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Quadratic Function

Quadratic function

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anterojudeamae
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5 views

Quadratic Function

Quadratic function

Uploaded by

anterojudeamae
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Quadratic Function

Quadratic functions are used in different fields of engineering and science to


obtain values of different parameters. Graphically, they are represented by a
parabola. Depending on the coefficient of the highest degree, the direction of
the curve is decided. The word "Quadratic" is derived from the word "Quad"
which means square. In other words, a quadratic function is a “polynomial
function of degree 2.” There are many scenarios where quadratic functions
are used. Did you know that when a rocket is launched, its path is described
by quadratic function?

In this article, we will explore the world of quadratic functions in math. You will
get to learn about the graphs of quadratic functions, quadratic functions
formulas, and other interesting facts about the topic. We will also solve
examples based on the concept for a better understanding.

What is Quadratic Function?


A quadratic function is a polynomial function with one or more variables in
which the highest exponent of the variable is two. Since the highest degree
term in a quadratic function is of the second degree, therefore it is also called
the polynomial of degree 2. A quadratic function has a minimum of one term
which is of the second degree. It is an algebraic function.

The parent quadratic function is of the form f(x) = x2 and it connects the points
whose coordinates are of the form (number, number2). Transformations can be
applied on this function on which it typically looks of the form f(x) = a (x - h)2 +
k and further it can be converted into the form f(x) = ax2 + bx + c. Let us study
each of these in detail in the upcoming sections.

Standard Form of a Quadratic Function


The standard form of a quadratic function is of the form f(x) = ax2 + bx + c,
where a, b, and c are real numbers with a ≠ 0.
Quadratic Function Examples
The quadratic function equation is f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, where a ≠ 0. Let us see
a few examples of quadratic functions:

 f(x) = 2x2 + 4x - 5; Here a = 2, b = 4, c = -5


 f(x) = 3x2 - 9; Here a = 3, b = 0, c = -9
 f(x) = x2 - x; Here a = 1, b = -1, c = 0

Now, consider f(x) = 4x-11; Here a = 0, therefore f(x) is NOT a quadratic


function.

Vertex of Quadratic Function


The vertex of a quadratic function (which is in U shape) is where
the function has a maximum value or a minimum value. The axis of symmetry of
the quadratic function intersects the function (parabola) at the vertex.
Quadratic Functions Formula
A quadratic function can always be factorized, but the factorization process
may be difficult if the zeroes of the expression are non-integer real numbers or
non-real numbers. In such cases, we can use the quadratic formula to
determine the zeroes of the expression. The general form of a quadratic
function is given as: f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are real numbers
with a ≠ 0. The roots of the quadratic function f(x) can be calculated using
the formula of the quadratic function which is:

 x = [ -b ± √(b2 - 4ac) ] / 2a
Different Forms of Quadratic Function
A quadratic function can be in different forms: standard form, vertex form, and
intercept form. Here are the general forms of each of them:

 Standard form: f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, where a ≠ 0.


 Vertex form: f(x) = a(x - h)2 + k, where a ≠ 0 and (h, k) is the vertex
of the parabola representing the quadratic function.
 Intercept form: f(x) = a(x - p)(x - q), where a ≠ 0 and (p, 0) and (q,
0) are the x-intercepts of the parabola representing the quadratic
function.

The parabola opens upwards or downwards as per the value of 'a' varies:
 If a > 0, then the parabola opens upward.
 If a < 0, then the parabola opens downward.

We can always convert one form to the other form. We can easily convert
vertex form or intercept form into standard form by just simplifying the algebraic
expressions. Let us see how to convert the standard form into each vertex
form and intercept form.

Converting Standard Form of Quadratic Function Into Vertex


Form
A quadratic function f(x) = ax2 + bx + c can be easily converted into the vertex
form f(x) = a (x - h)2 + k by using the values h = -b/2a and k = f(-b/2a). Here is
an example.

Example: Convert the quadratic function f(x) = 2x2 - 8x + 3 into the vertex
form.

 Step - 1: By comparing the given function with f(x) = ax 2 + bx + c,


we get a = 2, b = -8, and c = 3.
 Step - 2: Find 'h' using the formula: h = -b/2a = -(-8)/2(2) = 2.
 Step - 3: Find 'k' using the formula: k = f(-b/2a) = f(2) = 2(2) 2 -
8(2) + 3 = 8 - 16 + 3 = -5.
 Step - 4: Substitute the values into the vertex form: f(x) = 2 (x -
2)2 - 5.

