Chapter 8: Problem 81
Find the vertex of the graph of each quadratic function. Determine whether the graph opens upward or downward, find the \(y\) -intercept, approximate the \(x\) -intercepts to one decimal place, and sketch the graph. $$ f(x)=3 x^{2}-6 x+7 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Vertex: \((1, 4)\), opens upward, \(y\)-intercept: \(7\), no real \(x\)-intercepts.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Coefficients
Given the quadratic function \(f(x) = 3x^2 - 6x + 7\), identify the coefficients: \(a = 3\), \(b = -6\), and \(c = 7\).
02
Find the Vertex
The vertex \((h, k)\) of a parabola in the form \(ax^2 + bx + c\) can be found using the formula \(h = -\frac{b}{2a}\). Substitute the values to get \(h = -\frac{-6}{2 \times 3} = 1\). Then calculate \(k\) by substituting \(x = 1\) into the original function: \(k = 3(1)^2 - 6(1) + 7 = 4\). Thus, the vertex is \((1, 4)\).
03
Determine the Direction the Parabola Opens
Since the coefficient \(a = 3\) is positive, the parabola opens upward.
04
Find the Y-Intercept
The \(y\)-intercept occurs when \(x = 0\). Substitute \(x = 0\) into the quadratic function: \(f(0) = 3(0)^2 - 6(0) + 7 = 7\). Thus, the \(y\)-intercept is \((0, 7)\).
05
Approximate the X-Intercepts
The \(x\)-intercepts can be found by solving the equation \(3x^2 - 6x + 7 = 0\). Use the quadratic formula \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\). Calculate the discriminant: \(b^2 - 4ac = (-6)^2 - 4 \cdot 3 \cdot 7 = 36 - 84 = -48\). Since the discriminant is negative, there are no real \(x\)-intercepts.
06
Sketch the Graph
To sketch the graph, mark the vertex \((1, 4)\) and the \(y\)-intercept \((0, 7)\) on the coordinate plane. Note that since the parabola opens upward and there are no real \(x\)-intercepts, the graph will not cross the \(x\)-axis. Draw the parabola based on this information.
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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 critical point that signifies both the peak and the bottom of the curve. It is found in quadratic functions written in the standard form \( ax^2 + bx + c \). To find the vertex, you use the vertex formula \( h = -\frac{b}{2a} \) for the \( x \)-coordinate, \( h \), and then calculate the \( y \)-coordinate, \( k \), by substituting \( h \) back into the original equation.
- First, identify the coefficients: \( a, b, \) and \( c \).
- Apply the formula \( h = -\frac{b}{2a} \) to find the \( x \)-coordinate.
- Substitute \( x = h \) back into the function to get the \( y \)-coordinate \( k \).
Y-intercept
The \( y \)-intercept is the point where a graph intersects the \( y \)-axis. In other words, it is the value of \( f(x) \) when \( x = 0 \). This is a simple substitution process.
- Set \( x = 0 \) in the quadratic equation.
- Calculate the resulting \( y \) value to find the \( y \)-intercept.
Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula is an essential tool for finding the roots or \( x \)-intercepts of quadratic functions. It is typically used when straightforward factoring is challenging. The formula is given by:\[x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\]Here's how you use it:
- Calculate the discriminant \( b^2 - 4ac \).
- If the discriminant is positive, there are two real solutions; if zero, one real solution; and if negative, complex (no real) solutions.
Graph of a Quadratic Function
Graphing a quadratic function involves several steps yet reveals much about the nature of the function. Begin by identifying the vertex and intercepts. The function \( f(x) = 3x^2 - 6x + 7 \) provides a vertex at \( (1, 4) \) and a \( y \)-intercept at \( (0, 7) \).
The sign of the coefficient \( a \) determines the parabola's direction:
To sketch the curve:
The sign of the coefficient \( a \) determines the parabola's direction:
- If \( a > 0 \), the parabola opens upwards.
- If \( a < 0 \), it opens downwards.
To sketch the curve:
- Plot the vertex and \( y \)-intercept points.
- Use the opening direction and symmetry about the vertex to sketch the rest of the curve.