Chapter 9: Problem 10
Write a quadratic equation of a parabola with \(x\)-intercepts at \(-3\) and 9 and vertex at \((3,-9)\). Express your answer in factored form. (a)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The quadratic equation is \(y = \frac{1}{4}(x + 3)(x - 9)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Form of the Quadratic Equation
The quadratic equation of a parabola with given roots (or \(x\)-intercepts) can be expressed in factored form as \( y = a(x - p)(x - q) \), where \(p\) and \(q\) are the \(x\)-intercepts. Here, \(p = -3\) and \(q = 9\). Thus, the equation starts as \( y = a(x + 3)(x - 9) \).
02
Use the Vertex to Find 'a'
The vertex form of a parabola is useful when finding the coefficient \(a\). The vertex given is \((3, -9)\). Substitute \(x = 3\) and \(y = -9\) into the equation \(y = a(x + 3)(x - 9)\) to solve for \(a\).
03
Substitute the Vertex Coordinates
Substitute \(x = 3\) and \(y = -9\) into the equation: \(-9 = a(3 + 3)(3 - 9)\). Simplify to find \(-9 = a(6)(-6)\).
04
Solve for 'a'
Simplify \(-9 = a(6)(-6)\) to \(-9 = a(-36)\) and solve for \(a\). Divide both sides by \(-36\): \(a = \frac{-9}{-36} = \frac{1}{4}\).
05
Write the Factored Form Equation
Now, substitute \(a = \frac{1}{4}\) back into the factored form equation. The factored form is \(y = \frac{1}{4}(x + 3)(x - 9)\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Parabola
A parabola is a U-shaped curve that can open upwards or downwards, depending on the sign of a particular coefficient in its equation. It's the graphical representation of a quadratic function, which can be expressed in different algebraic forms. By studying parabolas, we gain insights into their symmetry, vertex, and direction of opening.
Every parabola has certain key components:
Every parabola has certain key components:
- Vertex: The point where the parabola changes direction, considered its minimum or maximum point depending on the orientation.
- Axis of Symmetry: A vertical line that passes through the vertex, dividing the parabola into two symmetrical halves.
- X-intercepts: Points where the parabola crosses the x-axis. These are also known as the roots of the function.
Factored Form
Factored form is one way to express the equation of a quadratic function. This form usually highlights the x-intercepts or roots of the parabola. A quadratic in factored form looks like this: \[ y = a(x - p)(x - q) \]Here,
In the given exercise, with x-intercepts at -3 and 9, the factored form of the quadratic equation is expressed as:\[ y = a(x + 3)(x - 9) \]
- a is a coefficient that affects the width and direction of the parabola.
- p and q are the values of the x-intercepts.
In the given exercise, with x-intercepts at -3 and 9, the factored form of the quadratic equation is expressed as:\[ y = a(x + 3)(x - 9) \]
Vertex Form
The vertex form of a quadratic equation is particularly useful when you want to highlight the vertex of a parabola. This form is given by the equation:\[ y = a(x - h)^2 + k \]In this equation:
- h and k are the coordinates of the vertex \( h, k \).
- a remains the coefficient that affects the direction and width of the parabola, just as in the factored form.
X-intercepts
X-intercepts, also known as roots or zeros, are points where the graph of a quadratic function crosses the x-axis. These points occur at the solutions to the equation when the quadratic is set equal to zero. Visually, they are the horizontal intersections of the parabola.
To identify the x-intercepts in any quadratic equation:
To identify the x-intercepts in any quadratic equation:
- Set the equation equal to zero: \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \).
- Solve for \( x \) using factoring, the quadratic formula, or completing the square.