Converting Standard Form of Quadratic Function Into Intercept


Form
A quadratic function f(x) = ax2 + bx + c can be easily converted into the vertex
form f(x) = a (x - p)(x - q) by using the values of p and q (x-intercepts)
by solving the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0.

Example: Convert the quadratic function f(x) = x2 - 5x + 6 into the intercept


form.

 Step - 1: By comparing the given function with f(x) = ax 2 + bx + c,


we get a = 1.
 Step - 2: Solve the quadratic equation: x2 - 5x + 6 = 0
By factoring the left side part, we get
(x - 3) (x - 2) = 0
x = 3, x = 2
 Step - 3: Substitute the values into the intercept form: f(x) = 1 (x -
3)(x - 2).
Domain and Range of Quadratic Function
The domain of a quadratic function is the set of all x-values that makes the
function defined and the range of a quadratic function is the set of all y-values
that the function results in by substituting different x-values.

Domain of Quadratic Function


A quadratic function is a polynomial function that is defined for all real values
of x. So, the domain of a quadratic function is the set of real numbers, that is,
R. In interval notation, the domain of any quadratic function is (-∞, ∞).

Range of Quadratic Function


The range of the quadratic function depends on the graph's opening side
and vertex. So, look for the lowermost and uppermost f(x) values on the graph
of the function to determine the range of the quadratic function. The range of
any quadratic function with vertex (h, k) and the equation f(x) = a(x - h)2 + k is:

 y ≥ k (or) [k, ∞) when a > 0 (as the parabola opens up when a > 0).
 y ≤ k (or) (-∞, k] when a < 0 (as the parabola opens down when a <
0).
Graphing Quadratic Function
The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola. i.e., it opens up or down in the
U-shape. Here are the steps for graphing a quadratic function.
 Step - 1: Find the vertex.
 Step - 2: Compute a quadratic function table with two columns x
and y with 5 rows (we can take more rows as well) with vertex to be
one of the points and take two random values on either side of it.
 Step - 3: Find the corresponding values of y by substituting each x
value in the given quadratic function.
 Step - 4: Now, we have two points on either side of the vertex so
that by plotting them on the coordinate plane and joining them by a
curve, we can get the perfect shape. Also, extend the graph on both
sides. Here is the quadratic function graph.

Example: Graph the quadratic function f(x) = 2x2 - 8x + 3.

Solution:

By comparing this with f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, we get a = 2, b = -8, and c = 3.

 Step - 1: Let us find the vertex.


x-ccordinate of vertex = -b/2a = 8/4 = 2
y-coordinate of vertex = f(-b/2a) = 2(2)2 - 8(2) + 3 = 8 - 16 + 3 = -
5.
Therefore, vertex = (2, -5).
 Step - 2: Frame a table with vertex written in the middle row.

x y

2 -5

 Step - 3: Fill the first column with two random numbers on either
side of 2.

x y

0
x y

2 -5

 Step - 4: Find y by substituting each x-value in the given quadratic


function. For example, when x = 0, y = 2(0)2 - 8(0) + 3 = 3.

x y

0 3

1 -3

2 -5

3 -3

4 3
 Step - 5: Just plot the above points and join them by a smooth
curve.

Note: We can plot the x-intercepts and y-intercept of the quadratic function as
well to get a neater shape of the graph.

The graph of quadratic functions can also be obtained using the quadratic
functions calculator.

Maxima and Minima of Quadratic Function


Maxima or minima of quadratic functions occur at its vertex. It can also be found
by using differentiation. To understand the concept better, let us consider an
example and solve it. Let's take an example of quadratic function f(x) = 3x2 +
4x + 7.

Differentiating the function,

⇒f'(x) = 6x + 4

Equating it to zero,

⇒6x + 4 = 0

⇒ x = -2/3

Double differentiating the function,

⇒f''(x) = 6 > 0

Since the double derivative of the function is greater than zero, we will have
minima at x = -2/3 (by second derivative test), and the parabola is upwards.

Similarly, if the double derivative at the stationary point is less than zero, then
the function would have maxima. Hence, by using differentiation, we can find
the minimum or maximum of a quadratic function.

☛Related Articles

 Quadratic Equations Calculator


 Roots of Quadratic Equation Calculator

Important Notes on Quadratic Function:

 The standard form of the quadratic function is f(x) = ax 2+bx+c


where a ≠ 0.
 The graph of the quadratic function is in the form of a parabola.
 The quadratic formula is used to solve a quadratic equation ax 2 +
bx + c = 0 and is given by x = [ -b ± √(b 2 - 4ac) ] / 2a.
 The discriminant of a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 is given
by b2-4ac. This is used to determine the nature of the zeroes of a
quadratic function.

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