1.

6
Determine a Quadratic
Equation Given Its
Roots
Bridges like the one shown often have supports
in the shape of parabolas. If the anchors at
either side of the bridge are 42 m apart and the maximum height of the support is
26 m, what function models the parabolic curve of the support? Engineers need to determine this
function to ensure that the bridge is built to proper specifications. How can the given data be used
to model the equation of the parabola?

Investigate

Tools
grid paper

How can you connect the zeros to a form of the quadratic function?
In the introduction, information was given about a parabolic support
under a bridge. What equation will model the parabolic curve of the
support if the vertex is on the y-axis and the points of attachment of the
supports are on the x-axis?
Method 1: Use Pencil and Paper
1. Use the information given to identify three points: the two

x-intercepts and the vertex. Sketch the function. Label the three
known points.
2. The intercept form of a quadratic function is y 5 a(x r)(x s),

where r and s are the x-intercepts. Write the function in this form
using the data from the original problem for the x-intercepts.
3. How can you use the third known point to find the value of a?
4. a) Write a function in factored form for the bridge support.

b) Express the function from part a) in standard form.

5. Reflect Can you write the equation of a quadratic function given its

zeros? If so, describe how. If not, explain why not.

52 MHR Functions 11 Chapter 1

Method 2: Use a Graphing Calculator

Tools

1. Use the information given to identify three points and draw a sketch.

graphing calculator

Enter the three data points into a graphing calculator using L1 and L2.
2. Use quadratic regression to find the equation of the quadratic

function in the form y = ax2 bx c.

3. Enter the function for Y1 and graph the equation to verify.
4. a) The intercept form of a quadratic function is y 5 a(x r)(x s),

where r and s are the x-intercepts. Write this form of the function,
using the same value of a as found in step 2 and the data from
the original problem. Enter this form of the function as Y2 on the
graphing calculator, choose a different thickness for the new line,
and graph this line.
b) What do you notice occurs on the display of the graphing

calculator as the second parabola is graphed?

5. Reflect Can you determine the equation of a quadratic function

given its zeros? If so, describe how. If not, explain why not.

Example 1
Find the Equation of a Family of Quadratic Functions
Find the equation, in factored form, for a family of quadratic functions
with the given x-intercepts. Sketch each family, showing at least three
members.
a) 4 and 2
b) 0 and 5
c) 3 and 3

Connections
Functions that have
a common property
are called a family. In
grade 9, you worked
with families of linear
functions that have the
same slope: they are
parallel lines.

d) 6 is the only x-intercept

Solution
a) Since x 5 4 and x 5 2 are

roots of the equation, x 4

and x 2 are factors of the function.

The equation for this family is

f(x) 5 a(x 4)(x 2).

y
4
f(x) = (x 4)(x 2)

2
0

10 x

2
4

f(x) = 2(x 4)(x 2)

f(x) = 4(x 4)(x 2)

1.6 Determine a Quadratic Equation Given Its Roots MHR 53

 b) Since x 5 0 and x 5 5 are roots of

the equation, x and x 5 are factors

of the function. The equation for this
family is f(x) 5 ax(x 5).

f(x) = x(x + 5)
x

f(x) = x(x + 5)

5
10
15
f(x) = 2x(x + 5)
y

c) Since 3 and 3 are the

x-intercepts, x 3 and x 3
are factors. The equation
for this family is
f(x) 5 a(x 3)(x 3).

f(x) = (x 3)(x + 3)

6
4

f(x) = (x 3)(x + 3)

2
4

10 x

f(x) = 1 (x 3)(x + 3)
2

4
6

d) Since x 5 6 is the only zero,

x 6 must be a repeated factor.

The equation for this family is

f(x) 5 a(x 6)2.

f(x) = (x 6) 2

f(x) = 2(x 6) 2

2
0

2
4

10 12 x
f(x) = 1 (x 6) 2
2
f(x) = (x 6) 2

Example 2
Determine the Exact Equation of a Quadratic Function
Find the equation of the quadratic function with the given zeros and
containing the given point. Express your answers in standard form.
a) 2 and 2, containing the point (0, 3)
b) double zero at x 5 2, containing the point (3, 10)

__

__

c) 3
5and 3 5, containing the point (2, 12)

54 MHR Functions 11 Chapter 1

Solution
a) Since 2 and 3 are zeros, then x 2 and x 3 are factors.

f(x) 5 a(x 2)(x 3)

Substitute the given point: f(0) 5 3

3 5 a(0 2)(0 3)

3 5 6a

a 5

_1

2
1
The function, in factored form, is f(x) 5 _(x 2)(x 3).
2
1
In standard form: f(x) 5 _(x2 x 6)
2
1
1x 3

5 _x2 _
2
2
Check by graphing the function using a
graphing calculator.

b) Since 2 is a double zero, the factor x 2 is repeated.

f(x) 5 a(x 2)2

Substitute the point: f(3) 5 10

10 5 a(3 2)2

10 5 25a

a 5 0.4

The function, in factored form, is

Simplify and solve for a.

f(x) 5 0.4(x 2)2.

