~~Modelling using quadratic function

The object which I will model is the piece of art, located on the outside of Church of Saint Nicholas in Pyskowice. However I
am going to be keen only on the upper part of parabola, since the lesser part is bending in a much steeper way.

A. vertex form

f(x)=a(x-h)2+k

To find vertex form, I have to define the mark the vertex on one more point on the graph.

Graph 1 - vertex and a random point

v=(3.3997,1.655)
x=(5.7197,0.9008)

Now, I must incorporate them into a formula “f(x)=a(x-h)2+k, I do it, using the knowledge that v=(h,k) and f(5.7197)= 0.9008.

h= 3.3997
k= 1.655

a(5.7197-3.3997)2+1.655= 0.9008

Then, using calculator, I define a and the equation of the function:

a=-0.140123...~-0.140
 f(x)= -0.140123(x-3.3997)+1.655

graph 2 - the function made using the vertex form

B. product form

f(x)=a(x-p)(x-q)

Now, I am going to define the equation of the function in the product form. To do it, I mark v=(0,0.6669) and p, and q. P and Q are
the zero places of the function and in this case, their coordinates are p=(-2.18,0) and q=(2.18,0).

Graph 3 - vertex and two zero places of the function

With all that information, I calculate the value of a and define the equation of the function:

a(0-2.18)(0+2.18)= 0.6669
-4.7524a= 0.6669
a~ -0,140329
f(x)= -0,140329(x-2.18)(x+2.18)
 Graph 4 - the function made using the product form

C. General form

f(x)=ax2+bx+c

To define the equation of the function, I need to mark three random points on the graph and write down their coordinates.

Graph 5 - three random points

A=(1.0151,0.2847)
B=(3.30395,0.60406)
C=(4.775,0.0642)

Now, I create the simultaneous equations and solve them:

a*(1.0151)2+b*1.0151+c= 0.2847
a*(3.30395)2+b*3.30395+c= 0.60406
a*(4.775)2+b*4.775+c= 0.0642

a= -0.1347158566717259~ - 0.135
b= 0.7213731049815361~ 0.721
c= -0.30875084676106535~ -0.309
general form:
f(x)=-0.1347158566717259x2+-0.1347158566717259x-0.30875084676106535
f(x)= - 0.135x2+0.721x-0.309
From the operations done above, we can see that there are many ways of defining an equation of the function. If we
have vertex and a point, we can find out the vertex form, the same goes with vertex, p, q and the product form. If we don’t
know the vertex, we can always mark three random points and define the general form of a function. However to make our
results reliable, we have to make the points precise, lack of this ability can cause severe measurement errors.
In the case of mine, the value of “a” oscillated between -0.140 and -0.135. I consider these results a success, because
the difference of five thousandths is pretty low.
 D. Model finding based on technology

To find out the general form of a function, I can also use technology, in this case a graphic calculator in an online
version. To do it, I have to create a table of values for certain arguments, and type in the general pattern of the form. The
calculator will do the rest:

Photo 1 - the results from Desmos

Graph 6 - the function made using the general form

E.
 F. Modelling using slider

photo 3 - The steps needed to model using slider in Desmos

Graph 7 - all the translations of y=x2

To model the equation of the function we need to make these actions on y=x2 :

1. Reflexion on x-axis:
y=x2 >>> y=-x2

2. Vertical stretch by factor 0.14

3. translation by vector (42)

In conclusion, there are many ways to determine an equation of a function. The only thing we
actually need are coordinates of some points and adaption of our way of thinking to a specific case. We
can work out an equation solving the value of “a” in a quadratic equation or using technology,
especially sliders. However, to find the general form of a function, the simultaneous equations set is
needed. What I find most important is the precision of marking points on a graph, because it is like
providing reliable data for our research. Summing up, there are many ways of modelling a function and
all of them provide us similar results.