Chapter 9: Problem 4
Write an equation of a quadratic function that corresponds to each pair of \(x\)-intercepts. Assume there is no vertical stretch or shrink. a. \(2.5\) and \(-1\) (a) b. \(-4\) and \(-4\) c. \(-2\) and 2 d. \(r_{1}\) and \(r_{2}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
a) \(x^2 - 1.5x - 2.5\); b) \(x^2 + 8x + 16\); c) \(x^2 - 4\); d) \(x^2 - (r_1+r_2)x + r_1r_2\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the standard form of a quadratic equation
A quadratic function can be expressed as \( f(x) = a(x-r_1)(x-r_2) \), where \( r_1 \) and \( r_2 \) are the \( x \)-intercepts. Since there is no vertical stretch or shrink, the standard form assumes \( a = 1 \).
02
Quadratic equation for intercepts 2.5 and -1
For \( x \)-intercepts \( 2.5 \) and \( -1 \), the quadratic equation is \( f(x) = (x-2.5)(x+1) \). Simplifying, we expand this to get \( f(x) = x^2 - 1.5x - 2.5 \).
03
Quadratic equation for intercepts -4 and -4
When both \( x \)-intercepts are the same, as with \( -4 \), the equation is \( f(x) = (x+4)^2 \). Expanding this gives \( f(x) = x^2 + 8x + 16 \).
04
Quadratic equation for intercepts -2 and 2
For \( x \)-intercepts \( -2 \) and \( 2 \), the equation is \( f(x) = (x+2)(x-2) \). This is the difference of squares, so \( f(x) = x^2 - 4 \).
05
Quadratic equation for intercepts \( r_1 \) and \( r_2 \)
For general \( x \)-intercepts \( r_1 \) and \( r_2 \), the quadratic equation is \( f(x) = (x-r_1)(x-r_2) \). Expanding this equation gives \( f(x) = x^2 - (r_1 + r_2)x + r_1r_2 \).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
x-intercepts
The term **x-intercepts** is fundamental in understanding the behavior of quadratic functions. An x-intercept is a point where a graph intersects the x-axis. At these points, the value of the function, denoted as \(f(x)\), is zero. To find the x-intercepts of a quadratic function, we look at the equation in the form of \((x - r_1)(x - r_2)\), where \(r_1\) and \(r_2\) represent the x-intercepts.
- Each intercept corresponds to a root of the quadratic equation.
- For real and distinct intercepts, the function graph crosses the x-axis at two distinct points.
- If the intercepts are identical, the graph will "touch" the x-axis at this point, representing a repeated root.
- If there are no real intercepts, the parabola does not intersect the x-axis and the roots are complex numbers.
standard form of quadratic equation
The **standard form of a quadratic equation** is important for analyzing the structure of quadratic functions. Generally, it is represented as \(ax^2 + bx + c\). However, when finding x-intercepts and when there is no vertical stretch or shrink, it is more useful to express it as \(f(x) = a(x - r_1)(x - r_2)\). Here are key aspects:
- The coefficient \(a\) determines the vertical stretch and the direction of the parabola. In this case, \(a = 1\).
- The terms \(r_1\) and \(r_2\) in \((x - r_1)(x - r_2)\) denote where the graph intersects the x-axis.
- Expanding \((x - r_1)(x - r_2)\) transforms it back into the standard form \(ax^2 + bx + c\).
difference of squares
The **difference of squares** is a special method used in algebra to simplify expressions that can be factored into the form \((x + a)(x - a)\). This technique is particularly handy when dealing with quadratic expressions like \((x - 2)(x + 2)\), resulting in \(x^2 - 4\). This factoring is possible whenever you see the structure of \(a^2 - b^2\):
- The formula is \(a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)\).
- This technique simplifies expressions by reducing them to the difference between two squares.
- It is useful for solving equations rapidly, as it identifies the roots of an equation swiftly.
expanding polynomials
When working with quadratic functions, **expanding polynomials** is a technique used to simplify expressions, transforming them into a standard quadratic form. Given an expression like \((x - r_1)(x - r_2)\), expanding involves distributing each term to simplify the equation into a trinomial of the form \(ax^2 + bx + c\).
- Start by applying the distributive property: \((a + b)(c + d) = ac + ad + bc + bd\).
- Continue by collecting and combining like terms for simplicity.
- By rewriting the equation, you ensure clarity and a consistent form for comparison and computation.