In standard form:

f(x) 5 0.4(x2 4x 4)

5 0.4x2 1.6x 1.6

__
__
c) Since 3
5and 3
5are zeros, then
__
__
(x (3
5))and (x (3
5))are factors.
__
__
f(x) 5 a(x (3
5))(x (3
5))
__
__

5 a(x 3
5)(x 3
5) This is in the form (c__ d)(c + d), where
__ 2
c = x 3 and d = 5.

5 a [(x 3)2 (5) ]

5 a(x2 6x 9 5)

5 a(x2 6x 4)

Substitute the point: f(2) 5 12

12 5 a(22 6(2) 4)
12 5 a(4)
a 5 3

The function, in factored form, is

f(x) 5 3(x2 6x 4).

In standard form:
f(x) 5 3(x2 6x 4)

5 3x2 18x 12
1.6 Determine a Quadratic Equation Given Its Roots MHR 55

Example 3
Represent Given Information as a Quadratic Function
Reasoning and Proving
Representing

Selecting Tools

Problem Solving
Connecting

Reflecting
Communicating

The parabolic opening to a tunnel is 32 m wide measured from side to

side along the ground. At the points that are 4 m from each side, the
tunnel entrance is 6 m high.
a) Sketch a diagram of the given information.
b) Determine the equation of the function that models the opening to

the tunnel.
c) Find the maximum height of the tunnel, to the nearest tenth of a

metre.

Solution
a) The point (12, 6) comes

from the information given.

You are told that 4 m from
each side, the height is 6 m.
The point (12, 6) can also
be used, giving the same
answer.

Con n e c t i o n s
If you assume that one
side of the tunnel is at
the origin, you will get
a different form of the
equation. It will be a
translation of the one
found here. You will
examine the effects
of translations on the
equation of a function in
Chapter 2.

b) Use the x-intercepts

16
12
8

(12, 6)

4
12

16 and 16. Write the

general function,
f(x) 5 a(x 16)(x 16).
To solve for a, substitute the point (12, 6).
6 5 a(12 16)(12 16)
6 5 a(4)(28)
6 5 a(112)
6
a 5 _
112
3
5 _
56
The function that models the opening to the tunnel is
3
f(x) 5 _(x 16)(x 16).
56

12

c) The maximum height of the tunnel will occur halfway between the

two x-intercepts. This means a value of x 5 0.

3
f(0) 5 _(0 16)(0 16)
56
3(16)(16)

5 _
56

13.71

The maximum height of the tunnel is 13.7 m, to the nearest tenth of a

metre.

56 MHR Functions 11 Chapter 1

 Key Concepts
The zeros can be used to find the equation of a family of quadratic functions with the
same x-intercepts.
To determine an individual quadratic function, you also need to be given one other point
on the function.

Communicate Your Understanding

C1 Outline the steps needed to find the equation of a quadratic function given the x-intercepts

and one other point on the function.

C2 You are given an equation for a family of quadratic functions with the same x-intercepts.

Rita says, The vertex is the only point that will not allow you to determine the exact
equation, as it is at the centre of the function, and more than one function can be found.
Ronnie claims, The vertex is as good as any other point in finding the exact function.
Who is correct? Explain.

_1

C3 Mona has decided that if she is given a fraction such as as one of the x-intercepts,

2
1 and get the same quadratic function.
she can use the binomial (2x 1) instead of x _
2
Is she correct? Explain.

A Practise
For help with questions 1 and 2, refer to
Example 1.
1. Determine the equation, in factored form,

of a family of quadratic functions with

each pair of roots. Sketch a graph to show
four graphs in each family.
a) x 5 3 and x 5 6
b) x 5 1 and x 5 1
c) x 5 3 and x 5 4
2. Express each equation in question 1 in

standard form.
For help with question 3 to 5, refer to
Example 2.
3. Find the equation of a quadratic function

that has the given x-intercepts and

contains the given point. Express each
function in factored form. Graph each
function to check.
a) 3 and 5, point (4, 3)

_2

c) 0 and , point (1, 5)

4. Write each function in question 3 in

standard form.
5. Find the equation of the quadratic function

that has the given zeros and contains the

given point. Express each function in
standard form. Graph each function to
check. ___
a) 1
11, point (4, 6)

__

b) 2
__
7, point (1, 2)
c) 5
2, point (2, 14)
6. Find the equation of the quadratic function

that has the given zeros and contains the

given point. Express each function in
vertex form. Graph each function to check.
a) 3 and 1, point (1, 2)
b) 1 and 2, point (0, 4)
c) 3 and 5, point (1, 4)

b) 4 and 7, point (3, 12)

1.6 Determine a Quadratic Equation Given Its Roots MHR 57

b)

B Connect and Apply

For help with question 7, refer to Example 3.

