Chapter 2: Problem 13
A quadratic function is given. (a) Express the quadratic function in standard form. (b) Find its vertex and its \(x\)- and \(y\)-intercept(s). (c) Sketch its graph. $$f(x)=2 x^{2}+4 x+3$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Vertex: (-1, 1), y-intercept: (0, 3), no real x-intercepts.
Step by step solution
01
Identify Standard Form
The standard form of a quadratic function is \( ax^2 + bx + c \). We are already given the equation in this form: \( f(x) = 2x^2 + 4x + 3 \), with \( a = 2 \), \( b = 4 \), and \( c = 3 \).
02
Find the Vertex
The vertex of a quadratic function \( ax^2 + bx + c \) can be found using the vertex formula \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). Substituting \( a = 2 \) and \( b = 4 \) gives: \( x = -\frac{4}{2 \times 2} = -1 \). To find the y-coordinate, substitute \( x = -1 \) back into the function: \( f(-1) = 2(-1)^2 + 4(-1) + 3 = 1 \). Hence, the vertex is \((-1, 1)\).
03
Find the x-intercepts
To find the \( x \)-intercepts, set \( f(x) = 0 \): \( 2x^2 + 4x + 3 = 0 \). Using the quadratic formula \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \), we substitute \( a = 2 \), \( b = 4 \), and \( c = 3 \). Calculate the discriminant: \( b^2 - 4ac = 16 - 24 = -8 \). Since the discriminant is negative, there are no real \( x \)-intercepts.
04
Find the y-intercept
The y-intercept of a function can be found by evaluating the function at \( x=0 \). Substituting into the function, \( f(0) = 2(0)^2 + 4(0) + 3 = 3 \). Thus, the y-intercept is \((0, 3)\).
05
Sketch the Graph
Given that the parabola opens upwards (since \( a = 2 > 0 \)) and its vertex is \((-1, 1)\). The y-intercept is \((0, 3)\), and there are no real \( x \)-intercepts because of the negative discriminant. Plotting these key points provides a sketch of the parabola.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertex Formula
The vertex formula is a powerful tool when dealing with quadratic functions. In any quadratic expression of the form \( ax^2 + bx + c \), the vertex is a significant point that shows the maximum or minimum value of the function depending on the direction the parabola opens. To find the vertex, we use the formula:
- \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \)
Quadratic Formula
When it comes to finding the roots of a quadratic equation, the quadratic formula is a go-to method, especially when the quadratic cannot be easily factored. The formula is given as:
- \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \)
Discriminant
The discriminant of a quadratic equation \( ax^2 + bx + c \) is an expression defined as \( b^2 - 4ac \). It gives us insights into the nature of the roots of the quadratic equation without actually solving it. The discriminant provides the following indications:
- If \( b^2 - 4ac > 0 \), there are two distinct real roots.
- If \( b^2 - 4ac = 0 \), there is one real root (or a repeated root).
- If \( b^2 - 4ac < 0 \), there are no real roots, only complex ones.
Parabola Sketching
Sketching the graph of a quadratic function provides a visual understanding of its behavior. Key points to consider when sketching a parabola include its vertex, y-intercept, and the nature of its x-intercepts. Let's summarize how to sketch a parabola from the quadratic function:
- **Direction of Opening:** Defined by the coefficient \( a \). If \( a > 0 \), opens upwards; if \( a < 0 \), opens downwards.
- **Vertex:** The starting point of our sketch, here at \((-1, 1)\).
- **Y-intercept:** Found by substituting \( x = 0 \), yielded the point \((0, 3)\).
- **X-intercepts:** Check using the discriminant; here, it is negative, indicating no real x-intercepts.