Chapter 2: Problem 18
(a) Use the quadratic formula to find the zeros of \(f .\) (b) Find the maximum or minimum value of \(f(x)\) (c) Sketch the graph of \(f\) $$f(x)=-4 x^{2}+4 x-1$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function has one zero at \( x = \frac{1}{2} \) and a minimum value of 0.
Step by step solution
01
Identify coefficients for the quadratic formula
The quadratic equation is given by \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \). For the function \( f(x) = -4x^2 + 4x - 1 \), the coefficients are \( a = -4 \), \( b = 4 \), and \( c = -1 \).
02
Apply the quadratic formula
The quadratic formula is \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \). Substitute \( a = -4 \), \( b = 4 \), and \( c = -1 \) into the formula: \[ x = \frac{-4 \pm \sqrt{4^2 - 4(-4)(-1)}}{2(-4)} \].
03
Calculate discriminant
The discriminant is given by \( b^2 - 4ac \). Calculate \( 4^2 - 4(-4)(-1) = 16 - 16 = 0 \).
04
Solve for \( x \)
Since the discriminant is 0, there is one real solution. Substitute \( b = 4 \) and \( a = -4 \) into the formula \( x = \frac{-b}{2a} \): \[ x = \frac{-4}{2(-4)} = \frac{-4}{-8} = \frac{1}{2} \].
05
Determine the vertex of the parabola
The vertex form of a parabola \( ax^2 + bx + c \) is given by \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). For \( f(x) = -4x^2 + 4x - 1 \), calculate \( x = -\frac{4}{2(-4)} = \frac{1}{2} \).
06
Calculate value at vertex
Substitute \( x = \frac{1}{2} \) back into the function \( f(x) = -4x^2 + 4x - 1 \): \[ f(\frac{1}{2}) = -4(\frac{1}{2})^2 + 4(\frac{1}{2}) - 1 = -1 + 2 - 1 = 0 \]. Thus, the minimum value is 0.
07
Sketch the graph
The graph is a parabola opening downward (since \( a = -4 < 0 \)) with its vertex at \( (\frac{1}{2}, 0) \) which is also the point where it intersects the x-axis. The y-intercept is at \( (0, -1) \). Since the discriminant is zero, the vertex is also the point where the parabola is tangent to the x-axis.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula is a powerful tool that helps solve quadratic equations of the form \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\). It provides the zeros or roots of the equation, which are the values of \(x\) where the quadratic function is equal to zero.
- The formula is: \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\)
- The part inside the square root, \(b^2 - 4ac\), is known as the discriminant.
Vertex of a Parabola
The vertex of a parabola is a significant point on the graph of a quadratic equation. It can represent the maximum or minimum value of the function, depending on the parabola's orientation.
- The vertex is given as \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\), derived from completing the square.
Discriminant
The discriminant is a crucial part of the quadratic formula that indicates the nature of the roots of a quadratic equation.
- It is calculated as \(b^2 - 4ac\).
- Its value helps determine the number and type of solutions:
- If positive, there are two distinct real solutions.
- If zero, there is exactly one real solution (repeated root).
- If negative, there are no real solutions, but two complex ones.
Graphing Parabolas
Graphing parabolas involves understanding their shape and position based on the quadratic function. A parabola is a symmetric curve, and its graph can open upwards or downwards, depending on the coefficient \(a\).
- If \(a > 0\), the parabola opens upwards with a minimum point.
- If \(a < 0\), the parabola opens downwards with a maximum point.
- The vertex at \(\left(\frac{1}{2}, 0\right)\), which is also the maximum point and the zero of the function.
- The y-intercept, when \(x = 0\), gives \(f(0) = -1\), leading to the point \((0, -1)\).