20

7. A soccer ball is kicked

10
Reasoning and Proving

from the ground. After

Representing
Selecting Tools
travelling a horizontal
Problem Solving
distance of 35 m, it
Connecting
Reflecting
just passes over a
1.5-m-tall fence before
Communicating
hitting the ground
37 m from where it was kicked.

10
20
30
(2, 36) 40

c)

1.5 m

35 m

y
60

37 m

40

a) Considering the ground to be the

x-axis and the vertex to be on the y-axis,

determine the equation of a quadratic
function that can be used to model the
parabolic path of the ball.

(2, 28)

20
4

2 0

20

b) Determine the maximum height of the

ball.
c) How far has the ball travelled

horizontally to reach the maximum

height?
d) Develop a new equation for the

quadratic function that represents the

height of the ball, considering the ball
to have been kicked from the origin.
e) Outline the similarities and differences

between the functions found in parts a)

and d).
f) Use Technology Use a graphing

calculator to compare the solutions.

8. Determine the equation in standard form

for each quadratic function shown.

a)
y

(3, 0)

0
2

question 8, use a graphing calculator to

verify your solution by plotting the three
points as well as entering the quadratic
function. Explain how you can use this
method to check that your solution is
correct.
10. Explain how the technique studied in this

section can be used to find the equation for

the quadratic function if the only
x-intercept is the origin and you are given
one other point on the function.
11. Find the quadratic function that has only

one x-intercept and passes through the

given point.
a) x-intercept of 0, point (5, 2)
b) x-intercept of 5, point (4, 3)

2
(2, 0)

9. Use Technology For each part in

c) x-intercept of 1, point (2, 6)

x

(4, 3)

12. Use Technology Verify your solutions to

question 11 using a graphing calculator.

13. If the function f(x) 5 ax2 5x c has only

one x-intercept, what is the mathematical

relationship between a and c?
58 MHR Functions 11 Chapter 1

 14. Chapter Problem The actuarial firm where

a) Find the equation of the quadratic

Andrea has her co-op placement was

sent a set of data that follows a quadratic
function. The data supplied compared
the number of years of driving experience
with the number of collisions reported to
an insurance company in the last month.
Andrea was asked to recover the data lost
when the paper jammed in the fax machine.
Only three data points can be read. They
are (5, 22), (8, 28), and (9, 22). The values of
f(x) for x 5 6 and x 5 7 are missing. Andrea
decided to subtract the y-value of 22 from
each point so that she would have two
zeros: (5, 0), (8, 6), and (9, 0).

function for this position.

b) Find the maximum height of the

overpass and compare the result to the

height calculated in question 15.
17. Explain how the two equations developed

in questions 15 and 16 can model the same

arch, even though the equations are different.
Achievement Check
18. A quadratic function has zeros 2 and 6

and passes through the point (3, 15).

a) Find the equation of the quadratic

function in factored form.

a) Use these three points to find a

b) Write the function in standard form.

quadratic function that can be used to

model the adjusted data.

c) Complete the square to convert the

standard form to vertex form, and state

the vertex.

b) Add a y-value of 22 to this function for

a quadratic function that models the

original data.

d) Use partial factoring to verify your

answer to part c).

c) Use this function to find the missing

e) Find a second quadratic function with

values for x 5 6 and x 5 7.

15. An arch of a

the same zeros as in part a), but passing

through the point (3, 30). Express the
function in standard form.

Reasoning and Proving

highway overpass
Representing
Selecting Tools
is in the shape of a
Problem Solving
parabola. The arch
Connecting
Reflecting
spans a distance
of 12 m from one
Communicating
side of the road to
the other. The height of the arch is 8 m at
a horizontal distance of 2 m from each side
of the arch.

f) Graph both functions. Explain how the

graphs can be used to verify that the

equations in parts a) and e) are correct.

C Extend
19. Is it possible to determine the defining

equation of a function given the following

information? If so, justify your answer and
provide an example.

a) Sketch the quadratic function if the

vertex of the parabola is on the y-axis

and the road is along the x-axis.

a) the vertex and one x-intercept

b) the vertex and one other point on the

b) Use this information to determine the

parabola

function that models the arch.

c) any three points on the parabola

c) Find the maximum height of the arch to

the nearest tenth of a metre.

20. Math Contest Determine an equation for

16. Use the information from question 15, but

instead of having the vertex on the y-axis,

put one side of the archway at the origin of
the grid. You will get a different equation
because the zeros are now at 0 and 12,
rather than at 6 and 6.

a quadratic function
with zeros at
__

x 5

1
7
__

22. Math Contest Show that the graph of

f(x) 5 ax2 c has no x-intercept if ac 0.

1.6 Determine a Quadratic Equation Given Its Roots MHR 59