Chapter 11: Problem 8
Find the vertex of the graph of each quadratic function. See Examples I through 4 $$ f(x)=x^{2}-9 x+8 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The vertex is \( \left(\frac{9}{2}, -\frac{49}{4}\right) \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Vertex Form of a Quadratic
The vertex form of a quadratic function is given by \( f(x) = a(x-h)^2 + k \), where \( (h, k) \) is the vertex of the parabola. Our task is to convert the given quadratic function \( f(x) = x^2 - 9x + 8 \) into this form to identify the vertex.
02
Complete the Square
To convert \( f(x) = x^2 - 9x + 8 \) into vertex form, complete the square for the quadratic expression. Start by focusing on \( x^2 - 9x \). Take half of the coefficient of \( x \), which is \(-9/2\), and square it to get \((9/2)^2 = 81/4\). Add and subtract this term inside the function for completing the square: \( f(x) = (x^2 - 9x + \frac{81}{4}) - \frac{81}{4} + 8 \).
03
Simplify the Expression
The expression \((x^2 - 9x + \frac{81}{4})\) becomes \((x - \frac{9}{2})^2\), forming a perfect square. Thus, our function becomes \( f(x) = (x - \frac{9}{2})^2 - \frac{81}{4} + 8 \). Simplify the constant terms: \(-\frac{81}{4} + 8 = -\frac{81}{4} + \frac{32}{4} = -\frac{49}{4}\). So, \( f(x) = (x - \frac{9}{2})^2 - \frac{49}{4} \).
04
Identify the Vertex
Now that the function is in vertex form \( f(x) = (x - \frac{9}{2})^2 - \frac{49}{4} \), the vertex \( (h,k) \) is \((\frac{9}{2}, -\frac{49}{4}) \). Hence, the vertex of the quadratic function \( f(x) = x^2 - 9x + 8 \) is \( \left(\frac{9}{2}, -\frac{49}{4}\right) \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Function
A quadratic function is a type of polynomial function that is characterized by its highest exponent being 2. It can be generally written as \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \), where \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants, and \( a \) is not equal to zero.
A very recognizable feature of a quadratic function is its graph, which is a U-shaped curve called a parabola.
Quadratic functions are crucial in many mathematical applications because they model various physical phenomena.
A very recognizable feature of a quadratic function is its graph, which is a U-shaped curve called a parabola.
Quadratic functions are crucial in many mathematical applications because they model various physical phenomena.
- Parabolas are widely seen in physics, such as the paths of projectiles.
- They can also represent economic functions like cost or revenue projections.
- When analyzing a quadratic function, key properties include the direction of the parabola (which way it opens), the vertex, and the axis of symmetry.
Vertex Form
The vertex form of a quadratic function makes it easy to identify the vertex of the parabola. This form is \( f(x) = a(x - h)^2 + k \), where \( (h, k) \) is the vertex.
Transforming a quadratic function into vertex form involves some handy math steps. The vertex form highlights the most critical feature of the parabola, which is its turning point.
Transforming a quadratic function into vertex form involves some handy math steps. The vertex form highlights the most critical feature of the parabola, which is its turning point.
- The turning point or vertex is crucial as it represents the maximum or minimum of the parabola.
- In vertex form, the number \( h \) shifts the graph horizontally, while \( k \) shifts it vertically.
- Understanding vertex form also links nicely with transformations in broader algebra.
Completing the Square
Completing the square is a method used to transform a standard quadratic function into vertex form. It involves turning a part of the quadratic expression into a perfect square trinomial.
This is a strategic process to simplify complex quadratic equations, especially when you need to find the vertex.
For instance, changing \( x^2 - 9x + 8 \) into vertex form involves adding and subtracting \( (9/2)^2 \) within the equation, enabling us to rewrite it as a squared term plus a constant.
This is a strategic process to simplify complex quadratic equations, especially when you need to find the vertex.
- You start by identifying and factoring the quadratic coefficient.
- Next, take half of the linear coefficient, square it, and add it inside the square.
- You must also subtract this same value to maintain equivalence in the original equation.
For instance, changing \( x^2 - 9x + 8 \) into vertex form involves adding and subtracting \( (9/2)^2 \) within the equation, enabling us to rewrite it as a squared term plus a constant.
Parabola
A parabola is the graph of a quadratic function. It is a symmetric curve shaped like a bowl. Parabolas have several important features, including a vertex, an axis of symmetry, and direction.
Understanding these features helps in analyzing and graphing quadratic functions effectively.
For example, knowing that the vertex of \( f(x) = (x - \frac{9}{2})^2 - \frac{49}{4} \) is \( (\frac{9}{2}, -\frac{49}{4}) \) gives you a key point to start constructing the graph accurately.
Understanding these features helps in analyzing and graphing quadratic functions effectively.
- The vertex is the point where the parabola changes direction. It is either the maximum or minimum point depending on the parabola's orientation.
- The axis of symmetry is a vertical line that passes through the vertex, and it divides the parabola into two symmetrical halves.
- The direction of the parabola is determined by the sign of the coefficient \( a \): positive \( a \) means it opens upwards; negative means downward.
For example, knowing that the vertex of \( f(x) = (x - \frac{9}{2})^2 - \frac{49}{4} \) is \( (\frac{9}{2}, -\frac{49}{4}) \) gives you a key point to start constructing the graph accurately.