Chapter 3: Problem 10
Graphing Quadratic Functions A quadratic function \(f\) is given. (a) Express \(f\) in standard form. (b) Find the vertex and \(x\) and \(y\) -intercepts of \(f .\) (c) Sketch a graph of \(f .\) (d) Find the domain and range of \(f\). $$f(x)=x^{2}+4 x-1$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The vertex is \((-2, -5)\), x-intercepts are \(x = -2 \pm \sqrt{5}\), y-intercept is \((0, -1)\). Domain: \((-
fty,
fty)\), Range: \([-5,
fty)\).
Step by step solution
01
Express in Standard Form
The given quadratic function is already in standard form, which is: \[ f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \] For this function, \( a = 1 \), \( b = 4 \), and \( c = -1 \). Thus, the standard form of the function is: \[ f(x) = x^2 + 4x - 1 \]
02
Find the Vertex
To find the vertex of a quadratic function in standard form, use the formula for the vertex: \( x = \frac{-b}{2a} \). Substitute \( a = 1 \) and \( b = 4 \):\[ x = \frac{-4}{2 \times 1} = -2 \] To find the y-coordinate, substitute \( x = -2 \) back into the function:\[ f(-2) = (-2)^2 + 4(-2) - 1 = 4 - 8 - 1 = -5 \] Thus, the vertex is \( (-2, -5) \).
03
Find the x-intercepts
The x-intercepts are found by setting \( f(x) = 0 \) and solving for \( x \):\[ x^2 + 4x - 1 = 0 \] Use the quadratic formula: \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \). Substituting \( a = 1 \), \( b = 4 \), \( c = -1 \):\[ x = \frac{-4 \pm \sqrt{4^2 - 4 \times 1 \times (-1)}}{2 \times 1} = \frac{-4 \pm \sqrt{16 + 4}}{2} \]\[ x = \frac{-4 \pm \sqrt{20}}{2} = \frac{-4 \pm 2\sqrt{5}}{2} \]\[ x = -2 \pm \sqrt{5} \]Thus, the x-intercepts are \( x = -2 + \sqrt{5} \) and \( x = -2 - \sqrt{5} \).
04
Find the y-intercept
The y-intercept is found by setting \( x = 0 \) and solving for \( f(0) \):\[ f(0) = 0^2 + 4 \times 0 - 1 = -1 \] Thus, the y-intercept is \((0, -1)\).
05
Sketch the Graph
To sketch the graph of \( f(x) = x^2 + 4x - 1 \), plot the vertex \((-2, -5)\), the y-intercept \((0, -1)\), and the x-intercepts \((-2 + \sqrt{5}, 0)\) and \((-2 - \sqrt{5}, 0)\). Draw a parabola opening upwards, as the coefficient of \( x^2 \) is positive.
06
Determine the Domain and Range
The domain of any quadratic function is all real numbers, so the domain is \((-fty, fty)\). The range starts from the y-coordinate of the vertex for parabolas that open upwards. So, the range is \([-5, fty)\).
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.
Standard Form
The standard form of a quadratic function is the universal way to express quadratic equations. It is written as:
Understanding the standard form helps simplify the process of analyzing and graphing quadratic functions. It provides an immediate view of the equation's structure.
- \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \)
- \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants.
- \( a \) cannot be zero, because then it would not be a quadratic function.
Understanding the standard form helps simplify the process of analyzing and graphing quadratic functions. It provides an immediate view of the equation's structure.
Vertex of a Parabola
The vertex of a parabola is a fundamental point, representing its peak or trough. In mathematical terms, the vertex is the turning point where the parabola changes direction. For a function in standard form \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \), you find the x-coordinate of the vertex using:
- \( x = \frac{-b}{2a} \)
- The vertex's x-coordinate is \( x = \frac{-4}{2 \times 1} = -2 \).
- Substitute \( x = -2 \) into the function to find \( f(-2) = (-2)^2 + 4(-2) - 1 = -5 \).
Graphing Functions
Graphing a quadratic function requires plotting key points and understanding their arrangement. Start with the vertex, as it dictates the parabola's direction. For our function, the vertex is \((-2, -5)\). You also need:
- The y-intercept, where \( x = 0 \), found easily as \( f(0) = -1 \). So, the y-intercept is \((0, -1)\).
- The x-intercepts, where \( f(x) = 0 \). We use the quadratic formula to determine that they are \( x = -2 \pm \sqrt{5} \).
Domain and Range
Understanding the domain and range of a quadratic function is key to fully grasping its behavior. The domain is quite straightforward: quadratic functions are defined for all real x-values. Hence, the domain is:
- \((-\infty, \infty)\)
- \([-5, \infty)\)