32 = -16 \).
X-intercepts of a Quadratic Function
X-intercepts are the points where the graph of the function crosses the x-axis. For a quadratic function, these are the solutions to the equation \( f(x) = 0 \). Let's find the x-intercepts of the quadratic function \( f(x) = x^2 + 8x \):
The x-intercepts are important for understanding the roots of the quadratic equation and provide essential points for sketching its graph.
- Set the equation to zero: \( x^2 + 8x = 0 \).
- Factor the equation: \( x(x + 8) = 0 \).
- This gives the x-intercepts: \( x = 0 \) and \( x = -8 \).
The x-intercepts are important for understanding the roots of the quadratic equation and provide essential points for sketching its graph.
Y-intercepts of a Function
The y-intercept is where the graph crosses the y-axis. This occurs when all x values are zero, meaning you substitute \( x = 0 \) into the function to find the intercept. For \( f(x) = x^2 + 8x \), the calculation is straightforward:
It's a special point that not only tells you where the graph meets the y-axis but is also one of the x-intercepts in this particular case. Graphically, it provides a starting point for sketching the quadratic function.
- Substitute \( x = 0 \) into the function: \( f(0) = 0^2 + 8(0) = 0 \).
It's a special point that not only tells you where the graph meets the y-axis but is also one of the x-intercepts in this particular case. Graphically, it provides a starting point for sketching the quadratic function.
Standard Form of a Quadratic
The standard form of a quadratic function is expressed as \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \). This is one of the canonical forms of quadratics, helping to easily identify key characteristics of the function:
- The coefficient \( a \) tells you which direction the parabola opens (upwards if \( a > 0 \), downwards if \( a < 0 \)).
- The term \( b \) contributes to the parabola's horizontal placement.
- The constant \( c \) can be seen as the y-intercept when \( x = 0 \) since \( f(0) = c \).
- \( a = 1 \)
- \( b = 8 \)
- \( c = 0 \)