Chapter 2: Problem 66
Find two quadratic functions, one that opens upward and one that opens downward, whose graphs have the given \(x\) -intercepts. (There are many correct answers.) (-5,0),(5,0)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The two quadratic functions that open upward and downward respectively, while having x-intercepts are (-5,0) and (5,0) are \(f_1(x) = x^2 - 25\) and \(f_2(x) = -x^2 + 25\).
Step by step solution
01
Identifying the zeros
The x-intercepts given in the problem are (-5,0) and (5,0), so the zeros of the functions are -5 and 5.
02
Choose the leading coefficients
Choose a leading coefficient a such that the first quadratic function opens upward and the second opens downward. Thus, it is possible to, for instance, choose \(a = 1\) for the upward-opening function, and \(a = -1\) for the downward-opening function.
03
Plug in the zeros and leading coefficients
Plug the zeros and the leading coefficients into the generic form \(f(x) = a(x-h)(x-k)\). The upward-opening function \(f(x) = 1\cdot(x - (-5))(x - 5)\) simplifies to \(f_1 (x) = (x+5)(x-5)\). The downward-opening function \(g(x) = -1\cdot(x - (-5))(x - 5)\) simplifies to \(f_2 (x) = - (x+5)(x-5)\).
04
Simplify the Formulas
The simplified form of the two quadratic functions are: \(f_1(x) = x^2 - 25\) and \(f_2(x) = -x^2 + 25\).
05
Confirm the solutions
By inspection we can confirm that \(f_1(x)\) opens upwards because its leading coefficient is positive, and that \(f_2(x)\) opens downwards because its leading coefficient is negative, and they both have x-intercepts at (-5,0) and (5,0).
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.
Parabolas
A parabola is a symmetrical curve that's important in mathematics, especially in the context of quadratic functions. It is the graph of a quadratic equation, which is generally in the form of \( y = ax^2 + bx + c \). This equation represents a parabola in the Cartesian coordinate system.
Parabolas have some unique characteristics:
Understanding parabolas is essential for graphing any quadratic function and solving related problems.
Parabolas have some unique characteristics:
- Symmetry: Parabolas are always symmetrical with respect to a vertical line known as the axis of symmetry.
- Vertex: The highest or lowest point on a parabola is called the vertex. The vertex is always on the axis of symmetry.
Understanding parabolas is essential for graphing any quadratic function and solving related problems.
x-intercepts
The x-intercepts of a graph are the points where the graph crosses the x-axis. For a quadratic function, these are also known as the roots or zeros. These points are critical because they can help us determine the function's equation.
Given in our exercise are x-intercepts at \((-5, 0)\) and \((5, 0)\). This tells us that the associated quadratic functions will be in the form \((x + 5)(x - 5)\), because when either \(x + 5\) or \(x - 5\) equals zero, the product will be zero, placing the points on the x-axis.
Given in our exercise are x-intercepts at \((-5, 0)\) and \((5, 0)\). This tells us that the associated quadratic functions will be in the form \((x + 5)(x - 5)\), because when either \(x + 5\) or \(x - 5\) equals zero, the product will be zero, placing the points on the x-axis.
- This can be expressed as two factors: \((x + 5)\) and \((x - 5)\).
- These intercepts form the foundation of the equations we are working with.
Zeros
Zeros, like the x-intercepts, are the points where the graph of a quadratic function touches or crosses the x-axis. They are called zeros because when you substitute these values of x into the quadratic equation, the resulting value of y, or the function value, is zero.
In our quadratic equations, the zeros are at \(x = -5\) and \(x = 5\). These zeros correspond to the x-intercepts we've identified.
In our quadratic equations, the zeros are at \(x = -5\) and \(x = 5\). These zeros correspond to the x-intercepts we've identified.
- The zeros of a quadratic function are critical in determining the factors of the polynomial.
- They indicate the solutions of the equation \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\).
Leading Coefficients
The leading coefficient in a quadratic function is the coefficient of the \(x^2\) term when the function is in standard form, \(ax^2 + bx + c\). This coefficient significantly affects the shape and direction of the parabola.
For instance:
Being mindful of the leading coefficients allows us to predict and control the opening direction of a parabola within a quadratic function.
For instance:
- If the leading coefficient \(a\) is positive, the parabola opens upward. This configuration creates a U-shaped graph.
- If \(a\) is negative, the parabola opens downward, resembling an inverted U.
Being mindful of the leading coefficients allows us to predict and control the opening direction of a parabola within a quadratic function.