Chapter 11: Problem 61
The graph of a quadratic function \(f\) opens downward and has no \(x\) -intercepts. In what quadrant(s) must the vertex lie? Explain your reasoning.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The vertex must lie in Quadrant I or Quadrant II.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the given information
The problem states that the quadratic function's graph opens downward and has no x-intercepts. From this information, identify key characteristics of the function and its graph.
02
Recognize the direction of the parabola
A quadratic function that opens downward has its leading coefficient (the coefficient of the squared term) negative. This implies the parabola is concave down.
03
Analyze the absence of x-intercepts
If there are no x-intercepts, the entire graph of the function lies either entirely above or entirely below the x-axis. Since the parabola opens downward, it must lie entirely above the x-axis.
04
Identify the vertex's position
For the graph to lie entirely above the x-axis (and open downward), the vertex, which is the highest point of the parabola, must lie above the x-axis. Hence, the vertex must have a positive y-coordinate.
05
Determine the possible quadrants
Since the vertex has a positive y-coordinate and must lie above the x-axis, it must be in either Quadrant I or Quadrant II. Quadrant I has both x and y coordinates positive, while Quadrant II has a negative x-coordinate and positive y-coordinate.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertex Position
In a quadratic function, the vertex is a crucial point. It's the highest or lowest point of the parabola, depending on the parabola's direction. For a quadratic function of the form \( ax^2 + bx + c \), the vertex can be found using the formula \( (-b/(2a), f(-b/(2a))) \). When a parabola opens downward, the vertex serves as the highest point. In the given problem, since the parabola opens downward and has no x-intercepts, the vertex must lie above the x-axis. Thus, the y-coordinate of the vertex is positive, ensuring the parabola does not cross the x-axis.
Parabola Direction
The direction in which a parabola opens depends on the sign of the leading coefficient (\(a\)) in the quadratic function \( ax^2 + bx + c \).
- If \(a > 0\), the parabola opens upward, forming a U-shape.
- If \(a < 0\), the parabola opens downward, forming an upside-down U-shape.
X-Intercepts
X-intercepts are points where the graph of a function crosses the x-axis. For quadratic functions, these can be found by solving \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \). In the given problem, the quadratic function has no x-intercepts, meaning the parabola does not touch or cross the x-axis at any point. Since the parabola opens downward, the entire graph lies above the x-axis. This absence of x-intercepts implies that the vertex, as the highest point of the parabola, must remain above the x-axis to prevent the graph from dipping below it.
Quadrants
The coordinate plane is divided into four quadrants, which help identify the positions of different points based on their signs.
- Quadrant I: Both x and y are positive.
- Quadrant II: x is negative, y is positive.
- Quadrant III: Both x and y are negative.
- Quadrant IV: x is positive, y is negative.